There are some applications which require a lot more reach than the regular task. For these instances, the ever-growing range of telescopic and articulating booms is a good choice. Electric or engine powered or bi-energy booms are ideal for indoor, rough terrain or outdoor applications, so technically, there is a suitable boom lift available for every kind of job. Just take the time to figure out what kind of cargo you would be handling and what types of capacities you would need to get the task done.
Articulating booms are described as aerial work platforms which use multiple boom parts that hinge or articulate. These equipment provide a maximum reach of 6.25 meters or 21 feet 5 inches to 21.26 meters or 69 feet 9 inches. These models could vary in height between 36 feet and 11.14 meters or 141 feet or 43.15 meters. Articulated boom units are often classified by horizontal reach and by platform height.
In order to access work areas over obstacles and barriers like machines or shelving, the articulating booms are usually utilized. They have less horizontal outreach compared to telescopic booms, but the articulating booms offer better positioning and greater versatility. This allows better access for overhead work areas from aisles and from tight areas. Throughout the variety of articulating booms, most of them are able to hold weight capacities of as much as 227 kilograms or 500 lbs. These equipment can easily raise 2 operators and their tools and at times extra supplies.
There are both rough terrain and industrial articulating booms, similar to scissor lifts. Industrial models are often outfitted with non-marking tires and are intended for indoor operation. The majority of articulated boom manufacturers utilize clean burning fuels such as DC electric power or liquid propane gas or LPG for their industrial units. AC drive system technology is popular in industrial forklifts, although it is new to the aerial work platforms market. This technology combines DC batteries together with 3-phase AC drive motors for more continuous control of turning, drive speed and braking and overall energy efficient operation.
Rough-terrain models are particularly designed to negotiate rugged construction site locations. With features such as diesel engines, lug-tread tires, an oscillating axle and 4-wheel drive, these specialized items are common-place on rough-terrain articulating booms. These heavy-duty add-ons are what really make these machines able to withstand the rough settings they operate in.