Used Boom Lift Visalia - The boom lift is one of the most popular kinds of aerial machinery. 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. There are many places to find boom lifts at work including warehouses, contractors, various companies and in retail stores. Keeping workers safe as they access conditions in a higher altitude is priceless.
There is a wide variety of boom lift models to choose from. 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. It can be difficult to secure a ladder on farmland or in orchard settings. Relying on a boom lift is an easier and safer way to reach tree tops.
Gaining Access Over Obstacles
Boom lifts make working over top of obstacle much easier as many models have been engineered to travel up and over items. 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. 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
Articulated boom lifts are commonly found on construction sites and used in maintenance applications. These machines are often seen servicing overhead wires and power lines. Certain models are outfitted with water cannons to be used in firefighting applications. Some models are built for extended reach applications and outfitted with telescoping sections. There are articulating boom lifts complete with an additional jib that allows the platform to extend an extra 6 feet in any direction. The nickname “spiders” has been given to these boom lifts due to their legs which can support the machine on rough or steep terrain. Capable of fitting through doorways, interior articulating boom lifts are more compact and used commonly in storage, retail and warehousing applications. 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. These models extend upwards and outwards, relying on hydraulics that extend and retract. The operator who is situated in the platform has the controls to operate and extend the lift on their own. Some taller and larger models have a jib situated near the top that is similar to an articulating boom lift model. There are models on the market capable of reaching over 180 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 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 booms are common in a variety of settings due to their ability to combine height and reach.
Jib
The jib is the extension found at the end of the main boom and between the platform. This design facilitates an extra hinge or articulation point to enable the platform to move up and down or horizontally. Articulating boom lifts and telescoping boom lifts may have jibs. 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 unit offers exceptional versatility for accessing difficult to reach locations with the capacity to lift up, over and out with precision. In 1985, the first Genie Z-30/20 articulating Z-boom was introduced; their up-and-over capacity make them instantly popular and this design continues today.
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. Before operating the machine, effective communication and essential safety gear need to be in place. Prior to operating, ensure there are no open flames, combustible or flammable items, lit cigarettes, battery gases or engine fuels present. It is important to have an accessible, securely mounted and visible fire extinguisher mounted within the operators’ reach. Keep work surfaces and charging stations clean and free from clutter or tools that could puncture the 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. These industrial machines rely on lifting and supportive mechanisms to stabilize the weight. Fasteners, straps and chains must be regularly checked to make sure they are safe working order. It is very dangerous to reuse single use fasteners and other components as they might fail if used beyond their recommendations. Environmental contamination can be prevented by properly discarding oils safely in an approved container. 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
Key components of the boom lift are divided up to categorize the inspection process. Popular categories include Engine, Drive Chassis, Platform, Booms, Turntable, Controls and Function. Improperly conducting maintenance can lead to unsafe working conditions, damaged components, reduced performance and ultimately 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. A list of single maintenance procedures that need to be conducted at 50-hour and 150-hour intervals is known as commissioning. 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. Prior to operating your equipment, check your maintenance manual to make sure all of the fluid levels, oil changes, battery life and maintenance are up to date.
Boomlift / Manlift PDF
