What is a Boom Lift?

A Boom lift, also known as an aerial device, elevating work platform, bucket truck or mobile elevating work platform. The advantage of boom lift act as mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to any inaccessible areas. In most of the instances, boom lift is widely and effectively use as man-lifting equipment due to the structural’ s height issue. As such, it will ease the burden and able to outperform the engineering works resourcefully.

How To Check Boomlift Condition

Before you purchase any machine you should always check its condition. Verifying the condition of a machine will greatly help you determine the value and whether or not the machine is “work ready.”

Inspection along with Operation – The best way to recognize the current condition of the machine is by physically checking it. You can physically inspect a machine or you can request detail photos and video to determine the condition.  Below are important factors that are VERY important to review:

• Undercarriage – evaluate the rear sprockets and the track links, pins and bushings
• Hour Meter – this is not a reliable indicator so always check the condition of the machine
• Hydraulics – lower the boom, put the bucket on the ground and push down in order to raise the body of the machine
• Controls
• Electronics
• Bucket – check for spillage, check to see if there are any patches and if the teeth are in good condition
• Booms – check for any cracks or welds
• Walking Motors – move the machine forward and backwards.  You can check them individually by swinging the boom to one side.  Lower the boom and raise the machine up.  You can then test the tracks forward and backward individually.
• Turn Table:  check for movement

Boom Lift Usage

A boom lift namely cherry picker, man lift, elevated work platform, basket crane – but what is it, exactly? A boom lift is essentially a type of aerial work platform used by personnel to reach high places. A basic boom lift consists of a platform, or bucket, with a long, jointed crane run by a hydraulic lift system and attached to a grounded base. Sometimes a boom lift is mounted on a truck or van, while the bucket is designed to safely house a person, who must be able to perform work at high elevations.

There are several different kinds of aerial lifts, yet the boom lift works especially for hard to reach areas that are also considered dangerous. There are also boom lifts specialized for different situations. For example, an aerial lift is often used by ski lodges to transport skiers up and down the ski slope.

A boom lift can be used in several different professions in everyday life. Firefighters, for example, may depend on boom lifts on the back of fire trucks instead of ladders. Other professions a boom lift is commonly used for includes window cleaning, construction, foresting, mining, electrical and cable repair, even painting and all sort of engineering works. In the film industry, boom lifts are used to suspend large lights over the soundstage and are known as condors.

How Boom Lifts are Used

Often boom lift operators must be licensed to use any kind of aerial lift. Without state or federally-mandated qualifications, personnel will not be legally able to use a boom lift. Following the code of safety is the most important part of operating a boom lift, as serious injuries or even death can result in ill use.

• Inspect the boom lift before use. Inspect any of the hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks. Check the air pressure in the tires.
• Start the boom lift with no person in the basket. Operate the control panel from the ground, checking to see that every function is in good working order. Switch the active input to the platform so you can operate the boom lift from the basket.
• Strap on a safety harness. When in the basket, latch the attachment of your safety harness onto the proper attachment in the basket.
• Examine the area around you and check for any potential hazards, such as downed power lines, loose soil or any other obstacles. Also, be sure you steer clear of power lines as an overhead hazard.
• Steer your boom lift into the target area, again making sure you steer clear of any sudden hazards. Adjust the angles and height of your boom arms accordingly. If you’re working in a rather tight area, retracting your arms in the reverse order in which you extended is an easy way to get out.
• Perform the work required and lower the boom lift to its locked position. Bring the arms low enough to the point where you can safely exit the basket. Shut down the boom lift at the ground.
• JLG Boom Lift

JLG is a leading manufacturer of lift equipment, including aerial lifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers and low-level access lifts.