When working construction on tall buildings, bridges, or other structures that stretch far into the sky, boom lifts are something you need.
These versatile machines can elevate you dozens of feet into the air to give you safe access to all kinds of jobs.
But with two main types of boom lifts—articulated and telescopic—how do you know which option makes the most sense for your upcoming project?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the specifics of your job site, so let’s break them down.
Articulated Boom Lifts – (Ideal for Flexible Manuverability)
Articulated boom lifts (also called knuckle booms) are ideal for navigating tight, confined spaces thanks to their incredible manoeuvrability. Built with a jointed arm mechanism similar to a human arm, they can “reach” up, over, and around obstacles with ease.
The arm on an articulated boom lift has two or three boom sections connected by hydraulic knuckle joints. This allows it to bend and snake into almost any imaginable position. You can angle the arm practically flush against ceilings and walls, sneak it through holes in infrastructure, or fold it up compactly for storage.
Unlike rigid telescopic lifts, articulated lifts can access awkward angles and cram themselves into the tightest of spots. Their nimbleness makes them a favourite for indoor jobs like:
- Hard-to-reach areas
- Areas with smaller spaces and needs to change lift positions frequently
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system maintenance
- A few jobs where articulated boom lifts are used: – Ceiling and light installation, Inventory scanning/organization, Interior construction and renovation, Warehouse work
In addition to impressive manoeuvrability, most articulated lifts run on clean electric power which makes them ideal for indoor use. Battery-powered units operate almost silently without emitting exhaust. Telescoping booms, on the other hand, generally use loud, fume-spewing diesel fuel.
While flexibility is their superpower, articulated lifts do have limitations. Their vertical reach maxes out around 150 feet — much lower than the towering stationary heights achieved by telescopic lifts. They also don’t work well on uneven outdoor terrain because of their rigid wheeled bases.
So, now you know the advantages of articulated boom lifts, let’s check out what jobs you should pick telescopic boom lifts.
Telescopic Boom Lifts (Ideal for Extending Far)
The defining feature of telescopic boom lifts is their ability to extend incredibly far, up to 200+ feet in the air! As the name suggests, they utilize a telescoping arm similar to a telescope. The arm sections smoothly slide into each other and expand outward like an accordion to reach great distances.
Telescopic lifts are perfect for exterior construction jobs requiring you to operate at dizzying heights for long periods.
Here are some jobs effectively done by these lifts:
- Ideal for working on rough terrain
- Lift material to an elevated height of up to 200 feet
- Examples of a few jobs telescopic lifts are used in: Tall steel-beam building frameworks, bridge maintenance, high-rise window washing/external facade work, cell tower repair, stadium, and light/scoreboard upgrades, tree pruning/management
With greater height capabilities and horizontal reach than articulated lifts, telescopic models excel at lifting workers and loads straight up into the sky or far out from the base. Some even allow rotation for optimal positioning. Large rugged tires provide stability and traction over rough terrain as well.
Of course, telescopic lifts lack the impressive flexibility of articulated lifts for manoeuvring obstacles. They simply extend in a straight line. While this linear functionality works great in wide-open outdoor job sites, it can be limiting in congested interior spaces.
Additionally, most telescopic boom lifts run on loud, high-emission diesel engines rather than eco-friendly electric power. So they’re better suited to outdoor work.
So, now you have acquainted yourself with the advantages and drawbacks of both varieties of boom lifts, the next consideration is determining the most suitable option for your project Let’s find out.
Which Boom Lift is Best For My Project?
When deciding between articulated and telescopic boom lifts, first consider the unique spatial needs and limitations of your job site:
- Will you primarily be working indoors or outdoors?
- Do you need to reach very high vertical heights?
- Will you need to manoeuvre around existing infrastructure and tight spaces?
- What kind of terrain is on your job site? Smooth warehouse floors or uneven mud/grass?
Articulated lifts shine indoors where flexibility around obstacles and clean electric power are useful. Telescopic lifts soar to great heights and distances outdoors over rough surfaces.
Of course, hybrid boom lift models exist as well with features of both lift types. Many models offer handy attachments like pipe cradles, tool trays, arrest bars, and more tailored to speciality tasks.
No matter your specific boom lift needs, always put safety first. Look for modern units with features like load sensing systems, emergency descent functions, tilt alarms, fire suppression systems, robust guardrails, and more. And provide operators with fall prevention lanyards, body harnesses, and proper operating training.
When used properly by skilled workers, both articulated and telescopic boom lifts can do jobs that would otherwise be impossible at extreme heights.
They open up new frontiers in construction and infrastructure maintenance. Just choose the model tailored best to your upcoming project’s unique access requirements and limitations.
Want to Rent A Boom Lift?
BVM Transport offers affordable articulated and telescopic boom lifts for your UAE construction, infrastructure, or maintenance projects. Get a customized rental quote by calling +971-56-188-2438 or enquiry online now. As a top Dubai provider, we guarantee expert service and support.