Boom Lift Buying Guide

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Investing in an aerial lift for your construction business or project is a considerable long-term decision. The right boom lift can revolutionize your work efficiency on the job site, save time, and enable you to accept more complex tasks in the future. They provide a safer and more versatile option compared to traditional ladders. Here's what you need to know to make an informed purchase.

Choosing the Right Boom Lift

Before you make your purchase, it's essential to find the lift that fits your specific needs. The following are the most common types of aerial lifts used in construction:

• Telescopic: These lifts have a straight, extendable arm connected to a rotating turntable. Telescopic lifts are swift, often allowing you to drive them while extended, offering a smooth ride for the operator and worker.
• Articulating: Also known as knuckle booms, these lifts have segmented arms that unfold to meet site-specific requirements. They are highly maneuverable and well-suited for challenging work sites.
• Scissor: Scissor lifts feature a wide platform that extends upwards via an accordion-like mechanism, unlike boom lifts. They offer stability and space, making them a safer alternative but they cannot reach the same heights as boom lifts.

Understanding Used Boom Lift Costs

The price of a used boom lift varies based on factors such as age, type, model, size, market conditions, and seller. Machines with advanced features or larger sizes may be more expensive compared to basic, compact models. Ultimately, the cost is influenced by the type, age, and condition of the lift.

What to Inspect When Buying Used Boom Lifts

If budget constraints or readiness to invest in a new machine are concerns, the secondhand market offers many well-maintained used boom lifts. Exercise caution when purchasing used equipment. Ensure the lift operates correctly, appears well-maintained, and is free from serious damage. Stick to certified used equipment dealerships for best results.

Here are some inspection tips:

• Condition vs. listing: Bring a copy of the listing for comparison. Check tire condition, external wear, and any misalignment. If significant details are missing from the listing, consider other options.
• Specs and measurements: Document the specifications of interested machines and compare them. Consider operational hours, previous usage, brand, type, model, dimensions, and load capacity.
• Features and upgrades: Look for lifts with special features or owner upgrades like enhanced hydraulic systems, reinforced materials, or elevated platform capacities.

Assessing Vehicle Components

Use this aerial lift inspection checklist to evaluate a used boom lift:

• Condition: Examine external wear, including the frame, bucket, and segments. Look for corrosion, rust, and chipped paint. Check for oil stains, leaks, debris, or unusual smells. Inspect wiring for frays.
• Performance: Start the lift and listen for abnormal noises. Test the arm and lift mechanism for proper alignment and smooth movement. Extend and retract the arm fully, testing with and without a load if possible.
• Modifications: Inspect any modifications, such as cuts, welds, or railings.
• Controls: Test each operator and emergency control, including the key switch, brakes, lights, and backup alarm. Repeat this inspection before each use.
• Tires: Different boom lifts come with either bias or radial tires. Radial tires absorb movement better while bias tires offer more durability. Check for tire wear, punctures, patches, age, brand, and operational hours.

Is It Welder-Ready?

Welder-readiness refers to the equipment's capability for welded-on attachments. Lifts can be not suitable for, welder-equipped, or welder-ready. If they are not, you'll need to source a power supply and welder or outsource the project for modifications.

Does Age Matter?

The age of a boom lift impacts its suitability based on your project needs, intensity, and long-term goals. While these machines are durable, newer models typically last longer with proper maintenance. Finding parts for older lifts can be more challenging if they break down.

However, age isn't as crucial as service history and performance. A well-maintained 10-year-old lift could be a better investment than a newer model with extensive damage or performance issues. The life expectancy of a boom lift varies based on construction quality, maintenance, and operational hours.

Key Considerations When Comparing Aerial Lifts

• Work area needs: Determine if you'll use the lift indoors, outdoors, or both. Consider overhead clearances, ceiling heights, and doorway dimensions. Assess terrain-related needs, like dealing with hills or soft ground.
• Height, range, and weight capacity: Based on your work area needs, determine the dimensions for your lift, ensuring it meets height and width requirements for indoor use if applicable. Always measure equipment before buying.
• Service history: For used machines, investigate past failures, replacement parts, maintenance frequency, total hours of operation, and the type of work it performed.
• Financing and warranties: Opt for a lift with a warranty or parts replacement plan. Some sellers might offer financing options, subject to eligibility.

Trusted Sellers

Chicago Industrial Equipment is a premier resource for buying or renting aerial lifts. Each machine is inspected, repaired, and tested to ensure competitive prices and high quality. Explore our boom lift inventory and locate a Chicago Industrial Equipment store near you to begin.

How to Select and Purchase the Right Boom Lift

Boom Lifts have surged in popularity, owing to modern architectural needs and high-rise buildings.

A Boom Lift is versatile, suitable for a range of tasks such as roofing, tree trimming, residential building, and electrical work. Depending on the model, some can reach up to 56 feet or more.

This flexibility makes them ideal for various situations. When choosing, ensure it meets both your project requirements and financial constraints.

This guide details essential factors to consider when purchasing a boom lift. It's important to evaluate more than just the working height.

Selecting the Best Aerial Equipment

The first step in choosing a boom lift is assessing the job site.

Identify the boom lift that satisfies your needs and provides the necessary reach. You must also be aware of any obstructions near the work area. However, selecting a boom lift can be challenging.

Use this Boom Lift Rental or purchase decision checklist to ensure you choose the right boom lift for the job, maintaining both work quality and operator safety.

Size and Horizontal Reach

The primary consideration when selecting a boom lift is the platform's required height. However, additional factors should influence your decision:

• Consider the equipment's stowed height for convenient storage. Narrow areas can fit widths of 3 to 4 feet.
• Choose a sufficiently large lift to ensure stability on uneven ground.

Specifications will depend on the boom lift type and model. While telescopic booms indicate operational height and horizontal reach, Articulating Boom Lifts also specify the up-and-over height. Track these details before making a purchase.

Choosing Your Lift Type

Primarily, there are two main types of boom lifts, each offering different flexibility, functionality, and boom setup:

• Some Telescopic Boom Lift models can reach up to 186 feet in height, making them suitable for projects needing significant heights, like bridges or high-rise buildings.
• On the other hand, arcing boom lifts are ideal for projects where maneuverability is crucial over height capacity. Their bendable joints can avoid obstacles on the job site.

Power Source Decisions

The third part of your checklist involves determining the power source:

• Electric units, usually powered by electricity or a combination with batteries, are ideal for enclosed spaces or indoor use due to their compact size and lack of emissions. They often feature non-marking tires for diverse floor surfaces.
• Diesel-powered lifts are better suited for rugged terrain and don't need frequent battery recharges but are less environmentally friendly compared to electric units.

Evaluating Workplace Requirements and Attachments

Your boom lift choice should be influenced by the job site's conditions and work type. Accessories also play a significant role:

• Pipe racks can store piping and conduits off the platform during electrical or plumbing work.
• A jib boom extension enhances mobility and working range, providing a wider range of motion for the platform.
• For nighttime or dimly lit tasks, invest in a platform with lights.

There are numerous factors to consider when renting or purchasing a Boom Lift for Sale. Keeping these points in mind will aid in making the best choice.

After selecting a lift, prepare a Boom Lift Safety Checklist to monitor potential hazards during equipment use.

For further information, visit our website outdoor telescopic boom lifts.