Used Boom Lift Lancaster - One of the commonest types of industrial equipment and aerial equipment is the boom lift. Boom lifts go by numerous names including cherry pickers, elevating work platforms, aerial platforms, aerial devices and mobile elevating work platforms; created to conduct jobs at higher elevations. Warehouses, companies, contractors and retail operations and more rely on boom lifts on a daily basis. Staying safe while working at high altitude is essential for daily success.
There are numerous models of boom lifts available in the industry. Many models are capable of being operated by a single individual. This equipment became popular in the orchard industry to harvest fruit without having to climb a ladder and balance heavy baskets or pails. Since ladders require even, solid ground for setting them up safely, they can be unreliable in the agricultural industry. Boom lifts make it much easier to reach high tree tops for collecting fruit.
Gaining Access Over Obstacles
Certain boom lifts are designed to move up and over items. This makes working over obstacles possible Having the capacity to reach an object even when you are unable to maneuver the equipment directly underneath has a variety of applications including window cleaning, telephone pole and line installation and service, fixing overhead cables and numerous other industries. The articulated boom lift is an example that has numerous joints enabling it to bend over or under items. These sections can independently move to allow workers to gain access to a variety of places. This equipment is popular in narrow storage locations and hallways thanks to its’ tight turning radius. The dual-fuel boom lifts provide service in both exterior and interior locations. Diesel models are used outside while electric boom lifts are implemented in interior locations.
Articulating Boom Lifts
These boom lifts are popular for numerous construction and maintenance jobs. Articulated boom lifts are utilized commonly for working on overhead power lines and wires. Firefighters even rely on them and some models feature water cannons. Some models are built for extended reach applications and outfitted with telescoping sections. Certain articulating boom lifts can extend an additional six feet in any direction thanks to the additional jib in their design. The nickname “spiders” has been given to these boom lifts due to their legs which can support the machine on rough or steep 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
Telescopic boom lifts do not bend the way articulating boom lifts do. Instead, they extend outwards and upwards with hydraulics that retract and extend. 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 and taller models feature a jib located close to the top similar to an articulating boom lift model. Boom lifts are available that reach higher than one-hundred and eighty feet. In less than a minute, some models can reach their full extended height since these machines are so stable and reliable. There are diesel and dual-fuel options with adjustable speed and weight range options from five hundred to one thousand pounds. Boom lifts can fit through tiny spaces and there are 4WD options on the market. Telescopic boom lifts are your best choice for combining reach and height.
Jib
Certain boom lift models have a jib or an extension located between the platform and the end of the main boom. Certain models offer an additional articulation point or hinge that allows the platform to travel horizontally and vertically. Jibs are available on telescoping boom lifts and articulating boom lifts. There is an articulation point available on certain models situated halfway between the platform and the wheels to allow the machine to reach over an obstacle and be lowered again if needed.
Genie Articulating Boom Lifts
A well known articulating boom lift that can be seen in a variety of applications is the Genie Z-boom. Designed to provide the most versatility in difficult to access spaces, this model has the capacity to lift up, over and out with superior positioning. 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
Safety is the utmost priority when operating any kind of boom lift. Safety hazards must be advertised to everyone who is working in the area for best practices. Safe operation of the machine and personal safety must be paramount. Proper safety gear and communication need to be completed prior to operating. Prior to operating, ensure there are no open flames, combustible or flammable items, lit cigarettes, battery gases or engine fuels present. For the ultimate safety, it is important to have a visible, safely mounted and accessible fire extinguisher within the operators reach. Maintaining a clear area around charging stations and work surfaces is important as tools or clutter could damage the boom lift or cause tire punctures etc.
Daily Maintenance
Before engaging in activity, it is vital to do a visual inspection and consult the maintenance records to make sure all items are up to date and safe prior to operation. Stabilizing the weight is accomplished supportive devices to lift and distribute the load. Fasteners, straps and chains must be regularly checked to make sure they are safe working order. Single-use fasteners and components must not be reused as they may fail and become extremely dangerous. It is vital to discard oils and solvents safely and efficiently to prevent contaminating the environment. Workbenches and workshop or garage areas need to have adequate lighting and ventilation. Maintenance is broad and typically categorized into subsections including Quarterly Maintenance, Annual Maintenance, Commissioning and Programmed Maintenance Intervals.
Maintenance Inspection Report
The boom lift components are divided and categorized to streamline the process of inspection. 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. The maintenance inspection report extend the performance and service life of the machine and needs to be accurately maintained to ensure the machine is safe to run and that the machine is capable of performing properly. 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. Annual and Quarterly maintenance procedures need to be performed once or multiple times a year. Programmed maintenance procedures are completed based on machine operating hours or during “pre-delivery” 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
