A boom lift is a type of aerial lift designed to safely raise workers, tools and materials to elevated areas. Unlike equipment with a fixed vertical platform, boom lifts use an extendable arm that allows operators to reach up and out over obstacles and hard-to-reach areas on maintenance and construction sites.
So, what is a boom lift used for? Boom lifts are commonly used for construction, building maintenance, electrical work, tree trimming, painting, sign installation and other projects that require workers to safely access elevated areas. Boom lift sizes differ to accommodate various projects.
What Is a Boom Lift?
A boom lift is an aerial work platform with a hydraulic arm, or boom, that extends from the machine and carries a platform or basket.
The boom can typically move vertically and horizontally, giving workers more flexibility than a traditional ladder or vertical lift. Depending on the type of boom lift, the arm may either telescope straight outward or articulate at multiple points.
Boom lifts are available in different sizes and configurations, making them suitable for everything from indoor maintenance to large outdoor construction projects.
What Are Boom Lifts Used For?
Boom lifts are primarily used when workers need to reach elevated or difficult-to-access areas. Some of the most common boom lift uses include:
- Commercial construction
- Building maintenance
- Electrical work
- Exterior painting
- Sign installation
- Tree trimming
- Roofing and exterior repairs
- Warehouse and facility maintenance
- Industrial maintenance
- Installing lights and fixtures
The ability to reach both vertically and horizontally makes a boom lift particularly useful when the work area isn’t directly above the machine.
Construction
Construction is one of the most common applications for boom lifts. Workers can use them to reach elevated areas of buildings while keeping tools and equipment close at hand.
Depending on the project, a boom lift may be used for:
- Installing exterior materials
- Working around structural components
- Installing windows
- Performing inspections
- Installing electrical components
- Reaching upper floors
- Performing exterior repairs
A boom lift can often position workers where ladders or conventional lifts can’t easily reach.
Building Maintenance
Boom lifts can also make routine building maintenance easier and safer.
Commercial buildings often have lights, signs, HVAC components and other equipment located well above ground level. A boom lift can provide workers with access to these areas without requiring permanent scaffolding.
Common maintenance applications include replacing exterior lights, inspecting building exteriors, cleaning hard-to-reach areas and making repairs.
Electrical Work
Electricians and utility workers may need to reach elevated wires, fixtures and other components. A boom lift can provide a stable elevated work platform while allowing the operator to position the basket near the work area.
When performing electrical work, it’s especially important to follow all applicable safety procedures and maintain appropriate distances from energized equipment.
Tree Trimming
Boom lifts are frequently used for tree trimming and tree maintenance, particularly when branches are too high to safely reach from the ground.
The machine allows workers to access specific areas of the tree while keeping equipment and tools within the platform.
However, tree work presents unique hazards, including falling branches, uneven terrain and overhead power lines. Proper equipment selection and safe operating practices are essential.
Painting and Exterior Repairs
Painting tall buildings can be difficult when workers need to access walls, trim and other elevated surfaces. A boom lift allows workers to move along the exterior of a structure while remaining at the required working height.
They’re also useful for exterior repairs such as replacing siding, repairing architectural features and performing inspections.
Sign Installation
Large commercial signs are often installed well above ground level. A boom lift can provide the height and positioning needed to install, repair or maintain signs.
The ability to extend horizontally can be especially useful when the sign isn’t directly above an accessible area.
Boom Lifts Can Reach Up and Over Obstacles
One of the biggest advantages of a boom lift is its ability to reach over obstacles.
For example, imagine a worker needs to access the side of a building but there is landscaping, equipment or another obstacle between the work area and where the lift can be positioned. A boom lift may be able to extend over that obstacle and position the platform where it’s needed.
This is one of the major differences between boom lifts and equipment such as scissor lifts, which are primarily designed for vertical movement.
Boom Lift Types: Articulating vs. Telescoping Boom Lifts
There are two common types of boom lifts: articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts.
An articulating boom lift has multiple sections that can bend or “articulate.” This makes it particularly useful for reaching over and around obstacles.
A telescopic boom lift, sometimes called a straight boom lift, extends outward in a relatively straight line. These machines are often used when maximum horizontal reach and working height are priorities.
The right type depends on your jobsite and where you need to position the platform.
Boom Lift vs. Scissor Lift
Boom lifts and scissor lifts are both designed to elevate workers, but they serve different purposes.
A scissor lift primarily moves straight up and down. It’s a good choice when workers need to access an elevated area directly above the machine.
A boom lift can generally move both vertically and horizontally. This gives it an advantage when workers need to reach around obstacles or access areas that aren’t directly above the machine.
If you’re trying to decide between the two, consider whether you need primarily vertical access or the ability to reach outward and around obstacles.
How High Can a Boom Lift Reach?
Boom lifts are available in a wide range of sizes, with some models capable of reaching well over 100 feet.
The appropriate working height depends on the particular machine and the requirements of your project. When choosing a boom lift, don’t simply look at the platform height. Consider the maximum working height and horizontal reach you’ll need to safely access the work area.
It’s generally better to choose equipment that comfortably meets your project’s requirements rather than trying to operate at the machine’s absolute limits.
Safety Considerations
Because boom lifts are used at significant heights, proper operation and safety procedures are extremely important.
Before operating a boom lift, workers should:
- Read and follow the operator’s manual
- Inspect the equipment before use
- Understand the machine’s operating limits
- Wear required personal protective equipment
- Use appropriate fall protection
- Check the jobsite for overhead hazards
- Watch for power lines and other electrical hazards
- Avoid exceeding the platform’s weight capacity
- Follow manufacturer and jobsite safety requirements
Operators should also account for ground conditions, weather and wind before and during operation.
The Bottom Line
Boom lifts are versatile mobile elevated work platforms that give workers a safe and efficient way to access elevated heights for construction, maintenance, electrical work, painting, tree trimming, sign installation and many other projects. Depending on the type of machine, a boom lift can provide significant vertical access, greater horizontal outreach and the ability to reach up and over obstacles.
There are several options to consider when choosing the right equipment. An articulating lift, sometimes referred to as a knuckle boom, can bend around obstacles, while telescopic models are designed to provide maximum reach in a more direct line. Other equipment, including boom truck lifts, bucket trucks and spider lifts, may also be a better fit depending on your jobsite and access requirements. Many boom lifts feature a rotating turntable that allows the boom to be positioned in different directions, while self propelled models can be moved around the jobsite without needing separate towing equipment.
When selecting a boom lift, think about your required working height, how far you need to reach, the space available and how much weight the platform needs to carry. The platform capacity is an important consideration when workers need to bring tools, materials or equipment into the air. You’ll also want to consider whether the machine is designed for indoor or outdoor use and whether the ground conditions and available space are suitable.
No matter which type of boom lift you choose, operator safety should always come first. Proper operator training, equipment inspections and following the manufacturer’s operating requirements can help ensure the lift is used safely and effectively. By choosing the right machine for the job and understanding its limits, a boom lift can make working at height safer, easier and more efficient.
Rent a Boom Lift for Your Next Project
A boom lift can be an excellent solution when your project requires workers to safely reach elevated or difficult-to-access areas. From construction and building maintenance to electrical work, tree trimming and sign installation, these versatile machines can make elevated work much more accessible.
If you’re not sure what’s the right boom lift for your project, Mountain West Rentals can help you choose equipment based on your working height, reach and jobsite requirements.