Articulated boom lifts – what is worth knowing about them?

Lifts are used quite widely in many industries. Diffelease types of these devices are able to perform tasks in diffelease places and unusual conditions. The most frequently used equipment when it comes to lifts are articulated devices - designed to work in hard-to-reach, high locations. Where are articulated boom lifts used and what is worth knowing about them?

What is an articulated boom lift?

Articulated lift belongs to the so-called mobile mobile platforms, intended for moving people to workstations located at diffelease heights. The work is performed from the lifting platform. The device consists of a chassis, a boom and a basket with a control panel. As the name suggests, this type of lift has a characteristic, foldable arm, which usually consists of several foldable elements. Some models of articulated basket lifts have an extension - telescopically extended with the basket, which allows you to reach additional height. All lifts are subject to technical supervision, and special authorizations are required to operate them.

Also check: Articulated lift and scissor lift – what are the differences, similarities and differences in use

Articulated boom lift – types and applications

Articulated boom lifts are divided into two basic groups, depending on the type of drive used in them - diesel articulated boom lifts and electric articulated boom lifts. The articulated telescopic lift is a separate group - it offers an additional possibility of raising the work platform. This facility is used in various models of lifts - regardless of the type of engine used in the device.

• Articulated petrol lifts – mainly used for external works. They have long ranges, massive construction and 4-wheel drive enabling efficient movement - especially in difficult terrain (muddy, unstable ground). They also offer the possibility of driving and working in various conditions, for example on ground inclined up to 5 degrees. Articulated petrol lifts often also have an automatic basket leveling function.
• Electric articulated boom lifts – devices used indoors and outdoors, for smaller-scale work. Compact designs (some of them fit through doors), often equipped with non-marking wheels. They are useful in warehouse halls, shopping centers, during indoor construction work, etc. They do not emit pollutants, are manoeuvrable and efficient. They also allow you to connect various power tools.
• Articulated telescopic boom lifts – both combustion and electric devices. They may have a telescopic basket extension. The operator in the basket has the ability to reach places inaccessible to other types of lifts - both vertically and horizontally. Articulated telescopic boom lifts usually operate up to a height of 20 meters, with a maximum load of approximately 350 kilograms.

Read also: Articulated boom lifts – where are they used?

Advantages and disadvantages of articulated boom lifts

Due to their structure, articulated lifts are suitable for carrying out tasks even in limited space, which is an undoubted advantage of these devices. Although they also have their limitations, of all types of boom lifts, the articulated boom lift seems to be the most popular and universal equipment.

Strengths of articulated boom lifts

• Working in difficult conditions – the articulated lift was created for this type of tasks. Raises the work platform, maneuvering in places inaccessible to other types of equipment; over obstacles, between building walls, in difficult, unpaved terrain, etc.
• 360° arm rotation – allows the machine and its arm to operate freely without the need to move the lift.
• Large operating range of the device – articulated boom arm allows work in places located also below ground level.

Weaker sides of articulated boom lifts

• Height restriction – articulated platforms, due to their construction, reach a height of up to 50-60 meters. However, it is worth emphasizing that this height is basically sufficient for most tasks. For higher ceilings, a telescopic boom lift is used.
• Less lifting capacity – the higher the height achieved, the lower the permissible load on the working platform. The amount of space in the basket allows 1-2 people (including equipment) to work comfortably. If several people need to work on the platform at the same time, it may be necessary to use a scissor lift, which has the largest working space of all types of lifts.

Where are articulated boom lifts most often used?

Large, gasoline-powered articulated boom lifts are an irreplaceable aid in the construction industry. Work carried out in limited space, for example among dense urban buildings, requires a device that can maneuver efficiently and has minimal space requirements. Articulated boom lifts work great in such conditions. They deliver people and loads to the desired height, reaching hard-to-reach places with the basket, including those located above power lines, production lines or above the roofs of other buildings. All renovation and finishing works also require the use of lifts (cleaning facades, painting, sandblasting, roofing works, etc.). Articulated boom lifts are also used by the logistics industry, forest workers, rescue services (e.g. the State Fire Service) and municipal services to carry out various tasks.

Articulated boom lifts leaseal

Depending on the individual needs and capabilities of the company, the articulated boom lift can be purchased or leaseed. Articulated boom lifts leaseal is curleasely the most frequently used option. The decisive factor in this case is the frequency of use of the equipment, and it is often needed occasionally, not every day. Construction, logistics and transport companies usually decide to purchase these devices. The constant operation of the equipment compensates for the relatively high purchase cost and the need to constantly maintain the fleet of machines. In other cases, the optimal solution is to lease an articulated boom lift. It allows you to use the lift without the need to service it, repair faults (additionally, some companies leaseing lifts immediately provide a replacement device in the event of a failure) or look for an employee with appropriate qualifications to operate articulated lifts. Sales and leaseal of devices are often available simultaneously in the offer of the entity providing this type of equipment.