Articulated Boom Lift vs. Telescopic Boom Lift: What is the Difference?

Aerial work platforms are used to get the job done at height safely and efficiently. To meet the needs of various industries that work at height, Manlift offers a range of aerial work platforms including scissor lifts, boom lifts, spider lifts, and crawler lifts. Boom lifts, in particular, are an ideal choice to work at height with tools and other materials because they offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of their ability to reach out at complex angles.

There are two types of boom lifts available: Articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts. Continue reading to discover the differences between the two and how to choose the right boom lift for your job at height.

What is an Articulated Boom Lift?

An articulated boom lift contains multiple sections that can articulate at various angles, allowing the operator to reach over and above obstacles. Articulating boom lifts offer more flexibility compared to telescopic boom lifts because an articulating boom platform can reach out to the complex and narrow areas safely and efficiently. Articulated boom lifts are available in both diesel and an electric power source. Industries that are required to work outdoors prefer to acquire diesel-powered boom lift whereas for indoor operations an electric articulated boom lift is available which ensures less noise and comes with non-marking tyres.

Why choose an Articulated Boom Lift?

If your job at height requires you to reach in between, over, or under various obstacles, an articulated boom lift is the best machine for the job. Z booms, in particular, allow operators to fit in very narrow or congested spaces that would not be possible with a telescopic boom lift.

Both electric and diesel-powered versions of articulated boom lifts are available from Manlift. An electric articulated boom lift is environment-friendly as it produces zero emissions and is noise-free, providing a more pleasant work environment for operators and the ability to work in areas with noise restrictions. In addition, they come with non-marking tyres, which is why they are highly recommended for indoor operations. diesel-powered articulated boom lifts are typically more suited for construction and industrial operations as they can easily move around on rough terrain with a great deal of stability.

Key Features of an Articulated Boom Lift

Ideal for narrow workspaces

Ideal for rough terrain operations

Can reach over and around

4WD traction allows gradeability up to 40%

What is a Telescopic Boom Lift?

telescopic boom lift is also known as a stick or straight boom as it extends straight with greater horizontal reach. Telescopic boom lifts are commonly used by construction, industrial, painting and facility management industries.

Why choose a Telescopic Boom Lift?

Telescopic boom lifts allow quick boom extension and offer extended outreach. Telescopic booms have active oscillating axles and with four-wheel drive, ensuring maximum terrain ability and traction. A telescopic boom lift is available with either electric or diesel-powered engines based on your requirements.

Key Features of a Telescopic Boom Lift

Greater horizontal outreach

Faster to reach full height

Oscillating axles offer maximum terrain ability

A straight or telescopic boom lift is a common alternative to articulating boom lift but it offers limited access in terms of reach as it can only move in one direction. A telescopic boom lift comes with a wider base in order to ensure stability safety while working at height. A telescopic boom with working height up to 40 meters is available these days and a rough terrain telescopic boom comes with outriggers for stabilization as the platform needs to be safe while working at height.

Which Boom Lift Do You Need?

Lighting work. Building inspection. Painting. Sign and banner installation. Tree trimming. When you need people and tools in high, tough-to-reach places, boom lifts are the machines to choose. But what are they, what do they do and what makes them different from other machines?

‍What is a boom lift?

A boom lift is a machine designed to elevate workers, tools and materials to access areas that are otherwise unreachable. Boom lifts are just one type of aerial work platform – a category that also includes scissor lifts, bucket trucks and telehandlers.

A boom lift consists of:

A base, either towable or self-propelling, that supports the rest of the machine from the ground. The base may be equipped with outriggers to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.

A platform or bucket, designed to safely carry personnel and tools.

A boom, or extending arm, powered by a hydraulic system that allows for precise positioning of the bucket. The boom is connected to the base with a rotating turntable.

‍Types of boom lifts

There are two main types of boom lifts: telescopic and articulating.

