What is a Boom/Aerial Lift?

A boom lift which  is a large piece of construction equipment which helps guide workers to hard access areas which are usually high up in the air.

The boom lift was invented in 1951 by Walter E. Thornton-Trump. He invented it solely for the idea of getting into hard to reach places. Walter originally called his invention “the giraffe” but the name quickly changed to cherry picker, after many workers were using the device to pick fruit from trees.

There are many different terminologies used to describe a boom lift:

Boom lifts are generally used for painting, window cleaning, construction, tree cutting, and outdoor maintenance in high-up, hard to reach areas.

What makes boom lifts so versatile is that they can angle around in different directions, avoiding obstacles. Scissor lifts which are similar to boom lifts are restricted by only moving vertically – up and down.

If you have a job in a hard to reach place, a boom lift rental is probably calling your name. Here are all the different jobs you can use a boom lift for.

The largest ladders push 40 feet at the most. They are also dangerous to stand on, as they can become unstable and slip out from underneath you. Not too mention… where are you going to put all the equipment you’re holding when you reach the top? You only have two hands.

Boom lifts are much safer and can climb as high as 140+ feet depending on the brand and model. There’s more than enough room for all the painting equipment you need to be safely brought up.

Boom lifts can reach high up on buildings, infrastructures, and houses while maneuvering around obstacles like trees and staircases. You can also move the boom lift manually when you need to find a new place to paint.

One of the more dangerous lines of work, cutting tree branches and unwanted limbs is a pain. Why risk climbing and falling? Even with a harness, it’s entirely possible that a falling branch can strike you, leaving you injured or left for dead.

It’s your best bet to safely prune trees from a distance using a boom lift. Get high up in the trees and cut from a safe spot. Using an aerial platform will keep you and the rest of the workers on site safe.

Replacing lighting, especially outdoor lights is a tricky task. Most light bulbs will hang from fixtures that are hard to access without some sort of lift. A scissor lift is often the tool many workers would use for the job.

The only problem? Scissor lifts only operate up and down in a vertical motion. Aerial platforms have a better access point thanks to their ability to bend and manipulate their mast.

This is where the name “cherry picker” originally came from. Many farmers would use their aerial platforms to pick fruit from large trees that were difficult to harvest.

Farmers used these lifts as a substitute for ladders, which are a much safer and effective alternative.

A dangerous line of work that risks electrocution and power outages. Boom lifts help reach transformers, telephone and power lines in a safe manner even in awkward positions.

Even shock proof ladders are way too dangerous for power line workers and are no longer recommended for this line of work.

Lights! Camera! Action!

Ever wonder how directors get those killer shots looking down on a cast?

With a cherry picker, getting the right camera shot is easy. Lifts can also be used for sound production and hanging light equipment.

Sporting events also use aerial platforms to capture highlights and the game from the best view possible!

Maintaining a building on lower levels is easy. But once you get to higher levels, it becomes a more difficult and complicated process.

Many construction companies will turn to suspended platforms. But an easier way is by renting out a boom lift for a few hours instead.

You can easily repair and complete maintenance work on chimneys, windows, gutters, paint damage, and more on anything that pushes past the first floor. Easily repair damaged structures with a telescopic elevated work platform.

Here at Contractor Supply LLC, we offer three different boom lifts for rent.

The biggest benefit of using an elevated work platform is it’s ability to provide a safe environment for workers and civilians while operating and working a few stories a above ground.

Without the modern boom lift, individuals would be left to use more dangerous and less capable equipment such as ladders and scissor lifts.

Boom lifts can also stop workers from using crane, which is very expensive and often times too much work to set up and operate.

Here’s a list of safety steps you should take away with you when you purchase or rent a stump grinder.

Before operating any the boom lift, be sure that the boom arm correctly moves up, down, and around. Do not just assume that your boom lift is working correctly. Inspect and ensure the safety of your crew.

One of the most common boom lift injuries and accidents happen because workers fall from the top of the boom lift. 

All it takes is a simple slip or fall and you’ll find yourself falling to your death. That is if you don’t have a safety harness. If you are wearing one, you have nothing to worry about it.

Boom lifts should steer clear of power lines and other hazardous materials such as large tree branches. Making contact with power lines can be fatal and electrocute operators. Hitting overhead material can also damage the lift itself.

Make sure you are properly trained or are working with personnel who are.

Any and all personnel should avoid walking and working underneath a boom lift. Falling equipment, structures, or branches can paralyze or kill unsuspecting individuals.

Sectioning off the area is a good idea, especially if there is unstable material that lies above. Use caution tape, cones, and signs to help clear the area.

When operating heavy machinery and landscaping equipment, it’s best to know how the machine works. That means knowing how to run the machine and turn it off in case of an emergency. Proper training can save a life and prevent serious injury. Especially when operating a machine as tough and deadly as a stump grinder.

Whenever operating or working around a stump grinder, always stay on your toes. Wood chippings and mulch will be sent flying everywhere. The last thing you want is to receive a wood chipping in your skin. But even be more careful with the actual stump grinder chain itself. Stump grinders can completely shred and sever limbs to the point of amputation cutting through major arteries, veins, and even vital organs. This can result in death.

Wind and inclement weather can completely knock and tip over a boom lift. If you suspect windy conditions during boom lift operation, consider postponing the work and protecting your workers… and yourself from a possible lawsuit.

All boom lifts have a weight limit that should never be exceeded. Putting too much weight on a boom lift can cause it too tip over and/or collapse, comprising the safety of everyone in and around the lift.

Before renting a lift, always speak with trained staff to understand the capabilities and limitations of the lift. NEVER exceed these limitations!