The Boom Lift: Everything You Need To Know

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One of the most common pieces of equipment on a construction site, boom lifts are a type of aerial lift that allows for both horizontal and vertical reach and are great for lifting workers. They are often used for both outdoor and indoor jobs like painting, window washing, roofing, and more. In this equipment deep dive, we'll talk about the different kinds of lifts, common sizes, manufacturers, and more.

The Basics

What do Boom Lifts Do?

Boom lifts are a type of articulated platform lift that makes reaching difficult places and heights easier than ever. A boom refers to the arm-like piece that connects from the platform to the grounded base. It is an extensible crane-like arm that uses hydraulics to extend and contract to achieve the desired height.

Providing a more secure workspace at high heights than other construction lift equipment, boom lifts are a safe way to get work done at heights up to 180 feet.

Types of Construction Lifts

There are a few different types of lifts used in construction including scissor lifts, articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, towable boom lifts, forklifts, and telehandlers. While scissor lifts are a type of man lift, they are not boom lifts. The same goes for forklifts and telehandlers as they are more often used for material handling and not as an aerial work platform. Only articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, and towable boom lifts will be the emphasis of this blog.

The basic components of a boom lift are the base structure, the actual boom, and a bucket or working platform. The arm is controlled by a hydraulic lift system that allows it to extend both horizontally and vertically to carry people or materials to new heights.

The benefit of a boom lift vs a scissor lift is that boom lifts allow for a higher reach than scissor lifts but typically have a smaller work platform and a lower lifting capacity. This often means that most boom lifts can operate two people max while scissor lifts can hold up to four. Scissor lifts can also only lift vertically, limiting their versatility and movement around a construction site.

Common Boom Lift Sizes and Specs

What's great about boom lifts is their range in providing stable platforms across various heights. Depending on whether you get an articulating boom lift or a telescopic boom lift, also commonly called straight boom lifts, these machines can reach up to 180 feet.

Common sizes of articulating boom lifts are 30', 45', 60', 80', 120', and 150' while telescopic boom lifts typically come in 40', 60', 80', 120', 150', and 180' models. Towable boom lifts have models in the 36' and 50' range. The weight capacity for boom lifts typically ranges from 440 lbs to 1,000 lbs depending on the unrestricted or restricted platform capacity. Electric boom lift models are only available to a maximum lift height of 60' at this time.

Read our in-depth articulating boom lift spec guide.

There are rough terrain boom lift models available across much of the aerial lift equipment listed above, making them great options for different construction environments.

Common Uses of a Boom Lift

Whenever a project calls for work at elevated heights that require stability and different types of reach, contractors choose a boom lift. Their easy mobility and higher reach capability offer increased safety and can help make a job more efficient. Some common projects boom lifts can be used for include:

• Erecting scaffolding

• Electrical work

• Tree cutting and trimming

• Cleaning gutters and eavestroughs

• Painting walls and ceilings

• Fixing street lights or hanging signs

• Roofing and sheathing

• Fruit picking (which is why they can also be called cherry pickers)

To choose the best lift for construction there are a few things you're going to need to consider including whether the job is indoor or outside, the lift size you need, the boom lift weight capacity, and how much up-and-over reach you'll need.

The first consideration is whether the site is indoors or outside because this is the easiest limiting factor to make. If the job is inside, you will need an electric model while you can use an electric or dual-fuel model outdoors.

The next consideration is the size of the lift. By knowing the height you need to reach, you know if you only need a small boom lift or one that reaches over 100'.

You'll also need to consider how much weight you need the machine to lift. Are you planning on having two people in the basket or one? What type of material are you looking to lift? These will factor into the specs you need the machine to have.

Lastly, consider the type of job you're on as this will help you decide between an articulating vs straight boom lift. While an articulating boom lift is great at maneuvering around obstacles because of its hinge and knuckle points, they have less reach and lower platform capacity than straight boom lifts.

Fortunately, there are many man lift sizes, platform heights, and boom capabilities that you're sure to find a model that suits your needs. Many lifts also have self-leveling capabilities so that operators can set them up and start using them in a short amount of time.

Other questions you should ask before renting a boom lift include:

• What are the jobsite conditions?

• What kind of power source capability do you have on-site?

The answer to these questions will help determine whether it should be a wheeled machine or one with all-terrain capabilities. It should also make the decision clear to choose between a scissor lift or a boom lift.

Current Manufacturers Of Boom Lifts

There are many articulating and telescopic lift manufacturers including JLG, Skyjack, Genie, Snorkel, and Mec.

Selling its first lift in the s, JLG has been on the leading edge of aerial lift innovation. Manufacturing both types of boom lifts, JLG has electric articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts, as well as engine-powered ones. They have one of the most expansive product lines with models ranging from 30' to 185'.

