Used Boom Lift Montana - In terms of popular aerial machinery, the boom lift is one of the most recognizable. Also referred to as elevating work platforms, aerial devices, cherry pickers, mobile elevating work platforms and aerial work platforms, boom lifts are capable of completing jobs at higher elevations easily and efficiently. There are many places to find boom lifts at work including warehouses, contractors, various companies and in retail stores. Keeping workers safe as they access conditions in a higher altitude is priceless.
There are numerous models of boom lifts available in the industry. Many models are capable of being operated by a single individual. Boom lifts are beloved in the agricultural and orchard industries, used to harvest fruit without requiring a separate ladder, they keep workers much safer since there is not climbing or bucket balancing involved. Since ladders require even, solid ground for setting them up safely, they can be unreliable in the agricultural industry. Relying on a boom lift is an easier and safer way to reach tree tops.
Gaining Access Over Obstacles
Boom lifts make working over top of obstacle much easier as many models have been engineered to travel up and over items. This equipment is used in numerous industries including installing telephone poles and lines, maintaining overhead cables and window cleaning applications due to their ability to reach items when it is not practical to situate the machine directly underneath the issue. The articulated boom lift is an example that has numerous joints enabling it to bend over or under items. The articulated boom sections can move independently to grant operators access to many locations. Articulated booms feature a tight turning radius, making them ideal for hallways and narrow storage corridors. Dual-fuel models can work both inside and outside. Diesel versions are best suited outside and electric models are preferred for interior environments.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Popular for maintenance jobs and construction, articulating boom lifts are a useful piece of material handling equipment. These machines are often seen servicing overhead wires and power lines. Certain models are outfitted with water cannons to be used in firefighting applications. Telescoping sections are available on certain models to extend reach to the maximum. There are articulating boom lifts complete with an additional jib that allows the platform to extend an extra 6 feet in any direction. The nickname “spiders” has been given to these boom lifts due to their legs which can support the machine on rough or steep terrain. Interior articulating boom lifts are smaller and able to fit through doorways for use inside storage, warehouse and retail capacities. Electric boom lifts are common for interior jobs due to their quieter options and lack of unhealthy carbon monoxide exhaust.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
Telescopic boom lifts do not bend the way articulating boom lifts do. Instead, they extend outwards and upwards with hydraulics that retract and extend. The operator who is situated in the platform has the controls to operate and extend the lift on their own. Certain larger units feature a jib located at the top that looks similar to an articulating boom lift model. Some models of boom lifts can achieve a reach of more than 180 feet. This equipment has been designed to be reliable and stable, with certain models capable of reaching their extended height in less than a minute. There are dual-fuel and diesel models available. Weight range capacities vary from 500 lbs. to 1000 lbs. and speed is adjustable. Available in 4WD and the ability to fit through small spaces. Telescopic boom lifts are your best choice for combining reach and height.
Jib
Certain boom lift models have a jib or an extension located between the platform and the end of the main boom. This enables extra reach and another articulation point or hinge for the platform to move side-to-side or up-and-down. Jibs are an option on many telescoping and articulating boom lifts. There is an articulation point available on certain models situated halfway between the platform and the wheels to allow the machine to reach over an obstacle and be lowered again if needed.
Genie Articulating Boom Lifts
A well known articulating boom lift that can be seen in a variety of applications is the Genie Z-boom. This unit offers exceptional versatility for accessing difficult to reach locations with the capacity to lift up, over and out with precision. In 1985, the first Genie Z-30/20 articulating Z-boom was introduced; their up-and-over capacity make them instantly popular and this design continues today.
Proper Safety Measures
Of course, safety is the highest priority when operating any type of boom lift. Safety hazards must be advertised to everyone who is working in the area for best practices. Safe operation of the machine and personal safety must be paramount. Before operating the machine, effective communication and essential safety gear need to be in place. Be aware of any battery gases, engine fuels, combustible items, lit cigarettes or open flames near the machine and do not operate if any flammable or combustible items are present. For the ultimate safety, it is important to have a visible, safely mounted and accessible fire extinguisher within the operators reach. Keep work surfaces and charging stations clean and free from clutter or tools that could puncture the tires or damage the machine or its components.
Daily Maintenance
It is important to conduct a visual inspection prior to operating and to consult the maintenance manual to ensure everything is up to date. Lifting and supportive devices need to stabilize the weight on hand. Fasteners, straps and chains must be regularly checked to make sure they are safe working order. Single use components and fasteners cannot be reused due to their risk of failure. Environmental contamination can be prevented by properly discarding oils safely in an approved container. Workbenches and workshop or garage areas need to have adequate lighting and ventilation. Maintenance is broad and typically categorized into subsections including Quarterly Maintenance, Annual Maintenance, Commissioning and Programmed Maintenance Intervals.
Maintenance Inspection Report
Key components of the boom lift are divided up to categorize the inspection process. Popular categories include Engine, Drive Chassis, Platform, Booms, Turntable, Controls and Function. Improper completion can result in unsafe operation, damage to components, poor performance and downtime. The maintenance inspection report is an essential component to keeping the machine operable and the staff safe while extending the service life and overall performance of the machine. The term commissioning refers to a list of single maintenance procedures that need to be completed at 50- and 150-hour intervals to keep the machine optimally running. There is quarterly and annual maintenance protocol that is conducted once or many times during the year. Programmed maintenance procedures are completed based on machine operating hours or during “pre-delivery” preparation. Set yourself up for success by consulting your maintenance manual before operating the equipment to ensure battery life, oil changes and fluid levels are ready to go.
Boomlift / Manlift PDF