Telescopic boom lifts, also called straight booms, are just that: boom lifts with a straight arm. They are designed for maximum height and stability, and are ideal for outdoor jobs in open spaces like installing windows and painting exterior walls. With a maximum height of up to 185 feet, telescopic boom lifts provide the maximum height and carrying capacity possible from a boom lift.

While telescoping boom lifts offer superior height, articulating boom lifts offer greater flexibility — literally. An articulating boom lift features one or more bendable sections or “knuckles” in the boom, allowing for more maneuverability and a smaller overall footprint. Although they don’t reach quite as high as telescoping boom lifts, articulating boom lifts are perfect for indoor applications, confined spaces and jobs with obstacles such as tree limbs.

‍When should I choose a boom lift?

Boom lifts are designed to reach up and out from the base, not just straight up into the air. You’ll need a boom lift if you cannot place the base of the lift directly below the work area. Also, since boom lifts operate at heights that exceed those of scissor lifts and bucket trucks, a boom lift is often the only option for certain jobs.

‍Boom lift safety

The most important part of using a boom lift is safety. Here are a few tips to keep your jobsite safe while using a boom lift:

Select the right boom lift: Does your lift reach the height you need comfortably?

Check your boom lift before operating: Make sure your machine has been properly inspected prior to use — including safety devices such as anti-crush systems — and is current on all regular maintenance. T3 can help you stay up-to-date on all your maintenance tasks.

Operator training: Boom lift operators must complete an OSHA-compliant aerial lift certification course before operating a boom lift. They should also be familiar with the specific machine they are operating and have read the operator’s manual prior to use. T3 can help you protect your jobsite by limiting machine access to certified personnel.

Operator safety: Boom lift operators should always wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, harnesses or body belts, eye and hand protection and high visibility clothing. They should also know how on-board safety systems operate.

Obey load requirements: Ensure that the total weight of operators, tools and materials does not exceed the maximum safety rating for the boom lift you are operating. When in doubt, always err on the side of carrying less.

Avoid hazards: Avoid operating a boom lift near power lines and overhead cables whenever possible, and exercise caution when maneuvering the work platform into position. Do not operate boom lifts outdoors in windy conditions.

Telescopic vs Articulated Boom Lifts: Choosing The Right Equipment For Elevated Work

Articulated Arm vs Telescopic Arm

An operator can reach over barriers with the help of an articulating arm, since it has several parts that may be articulated at different angles. Because an articulated tail lift can safely and effectively access difficult-to-reach places, articulating booms are more flexible than telescopic ones.

Telescopic arms on the other hand, sometimes known as a straight boom because of their longer horizontal reach and straight extension, are frequently employed in a variety of settings, including facility management, industrial, and construction. Telescopic arms provide greater reach and enable a fast extension of the basket with the operator. Active oscillating axles on these telescoping boom lift provide them with improved four-wheel drive.

Versatility

Telescopic lifts are better for moving items. The list comprises roofing supplies, mostly for use at heights. While an articulating boom lift is a superior option, it is extremely flexible regardless of its position; simply place it in the proper location, make any modifications, and it is ready for use. Generally speaking, an articulated boom lift is the finest because of the considerable flexibility it provides.

Operation in Restricted Areas

An articulated boom lift performs effectively in confined and crowded industrial areas. It has independent movement, allowing it to access more restricted spaces. On the other hand, both machines would work effectively if the job was in a large, open space with plenty of room to move around. Make sure to take into account the work area before choosing any equipment.

Indoor/Outdoor Operation

A telescopic boom lift is faster to reach maximum height. Great for increasing speed and productivity, while the articulating boom lift is good for working indoors. However, the best option might turn out to be an articulating boom lift. In fact, it lessens the need for scaffolding or ladders. These are obviously dangerous at heights due to their instability. Furthermore, neither boom lift has any problems operating outside.

From several comparisons of the two machines, it is important to keep in mind a number of other factors, including the kind of terrain in the work area, weight capacity, and reach, while deciding between an articulated or telescopic boom lift.

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