Some of their most popular products include the 450AJ, 400 series, and 600 series of construction man lifts. Because of their versatility, you cannot go wrong with a JLG lift.

Founded in , Skyjack entered the lift industry with scissor lifts but has expanded to boom lifts as well. However, Skyjack focuses primarily on the small boom lift market as they manufacture lifts to a maximum height of 85'. Their most popular models include the SJ46 AJ and SJ 61 T. Skyjack denotes their models as articulating with their AJ models and telescopic with their T models.

A brand under the Terex family, Genie was first founded in . With a product line as expansive as JLG, Genie is recognizable from its blue-colored machines across thousands of construction sites.

Their largest telescopic lift, the SX-180, can reach a height of 180 feet and has a 750 lb platform capacity while their latest articulating boom lift, the ZX-135, can reach 135 feet and has a 600 lb capacity. Genie also manufactures other lift equipment like telehandlers and scissor lifts.

Snorkel was founded by a man named Art Moore in . Snorkel lifts include 11 straight boom lift models, 7 articulating boom lift models, 4 electric models, and 3 towable models. As of , Snorkel produces the highest-reaching straight boom lift with a maximum reach of 210 feet! However, their articulating boom lifts have a much smaller range with a max height of 85'.

The last company to highlight is MEC. Founded in , they currently have 7 boom lift models being manufactured with 6 telescopic and one articulating. As such, their product range is limited with their articulating lift reaching 45' and the largest telescopic lift reaching 65'.

Read our in-depth telescopic and articulating boom lift brand comparison blog.

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Potential Hazards & Safety Protocols

Falls are one of the fatal four accidents recognized by OSAH in construction. Working at heights should be taken seriously and a worker should never become too comfortable working off the ground. 

The boom machine itself poses potentially hazardous situations and, like with any kind of heavy equipment, should be handled with care. Never operate a boom lift if it is not safe to do so and always wear a safety harness. Fortunately, many models also now come with fall protection safety measurements, including fall arrest systems.

However, there are a few common hazards that are associated with boom lifts aside from falling: they are tipping, pinning, dropped objects, and electricity.

Dangers of Tipping a Boom Lift

As soon as a machine raises material or people into the air, the center of gravity is thrown off. This is where unrestricted vs restricted platform capacity factors in because the machine cannot lift maximum weight across its full range of motion. While boom lifts are stable machines made to lift materials and people, this does not mean that they are immune to tipping. 

To avoid tipping a boom lift, always refer to the manual to see the range of motion the machine can lift a specific weight. It's also a good idea to survey the job site before beginning work and test to ensure the terrain is solid, especially after rain or a storm. Wheels can become stuck or sink, posing the threat of tipping the machine or knocking off the operator.

Never exceed the maximum weight and range of a boom lift and always use personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Dangers of Being Pinned or Crushed on a Boom Lift

At maximum height, there are new kinds of obstacles that may cause potential concern. For example, overhead beams, moving against walls and working under ceilings can create the chance of being pinched or pinned. 

To avoid pinching, always keep arms and legs inside the safety railings. Make sure to operate the bucket slowly around a job site and never work alone.

Dangers of Dropped Objects on a Boom Lift

When working at a height, it becomes your responsibility to keep those under you safe. As the bucket lifts, it's important to not drop anything. Dropping a hammer or even something as small as a nail can cause serious injury to those below a lift.

To avoid injuring those below you, always secure equipment and materials when working at heights. Use all the safety features and tools available and do not skip steps to save time.

Dangers of Working With Electricity

While one of the most common jobs for boom lift operators is working with electricity, working near wires can be dangerous. Electricity is silent and can be very deadly.

Learn more about the most common hazards on a construction site and how to prevent them.

Electricians are aware of the dangers but those not used to working close to electricity may overlook or not be fully aware of the dangers. Look at site plans ahead of time to analyze the location of electric wires. Always treat wires like they are live wires unless you've made sure to turn off the electricity in your working area.

More Ways to Stay Safe On A Lift

Other steps you can take to ensure the safe operation of a boom lift are:

• Knowing where the lift emergency stop and lowering measure is and how to use it

• Never operating a lift alone

• Always wearing safety harnesses and other PPE

• Securing all tools when working on a raised platform

• Never working a boom lift with another worker standing under the platform

• Use a boom lift only if the base is on even and stable ground or the stabilizer is being used

• Survey the area up in the air where the operator will be working for exposed wires and other potential hazards

• Having proper training

Other Boom Lift FAQs

Can a boom lift tip?

Boom lifts can tip just like any kind of heavy machine or vehicle. An operator should always take proper precautions and follow safety protocols to ensure that the machine remains stable and safe at all times. The best way to ensure they don't tip is to operate the machine within the suggested platform capacity and range of motion. This information will be found in the operator's manual.

What are most aerial lift accidents caused by?

