Used Boom Lift Glendale - The boom lift is one of the most popular kinds of aerial machinery. Commonly known as aerial work platforms, mobile elevating work platforms, cherry pickers, aerial devices and elevating work platforms, it was engineered to complete work at higher locations more efficient and easier. Warehouses, companies, contractors and retail operations and more rely on boom lifts on a daily basis. Keeping workers safe as they access conditions in a higher altitude is priceless.
The material handling industry offers many boom lift models. Most boom lifts can be successfully run with a single operator. This equipment became popular in the orchard industry to harvest fruit without having to climb a ladder and balance heavy baskets or pails. Ladders need to be secured on solid, even ground in order to be safely accessible, making them hard to rely on in a natural orchard setting. Boom lifts make it much easier to reach high tree tops for collecting fruit.
Gaining Access Over Obstacles
Some boom lift models can move up and over obstacles, making them ideal for working over top of items safely and efficiently. This equipment is used in numerous industries including installing telephone poles and lines, maintaining overhead cables and window cleaning applications due to their ability to reach items when it is not practical to situate the machine directly underneath the issue. Articulated boom lifts are comprised of many joints that allow the machine to bend under or over obstacles. To enable operators to access many places, these sections of the boom lift can move independently. Famous for their tight turning radius, articulated booms offer an ideal solution for narrow hallways and storage facilities. Dual-fuel models can work both inside and outside. Diesel versions are best suited outside and electric models are preferred for interior environments.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Popular for maintenance jobs and construction, articulating boom lifts are a useful piece of material handling equipment. They provide a vital piece to the fleet for servicing power lines and overhead wires. Firefighters even rely on them and some models feature water cannons. Telescoping sections are available on certain models to extend reach to the maximum. There are articulating boom lifts complete with an additional jib that allows the platform to extend an extra 6 feet in any direction. These boom lifts go by the nickname of “spiders,” since their legs can support the entire machine on steep or difficult terrain. Interior articulating boom lifts are smaller and able to fit through doorways for use inside storage, warehouse and retail capacities. Electric boom lifts are common for interior jobs due to their quieter options and lack of unhealthy carbon monoxide exhaust.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
Articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts move differently from each other. These units use hydraulics to retract and extend outwards and upwards. The worker who is in the platform has the controls to extend the lift and is able to operate without a second worker. Certain larger units feature a jib located at the top that looks similar to an articulating boom lift model. Boom lifts are available that reach higher than one-hundred and eighty feet. This equipment has been designed to be reliable and stable, with certain models capable of reaching their extended height in less than a minute. There are dual-fuel and diesel models available. Weight range capacities vary from 500 lbs. to 1000 lbs. and speed is adjustable. Available in 4WD and the ability to fit through small spaces. In terms of combining height and reach, telescopic boom lifts are your best bet.
Jib
Boom lifts that have an extension between the platform and the end of the primary boom are called the jib. This enables extra reach and another articulation point or hinge for the platform to move side-to-side or up-and-down. Jibs are available on telescoping boom lifts and articulating boom lifts. Articulating models have a joint situated roughly halfway between the wheels and the platform to enable it to reach over an obstacle and then lower again if required.
Genie Articulating Boom Lifts
A well known articulating boom lift that can be seen in a variety of applications is the Genie Z-boom. This model features excellent mobility and is capable of accessing hard to reach areas. The machine can lift up, over and out with ease, making difficult locations easy to work with. The first articulating Genie Z-30/20 boom was launched in 1985. These machines became immediately popular with their up-and-over design that continues to make them sought after nowadays.
Proper Safety Measures
Of course, safety is the highest priority when operating any type of boom lift. All known safety hazards must be known to anyone working within the vicinity. Operating the equipment safely is vital for the operator and everyone in the vicinity. Proper safety gear and communication need to be completed prior to operating. Ensure there are no flammable or combustible items, open flame or lit cigarettes near the machine, engine fuels or battery gases. It is important to have an accessible, securely mounted and visible fire extinguisher mounted within the operators’ reach. It is important to maintain a clean work space around charging stations and work surfaces since clutter or tools could puncture tires or damage the machine or its components.
Daily Maintenance
Daily maintenance includes a visual inspection and consulting the maintenance manual to ensure the machine is up to date and will operate safely. Stabilizing the weight is accomplished supportive devices to lift and distribute the load. Straps, fasteners and chains need to be checked they are in good condition. Single use components and fasteners cannot be reused due to their risk of failure. Discarded solvents and oils must be disposed of safely and in an approved container to prevent environmental contamination. Workbenches and workshop or garage areas need to have adequate lighting and ventilation. Typically the wide umbrella of maintenance is distinguished by subsections such as Commissioning and Programmed Maintenance Intervals, Annual Maintenance, and Quarterly Maintenance.
Maintenance Inspection Report
Key components of the boom lift are divided up to categorize the inspection process. Common maintenance categories include Control and Function, Turntable, Booms, Platform, Drive Chassis and Engine. Improper completion can result in unsafe operation, damage to components, poor performance and downtime. A large part of keeping the boom lift secure and operational is the maintenance inspection report that ensures the operator is safe and monitors the machine’s performance and service. The term commissioning refers to a list of single maintenance procedures that need to be completed at 50- and 150-hour intervals to keep the machine optimally running. There is quarterly and annual maintenance protocol that is conducted once or many times during the year. Maintenance procedures are based on the operating hours of the boom lift and programmed maintenance may be conducted during pre-delivery machine preparation. Set yourself up for success by consulting your maintenance manual before operating the equipment to ensure battery life, oil changes and fluid levels are ready to go.
Boomlift / Manlift PDF
