Is an Articulated Boom Lift the Best Option For Your Construction Site?

If you need to buy or hire a boom lift for your construction site, then you have to choose between a telescopic or articulated model. A lot of the time, the lift you choose depends on the jobs it will do and the site you're working on.

In some cases, an articulated lift is the best option. When should you consider this kind of lift?

When You Have to Deal With Obstacles

Telescopic boom lifts have their advantages. For example, they can reach great heights quickly. The boom extends up in a straight line in a fixed telescoped motion.

However, this kind of lift has limitations. It's great if you have enough clearance for the boom to extend up, but the lift can't work if something is in its way. The boom would only go so far here before the obstacle would block its path and progress. This makes it harder for the boom to always go where it needs to be.

Articulated boom lifts are more agile. Their articulated parts mean that the lift's boom can move in different ways. For example, it can move to the side or work at an angle. It doesn't have a fixed trajectory.

This means that an articulated boom can go around obstacles. It can work under them, around them and over them. It can also operate in a straight line. So, if you have some obstacles in areas where you'll use the boom, this flexibility of movement and directional control will help.

When You Have to Work Around Tight Spaces

Telescopic boom lifts typically need more space to work than articulated models. For example, as well as needing standing space, they may also need turning space.

Articulated boom lifts are more compact. They use up less space on a site, so they may be the best solution if you have limited room to work. A lift without a tail swing also does away with the need for turning space.

This lift's extra agility of movement is also a plus point. If you can't get a telescopic lift in exactly the right position under the work area, an articulated boom may work better. You can often site the lift further away or at a different angle and change the boom's direction to get it into the right place.

For more advice, contact your construction equipment supplier. They can confirm whether an articulated boom lift is the best option for your site and help you choose the right model.