Boom lifts, thanks to their exceptional adaptability, have become essential equipment for aerial work in numerous industries. These hydraulically powered devices feature a retractable boom system and end-of-line working platform, enabling operators to safely and precisely reach heights difficult to reach using conventional means. Their combined vertical lift and horizontal reach capabilities offer exceptional flexibility and are widely used in a variety of scenarios, including routine maintenance, construction, and emergency rescue.
Using a boom lift can improve work efficiency, reduce reliance on traditional scaffolding, and significantly enhance safety during aerial work. Their intelligent design and powerful functionality make them an ideal choice for any project requiring precision, efficiency, and high-altitude accessibility.
When shopping for boom lifts, you may encounter a variety of different names, such as:
- Cherry Pickers
- Man Lifts
- Aerial Lifts
- Aerial Platforms / Aerial Work Platforms
- Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Key technical specifications to consider when choosing:
- Maximum working height
- Maximum horizontal reach
- Power source
- Ease of transport across construction sites
- Ability to navigate ground and aerial obstacles
This article will systematically introduce the three main types of hydraulic boom lifts currently available on daxlifter.com:
- Self-propelled Articulating Boom Lift
- Telescopic Boom Lift
- Towable Boom Lift
These types of equipment are widely used in a variety of industries, including construction, commercial, municipal, landscaping, and oil and gas, and can perform a variety of aerial work tasks. They use a hydraulic boom system to stably transport personnel and tools to the work site.
Typical applications include:
- Lighting replacement
- HVAC and utility construction
- Aerial cleaning
- Sign installation
- Tree pruning and shaping
- Sports stadium maintenance
- Industrial manufacturing support
- Bridge inspection and repair
- Painting and decorative work
- Roof and drainage repair
- Building exterior maintenance
- Power pole installation
- Shipyard maintenance
- Drive and Power System
Self-propelled aerial work platforms can be equipped with tracks or tires. Tired platforms typically offer two-wheel or four-wheel drive options. Some models are designed for outdoor use in rough terrain, while low-emission or zero-emission models are suitable for indoor work and can easily pass through standard garage doors. Tracked and tire-mounted equipment typically require a trailer for transport across sites.
Power sources include:
- Diesel, gasoline, or dual-fuel systems
- Batteries or on-site power
- Hybrid systems
Articulated boom lifts deploy a hydraulic boom using multiple articulated sections, operating similarly to a folding ruler or pantograph, allowing flexible positioning of the platform into complex spaces.
For example, the DAXLIFTER DXABL model offers diesel or battery power options, with platform heights ranging from 9 to 20 meters to meet diverse needs.
Maneuverability:
Articulated boom lifts, with their multi-articulated design, easily maneuver workers into tight spaces and effectively avoid obstacles such as branches, vehicles, structures, and pipelines. Most models feature a rotating turret, while models with synchronized platform and jib rotation enable access to hard-to-reach work locations.
For example, the DAXLIFTER DXQB-14E wheeled articulated boom lift boasts a zero tailswing design, a 7.5-meter horizontal reach, and 355-degree continuous rotation, making it ideal for working in confined spaces on hard surfaces. Tracked models perform better on soft terrain or when greater traction is required.
Working Height and Load Capacity:
Although articulated boom platforms offer advantages in maneuverability, their load capacity and horizontal reach are generally inferior to telescopic boom models. A typical articulated boom platform, fully extended, can carry approximately 230 kg, reach a horizontal extension of approximately 7 meters, and reach a vertical height of 13.8 meters.
Working height is typically calculated as the platform height plus 1.8 meters (representing the height of the operator). Notably, many articulated boom platforms are also equipped with a telescopic upper boom section to further enhance their working range.
Common safety features include platform obstacle detection, tilt sensing and alarm systems, motion beacons, and audible and visual indicators. Options often include access to the platform for air, water, and electrical lines, enabling convenient access to various tools.
Telescopic boom platforms extend by gradually extending the inner boom sections, similar to traditional telescopes. The DAXLIFTER J28D wheeled telescopic boom platform has a maximum operating height of 48 meters, features a 160-degree rotating platform, and a horizontal reach of 24 meters.
Maneuverability:
Telescopic boom platforms are slightly less maneuverable than articulated boom platforms. They are typically equipped with solid rubber, pneumatic, or foam-filled tires and often feature four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Height and Load Capacity:
Compared to articulated boom platforms, telescopic boom platforms generally offer advantages in horizontal reach, maximum platform height, and load capacity. When selecting a telescopic boom platform, consider parameters such as maximum vertical platform height and horizontal reach.
The platform's load capacity is also crucial. For example, an unrestricted lifting capacity of 300 kg means the equipment can safely carry that weight even with the boom fully extended. When the boom is partially or fully retracted, the equipment can handle a greater weight, at which point the lifting capacity is restricted.
Towable platforms, often featuring an articulated boom structure, are popular in the rental market because they can be towed directly by pickup trucks or SUVs and are easy to set up and operate.
The DAXLIFTER DXBL series is an articulated towable platform that can be towed by a standard half-ton pickup truck. When transported, the unit measures approximately 7 meters long, 1.7 meters wide, and 2.1 meters high.
Mobility and Setup:
Towable platforms typically offer good maneuverability on site. They utilize outriggers (shaped like spider legs) for stability, and some models feature automatic leveling for faster setup.
Power Options:
Most towable platforms are powered by batteries or on-site electrical power, with gasoline, diesel, and dual-power options also available.
For more technical details and model information, please visit our official website.
