What Are Telescopic Boom Lifts?

Used for a variety of tasks, a telescopic boom lift is almost a mix between a crane and a traditional cherry picker. A platform is perched on the end of an extendable boom, allowing users to access areas at great heights with ease and relative safety.

In areas that are difficult to reach the telescopic boom lift comes into its own. A ladder isn't long (or practical) enough and a cherry picker not large enough, that's when you'll need to call in the telescopic boom.

Due to its incredible reach and strong, sturdy base, it is the perfect platform for reaching heights that would otherwise prove impossible. Used to gain external access to large buildings, overhead cables or high level building works, the simplicity of its function does little to undermine its fantastic usability.

They are often used by councils and are very similar to the style of platform used by some fire departments. As the name suggests, the boom can be extended to various lengths to accommodate specific requirements. Of course different models will feature varying specifications, but they tend to have a reach that outstrips any other form of powered access available.

So how do they get from place to place?

Well, telescopic boom lifts tend to be highly transportable. Where they have to operate in areas where access and terrain may be challenging, they have been specially built to accommodate these issues and be able to get you in closer.

The boom lift itself sits on a truck of sorts. It will usually be a 4 wheeled drive all terrain style vehicle, although in the most part it will only be used to drive around the site (you won't see many charging up and down the motorways for instance). This makes it ideal for manoeuvring it into position and providing a strong sturdy base from which to launch the platform.

How do you angle the platform?

The telescopic boom itself juts out straight and can have the angle of trajectory altered at the base. Often there will be some kind of pivot when fully extended, allowing the operator to move the platform up and down as required.

The whole thing is controlled by a panel on the platform itself, allowing users to easily operate and adjust their position remotely. This adds speed to the job and means that you are constantly resetting.

As with most powered access lifts, the telescopic boom features a large platform that can accommodate a number of people working at any one time. So whether you're doing work alone or in a group you should have more than enough room for all your tools and equipment, making for a highly manageable working environment.

Is it safe?

When you're lofted to 100 feet plus on a telescopic boom lift you would be wise to consider safety as a primary concern. Any fall from that kind of height could be deadly, unless of course it is on the end of a bungee - another one of their uses. Harnesses should be worn at all times, connecting you to the structure of the platform. This will just ensure that any accidental slip doesn't prove costly.

Again, even with harnesses on, you shouldn't feel too constrained when using the telescopic boom lift. Discomfort can often slow down your work and cause mistakes, so ensuring a safe and comfortable environment is vital.

So if you are working in a difficult area and need to access a rooftop or other elevated structure, a telescopic boom lift might well provide the perfect solution. With huge reach, 4 wheel drive power and impressive stability there's little reason to consider anything else.