Most lift accidents are caused by falling. To ensure you stay safe on a piece of lift equipment, always use the best safety measures including the fall arrest system, never extend too far over the railing, and harness yourself to the necessary areas.

What size boom lift do I need?

The size of lift you need will depend on the type of job you're doing and the maximum height you need to reach. Other factors include platform capacity, horizontal reach, number of obstructions, and the terrain of the construction site.

Can I rent a boom lift?

All kinds of boom lifts including telescopic boom lifts, articulating boom lifts, and towable boom lifts can be rented. Find your next boom lift rental and see local prices on DOZR by searching for equipment near you.

How long can I rent a boom lift for?

Boom lifts can be rented for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals depending on your needs.

Boom lifts are an important component of the proper deployment and completion of many construction projects. However, given the size, scale, and structure of this type of equipment, they can also pose substantial risk and have the potential to cause serious injury if effective safety measures are not followed. These safety tips are important to consider and implement when operating boom lifts and can help prevent injuries, accidents, damage and liability concerns.

1. Keep a clear base and circumference

Always make sure that the base and the entire circumference of the boom lift are clear of any personnel while the boom lift is in use. The circumference of the lift is often significant and tools can easily fall from the platform and seriously hurt anyone who may be standing below. Keeping the entire area clear minimizes the risk of anyone being hit below by objects that may fall.

Though very rare, it is also possible for boom lifts to tip over. Keeping the area under and around the boom lift clear will help ensure that no one is hurt if the entire structure tips over.

2. Hire trained lift operators

Hiring employees who are properly trained to operate boom lifts and who maintain relevant safety certifications and knowledge, can help keep yourself and your other employees safe while the boom lift is in use. Testing potential new hires with hands-on assignments that demonstrate their operational knowledge of the lift can help detect potential problems and address them before any accidents happen on the actual job.

3. Wear your harness

A simple but vital safety measure is wearing a harness and ensuring the lanyard is fully secured to the bucket. While it may seem unlikely that an operator will fall out of the platform, even the slightest bump from another piece of equipment or object can throw operators off-balance and put them at risk of falling. Even a strong gust of wind could knock someone down or off of the platform and cause serious injury.

4. Don&#;t go over the weight limit

Each boom lift has a specific weight capacity. It is important to identify and adhere to these restrictions. Going over this limit, even slightly, could potentially make the lift top-heavy and cause it to tip over. One should always account for the weight of the operator on the lift as well as all tools and materials on the platform to ensure that the combined weight isn&#;t more than the recommended capacity before operating the lift. It&#;s also important to remember not to use the boom lift for lifting heavy supplies.

5. Don&#;t climb or sit on outer edges

When on the platform of a boom lift, it&#;s easy to be inclined to climb on the edge of the platform to reach something instead of moving the entire boom lift to reach it. However, this is more dangerous than many realize. Climbing or sitting on the edge of the platform significantly increases one&#;s chances of falling off the platform and can result in serious injury. If there is something that isn&#;t accessible, communicate with the boom lift operator to help get to a safe position in the platform where you can easily reach what is needed.

6. Avoid windy conditions

When a boom lift is extended very high, the wind can pose a substantial safety concern. If the wind is strong enough, it can knock a boom lift over completely. One should avoid using boom lifts in extremely windy conditions or in other adverse weather to avoid the risk of a boom lift potentially falling over. Each lift has a limit of how much wind it can withstand; reviewing the user manual will help an operator understand the specific restrictions of the lift they are operating and identify strategies for using the lift in challenging weather.

7. Operate on level ground

The height at which boom lifts can extend makes this equipment particularly vulnerable to tipping over. Ensuring the boom lift is being operated on even ground and on a stable base will help keep the operator and surrounding workers safe. Using the boom lift brakes correctly is one method that can be implemented to help stabilize the boom lift base.

8. Move the lift correctly

Properly reviewing the manufacturer&#;s manual will help an operator understand how to effectively maneuver the boom lift and when it is and isn&#;t safe to move the lift while it is extended. Although, as a best practice, it&#;s often best to avoid moving the lift in this manner. Moving a lift while extended creates opportunity for injury and should only be done when it is necessary and only if the manufacturer&#;s manual specifically condones it. Otherwise, one should lower the boom lift completely, move it and then extend where needed.

Operating boom lifts can pose challenges and risks, but following these safety tips will help prevent accidents and injury on-site.

Jim Arabia is a marketing and branding executive with over 20 years of experience leading business with growth initiatives. In his current role as Vice President of Marketing at BigRentz, the nation's largest rental network for construction equipment, Arabia leads market positioning strategies and creates programs to support the company's strategic vision. His previous experience includes award-winning brand marketing services for technology companies, real estate firms, and professional service firms. Arabia holds a B.A. from California State University, Fullerton and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.

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