Telescopic boom lifts, also called straight mast boom lifts, are types of aerial work platforms attached to extension arms. They work like telescopes to extend to heights that would be difficult to reach otherwise. Many people use them for landscaping and industrial construction.

Telescopic boom lift can’t reach over or around objects or obstacles, but it’s more stable at great heights than any other type of aerial lift. A telescopic boom lift also works better in rainy or windy conditions, and it offers plenty of horizontal reach. This extended reach makes a telescopic boom lift a popular option for outdoor projects. The right telescopic boom lift height is essential for the safety and efficiency of your workers. The following are some factors you should consider to choose the best boom lift for your company.

How to Choose the Right Telescopic Boom Lift Height
Determine the Weight Capacity
Make sure the telescopic boom lift you choose can support enough weight for your task. It could have to carry one or two people, heavy equipment such as saws, and raw materials such drywall or tile.

You should also think about the weight of the fully loaded machine. The ground can’t always support large equipment, and machines that are too heavy could become stuck or damage asphalt or concrete. If you need different weight capacities for different projects, you can rent the ideal boom lift for each project. That way, you won’t have to spend more on fuel or rental fees than you need to. By renting instead of buying, you can also avoid paying for maintenance or storing large equipment when you’re not using it.

A boom lift often has a smaller, lighter body than a larger boom or bucket truck. Some bucket trucks are 320 feet tall, taller than telescopic boom lifts. However, boom lifts are larger and heavier, so they’re more stable than the bucket or boom trucks. However, boom lifts could be too large to access some work sites. Bucket trucks aren’t as maneuverable as boom trucks, and they usually have a smaller platform height and weight capacity. Make sure that the telescopic boom lift you choose has the right tires for the terrain you need to travel over as well.

Calculate the Telescopic Boom Lift Height and Range
A range is the amount of horizontal space that telescopic boom lifts need to move. Before you rent this type of lift, measure all parts of the place where you’ll be working.

For an exact measurement, use an ultrasonic distance meter. You want to make sure you have enough room to turn your telescopic boom lift, go through doorways, and avoid obstacles. The smallest models are 40 feet tall, while the largest telescopic boom lifts are 180 feet tall. A 40-foot machine has a maximum range or horizontal reach of about 34 feet, and a 120-foot boom lift has a range of 75 feet.

Assess the Size of the Platform
You shouldn’t try to carry anything on a telescopic boom lift that’s larger than its platform, even if what you have is relatively light. Without looking at the dimensions of the platform, you won’t know if the tools or equipment that you plan to lift can fit there safely. Try to choose a telescopic boom lift with a platform that’s big enough to fit all the items you need on it at once so that you won’t have to waste time raising and lowering the platform to switch equipment.

Consider the Work Area
Telescopic boom lifts usually run on diesel or dual fuel. You shouldn’t use a telescopic boom lift indoors without plenty of ventilation. The fumes from the exhaust could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or other health problems. Electric telescopic booms are usually quietest and best for working indoors. However, they’re not as powerful as most gas, diesel, or propane motors.

You should also make sure the telescopic boom lift you choose has a stable base and tires that are correct for the terrain. Many telescopic boom lifts have wide bases for extra stability and four-wheel drive. Additional stabilization is available for rough areas, but it will increase the footprint of the telescopic boom lift you choose.

Review the Safety Components
Choosing the correct telescopic boom lift is essential for your safety. A lift that’s too big could bump into power lines, low roofs, and other obstacles, but a lift that’s too small won’t bring your equipment and workers where they’re needed. Make sure that you’re familiar with safety laws and regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces United States safety laws, including telescopic boom lift safety. Only trained, authorized people should operate telescopic boom lifts. If an accident takes place, if you discover new workplace hazards, or if you decide to use a different type of aerial lift, you should retrain your workers. Also, you can operate most boom lifts from the platform, and they can carry one person at a time.