Straight vs Articulated Boom Lift | How to Decide

Boom lifts (also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, MEWPs or &#;cherry pickers&#;) utilize boom sections to position workers and tools to an elevated position for temporary, flexible access work, such as maintenance and construction tasks. This type of equipment comes in different configurations that vary depending on how these machines reach overhead work areas.

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The two most common configurations of boom lifts are: Articulated (articulating, knuckle) and Straight (telescopic, telescoping). 

Both articulated and straight boom lifts can tackle tough jobs and come in a range of options:

• Indoor and outdoor 

• Engine- (diesel, gas, LP), electric- or hybrid-powered

• Tracks versus tires

• High-capacity versions

Each have their own unique attributes that make them better suited for different types of work. For example, a JLG® telescopic boom lets you reach farther, with more capacity, which puts you right where you need to be as simply and efficiently as possible. While JLG articulating boom lifts are ideal for jobs that require you to get &#;up and over&#; objects.

So, how do you know which type of boom lift is right for your job site? Here is more information to help you make the choice between articulated and straight&#;

Articulating booms
The most easily recognizable type boom lift is articulated due to the boom&#;s distinctive shape. This type of lift uses multiple pivot points (referred to as joints or knuckles) on the boom sections to give you length and reach, allowing you up-and-over access, as well as vertical reach. The main advantage of this design is that it lets you achieve difficult positioning around obstacles at height.   

Articulating boom lifts have less horizontal outreach than telescopic booms, but because they can reach high and far, these machines provide greater versatility to:

• Work in space-restricted, tight or narrow access and/or confined work areas

• Reach up, over and/or out to access work areas

Telescoping booms
The mast on a telescopic boom lift extends out in a straight line, by utilizing one or more telescoping boom sections, to give you enough vertical reach to directly access overhead job sites. This design allows you to take full advantage of the boom&#;s entire range of horizontal reach. 

Because of their design, telescoping models do not offer up-and-over ability to access work at height. And, this type of boom lift requires more space to operate within than articulating booms, including plenty of room around the machine&#;s chassis to make turns and other movements. 

But straight boom lifts can typically reach higher than articulating boom lifts, which means these models provide both maximum height and maximum outreach to:

• Access work from a distance, especially where the terrain or obstacles prevent close access

• Get into working position quickly

Tips for choosing one versus the other
It&#;s important to understand the specific work-at-height requirements on a particular project before you specify the machines to do the work. 

Here are three things to consider when choosing the right boom lift to match your application:

1. Agility versus versatility
a. An articulating boom would be the preferred choice for applications that require agility to reach over or around objects, such as chimneys, ceiling joists or roof trusses, HVAC or electrical fixtures, the floors of a building under construction or warehouse shelves
b. A telescopic boom lift would be the best choice for applications that require the versatility to reach high, like multi-story buildings, or to reach far out at a lower level, like under bridges.

2. Job site conditions 
a. An articulating boom lift generally offers you a more compact footprint and narrow operating profile, especially zero tail swing models, ideal for space-restricted job sites. 
b. A telescopic model is more productive on job sites with plenty of room to turn and space to reach.

3. Outreach
a. An articulated model can offer you multiple angles and reach to access overhead work.
b. A telescoping boom lift often can reach higher than an articulating boom lift (depending on specific model and design differences).

The best way to distinguish between these two types is this: Telescopic models are better for getting people and materials into place and holding them there, and articulating versions are better suited for moving people and materials around obstacles and into different positions with agility.

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What Is a Boom Lift Used For?

Boom lifts provide a secure workspace for work at heights up to 180 feet, making them sought after for various industries such as construction, maintenance, and agriculture. Contractors prefer them for jobs at elevated heights requiring stability and different reach types. They have better mobility and greater reach capacity than other aerial lifts, making boom lifts a popular and efficient choice. Typical jobs that boom lifts are used for include:

• Building scaffolding

• Electrical work

• Tree cutting and trimming

• Maintenance projects

• Exterior cleaning

• Painting walls and ceilings

• Roofing and sheathing

• Fruit picking

How Do You Operate a Boom Lift?

Before operating a boom lift, the operator should conduct a series of maintenance checks to ensure the machine is in working order. Before starting the machine, the operator should secure the necessary tools and materials and analyze the project details.

Look for hazards such as unstable surfaces, holes, drop-offs, overhead obstructions (such as a sloping ceiling or power lines), and ground obstructions such as debris in the work zone. Check the weather. Boom lifts should not be used in icy or windy conditions. Here are some general principles for operating a boom truck:

• While at ground level, turn the key and pull out the red kill switch.

• Set the wheel chocks in position, engage the outrigger, and lock the parking brake.

• When boarding the work platform, put on the harness. Check that the harness fits properly and that all buckles, fasteners, and straps are in working order.

• Once inside the bucket, close the gate and pull out the console's red kill switch.

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• Control the boom's movement and bucket placement with the joystick on the console.

• A different setting near the ignition on a telescopic boom lift will expand the length of the boom.

• When elevated, keep an eye out for any obstructions such as trees, building extensions, or electricity wires.

• Push the extension joystick forward to collapse the boom back into the shaft, shortening the overall length if you have a telescopic model. Pull back on the elevation joystick to lower the boom once the telescope has collapsed.

• Disengage the outrigger and unlock the parking brake.

• When finished, remove the key.

Lifts vary in model and brand, but these functions serve as a general guideline for their operation. It is best to reference the manufacturer's operating manual for precise instructions on operating a boom lift.

How Do You Get Boom Lift Certified?

To become boom lift certified, complete a training course, pass a written test, and practice in a practical setting. This ensures high-altitude jobs' safe and effective operation with proper training and arrangement. OSHA requires operator certification for boom lift operators to maintain their jobs safely.

Employers must provide boom lift operators with OSHA-approved training and certification to ensure compliance with aerial work platform (AWP) safety standards. This training ensures employees pass practical exams and stay updated on regulations.

One of the easiest ways to ensure thorough and compliant boom lift certification is to purchase online boom lift training from an OSHA-authorized online training provider like us. We'll cover all the classroom topics and ensure workers understand the material with quizzes and tests. We provide Articulated Boom Truck Operator Safety Course Training in various ways here at OSHA.com.

What Is an Aerial Lift? 

Aerial lifts or Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) are large vehicles that use booms or other means to lift personnel to a desired work area. Many different kinds are used to reach heights differently, such as side by side or right under. Sound familiar?

What Is the Difference Between Boom Lift and Aerial Work Platform? 

Boom lifts are just another type of aerial work platform. Aerial lifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common types of aerial lifts used on construction sites are: 

• Scissor Lifts

• Boom Lifts

• Vertical Lifts

• Bucket Trucks

Simply put, every boom lift is an aerial lift, but not every aerial lift is a boom lift.

Do You Need Aerial Lift Certification?

OSHA regulations state that "only trained persons shall operate an aerial lift," but does not go any further on safety training. As a result, it is the obligation of the employer to develop and provide safety training for their employees who work on, with, or around any sort of aerial lift, including a boom lift.

Online Aerial Lift Training

Just like any piece of heavy equipment, using an aerial lift is not a simple task. All companies must provide basic safety training, although some employers and states may mandate further training. Investing in safety training will benefit you and your coworkers regardless of the restrictions in your business. OSHA.com offers an online Articulated Boom Truck Operator Safety Course which satisfies OSHA's requirements for the classroom portion of operator safety training. Get trained so you&#;re ready to work today!

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