Boom Lift Buying Guide

Boom lifts, often referred to as “cherry pickers,” are used for far more than just picking fruit. They are common in many industries, including landscaping, forestry, utility work, and agriculture. There is a surprising amount of variation among boom lift models, with different features making them better suited to different kinds of work. If you think that a boom lift might be right for your business, this guide from R & M Equipment can help you find the model that works best for you. 

Definition

A boom lift is a type of construction lift. It gets its name from its long hydraulic arm (the boom), which can be raised and lowered at the operator’s discretion. The bottom end of the boom is attached to a base, while the top is attached to a bucket, platform, or basket. The operator sits in the vehicle’s cab, which supports the lift and boom. From there, the operator can maneuver the apparatus up and down and side to side as needed.

Boom lifts are either articulated or telescoping. Articulated boom lifts have an arm that extends by bending and straightening, while telescoping lifts have a straight arm that telescopes, meaning that it extends out and back in.

Shopping Considerations

There are a few factors to consider when shopping for a boom lift. For example, taller boom lifts tend to cost more, but a lift that can’t reach as high as you need it to obviously isn’t of much use. Determine how tall of a lift you need, and go from there. It is also helpful to know the type of terrain you will be working in, as some models may not be able to handle certain conditions as well as others. Finally, know what your overall load and lifting requirements will be beforehand, as a weaker model might not be able to safely complete high-strain tasks. 

If you are ready to look at boom lift models, visit R & M Equipment. We operate two dealerships, one in Birmingham and one in Trinity, Alabama. Both offer rentals, new and used equipment sales, parts, and service appointments, as well as boasting a friendly and knowledgeable staff. We are proud to serve northern Alabama, and we welcome guests from nearby communities like Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.