In this article, we will explore the key differences between articulating and telescopic boom lifts, and help you determine which one is right for you.
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When it comes to lifting heavy loads and personnel to elevated heights, boom lifts are the go-to solution for many industries. There are two main types of boom lifts: articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right one for your needs can make all the difference in terms of productivity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulating boom lifts, also known as knuckle boom lifts, feature multiple sections that are connected by hinges, allowing the operator to reach up, over, and around obstacles. They are highly maneuverable and versatile, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor applications where access is restricted or obstructed. Articulating boom lifts can be operated from the ground or from the platform, and can reach working heights of up to 160 feet.
One of the main advantages of articulating boom lifts is their ability to work in confined spaces. Their articulated design allows them to navigate tight corners, narrow aisles, and other obstacles with ease. They are also highly maneuverable, with a tight turning radius and zero tail swing, making them ideal for use in crowded areas.
Another advantage of articulating boom lifts is their versatility. They can be used for a wide range of applications, from construction and maintenance to film production and event staging. They can also be fitted with a variety of accessories, such as work platforms, jibs, and winches, to increase their functionality and efficiency.
However, there are also some disadvantages to articulating boom lifts. They tend to have a lower weight capacity than telescopic boom lifts, which can limit their usefulness for heavier loads. They also have a shorter horizontal reach, which means they may not be able to reach certain areas that telescopic boom lifts can.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
Telescopic boom lifts, also known as straight boom lifts, feature a single, extendable arm that can reach up to 185 feet. They are designed to provide maximum reach and height, making them ideal for applications that require a high degree of maneuverability and precision. They are often used in construction, telecommunications, and utility work.
One of the main advantages of telescopic boom lifts is their high weight capacity. They can lift heavier loads than articulating boom lifts, making them ideal for applications that require heavy equipment or materials. They also have a longer horizontal reach, which allows them to reach areas that are further away from the base of the lift.
Another advantage of telescopic boom lifts is their stability. They are often equipped with outriggers or stabilizers that provide a solid base for the lift, making them more stable and secure than articulating boom lifts. This can be especially important when working at higher heights or in windy conditions.
However, there are also some disadvantages to telescopic boom lifts. They are less maneuverable than articulating boom lifts, making them less suitable for use in tight spaces or areas with obstacles. They also have a larger turning radius and tail swing, which can make them more difficult to maneuver in crowded areas.
Choosing the Right Boom Lift
When choosing between an articulating boom lift and a telescopic boom lift, there are several factors to consider, including the type of work you will be doing, the height and reach required, the weight capacity needed, and the environment in which the lift will be used. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Height and Reach: If you need to reach higher heights or further horizontal distances, a telescopic boom lift may be the better choice. If you need to work in tight spaces or navigate obstacles, an articulating boom lift may be more suitable.
Weight Capacity: If you need to lift heavy loads, a telescopic boom lift may be the better choice, as they generally have a higher weight capacity than articulating boom lifts.
Environment: Consider the environment in which the lift will be used. If you will be working on uneven or sloping terrain, a telescopic boom lift may be more stable due to its outriggers or stabilizers. If you will be working in a crowded area or indoors, an articulating boom lift may be more maneuverable and versatile.
Cost: Finally, consider the cost of each type of boom lift. Articulating boom lifts tend to be less expensive than telescopic boom lifts, but the specific cost will depend on the features and capabilities of the lift.
Ultimately, the choice between an articulating boom lift and a telescopic boom lift will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Consider the factors outlined above and consult with a knowledgeable boom lift supplier or manufacturer to determine which type of boom lift is right for you.
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Boom lifts (also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, MEWPs or &#;cherry pickers&#;) utilize boom sections to position workers and tools to an elevated position for temporary, flexible access work, such as maintenance and construction tasks. This type of equipment comes in different configurations that vary depending on how these machines reach overhead work areas.
The two most common configurations of boom lifts are: Articulated (articulating, knuckle) and Straight (telescopic, telescoping).
Both articulated and straight boom lifts can tackle tough jobs and come in a range of options:
Indoor and outdoor
Engine- (diesel, gas, LP), electric- or hybrid-powered
Tracks versus tires
High-capacity versions
Each have their own unique attributes that make them better suited for different types of work. For example, a JLG® telescopic boom lets you reach farther, with more capacity, which puts you right where you need to be as simply and efficiently as possible. While JLG articulating boom lifts are ideal for jobs that require you to get &#;up and over&#; objects.
So, how do you know which type of boom lift is right for your job site? Here is more information to help you make the choice between articulated and straight&#;
Articulating booms
The most easily recognizable type boom lift is articulated due to the boom&#;s distinctive shape. This type of lift uses multiple pivot points (referred to as joints or knuckles) on the boom sections to give you length and reach, allowing you up-and-over access, as well as vertical reach. The main advantage of this design is that it lets you achieve difficult positioning around obstacles at height.
Articulating boom lifts have less horizontal outreach than telescopic booms, but because they can reach high and far, these machines provide greater versatility to:
Work in space-restricted, tight or narrow access and/or confined work areas
Reach up, over and/or out to access work areas
Telescoping booms
The mast on a telescopic boom lift extends out in a straight line, by utilizing one or more telescoping boom sections, to give you enough vertical reach to directly access overhead job sites. This design allows you to take full advantage of the boom&#;s entire range of horizontal reach.
Because of their design, telescoping models do not offer up-and-over ability to access work at height. And, this type of boom lift requires more space to operate within than articulating booms, including plenty of room around the machine&#;s chassis to make turns and other movements.
But straight boom lifts can typically reach higher than articulating boom lifts, which means these models provide both maximum height and maximum outreach to:
Access work from a distance, especially where the terrain or obstacles prevent close access
Get into working position quickly
Tips for choosing one versus the other
It&#;s important to understand the specific work-at-height requirements on a particular project before you specify the machines to do the work.
Here are three things to consider when choosing the right boom lift to match your application:
1. Agility versus versatility
a. An articulating boom would be the preferred choice for applications that require agility to reach over or around objects, such as chimneys, ceiling joists or roof trusses, HVAC or electrical fixtures, the floors of a building under construction or warehouse shelves
b. A telescopic boom lift would be the best choice for applications that require the versatility to reach high, like multi-story buildings, or to reach far out at a lower level, like under bridges.
2. Job site conditions
a. An articulating boom lift generally offers you a more compact footprint and narrow operating profile, especially zero tail swing models, ideal for space-restricted job sites.
b. A telescopic model is more productive on job sites with plenty of room to turn and space to reach.
3. Outreach
a. An articulated model can offer you multiple angles and reach to access overhead work.
b. A telescoping boom lift often can reach higher than an articulating boom lift (depending on specific model and design differences).
The best way to distinguish between these two types is this: Telescopic models are better for getting people and materials into place and holding them there, and articulating versions are better suited for moving people and materials around obstacles and into different positions with agility.
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