what is a boom lift?

A boom lift is a high-altitude Aerial lifting platform that allows an extension in horizontal and vertical directions. They are effective working equipment for outdoor work and construction projects. The boom lift has a higher attachment range than the scissor lift, but its working platform size is smaller than the scissor lift. A boom lift is more suitable for outdoor or single-person work because the platform is easy to move, saving working time.

There are two types of boom lift: an articulated boom lift and a telescopic boom lift. The articulated boom is specially built for one person and can reach the area that cannot be reached by a telescopic boom lift; For example, if you need to get a certain horizontal height but still need to be vertical to reach the endpoint, an articulated lift platform is more suitable

The articulating boom lifts are divided into two types: self-propelled and towable boom lifts. 

1. The towable boom lift is high-altitude operation equipment that relies on external power to move horizontally. It can be safely on the road, and the maximum speed can reach 60km/h. Its vertical movement can rely on a variety of power, which can be battery-powered or gasoline-powered, or it can be used Combination of battery and gasoline dual power.

The safe configuration of the towable boom lift is as follows: 

• Anti-collision safety barrier: used to protect the user’s body when it collides with obstacles, metal paint, etc.
• Outrigger: High-strength all-steel base, independent operation of hydraulic outriggers, independent control of the handle, and the space can be adjusted according to the conditions of use.
• Adjusting wheel: adjust the height of the whole machine to make the rear of the trailer move better and keep the level of work
• Inertial sensor: when the trailer/truck stops suddenly, the device will automatically brake the towing arm to lift
• The boom lift has two controllers, one is located on the top platform, and the other is located on the chassis of the boom lift. These two controllers make it easier for us to operate the platform
• The boom lock prevents the boom from swinging when the boom moves so as to prevent the boom from being damaged during the lifting process
• When the boom hoist is running, the warning light will sound to remind people around to pay attention to safety

2. The self-propelled articulated boom lift can move horizontally and vertically with its own power. The general power source is a battery, gasoline, or diesel power.

The self-propelled articulated boom lift has the following characteristics:

• The turning radius as small as 3.12 meters enables the machine to work in narrow spaces.
• 48V and 425Ah high-capacity batteries make the cruising capability longer.
• Advanced AC motor drive technology; steering differential control technology; powerful and robust action; level capacity up to 28%
• DC pump and proportional control technology are energy-saving and efficient and work more stable and safer.

The installation speed of the telescopic boom lift is faster, and it feels more stable because it has only one straight-in and straight-out arm.

However, most people will argue that an articulated boom is better because it can do what a telescope can do, but it also has additional functions.

A telescopic boom lift has the main features:

1 It can adapt to specific working environments and work in humid, corrosive, dusty, high temperature, and low-temperature environments.

2 When the boom is in any position, the operating platform can be operated to walk, but the walking speed decreases with the lifting height.

3 There are upper and lower consoles, and the upper and lower consoles are converted by reversing switches. The lower workbench stops working when the upper control is in use.

4. The boom is equipped with a buffer device, and it runs smoothly in telescopic, luffing, and rotation.

5. Electronic hydraulic control system, boom telescopic, luffing, rotation, and platform walking can realize step-less speed regulation.

6. The working platform has an automatic leveling function, and the inclination angle of the working platform relative to the horizontal plane cannot be greater than 1.5°

7. The upper and lower consoles are equipped with emergency stop buttons. When an unexpected operation occurs, workers can quickly break the engine to prevent the platform from moving.

8. Reliable brakes should be provided for platform walking and boom rotation to ensure reliable control on slopes and during operation. Install the manual rotation lock and release the walking brake function so that the platform can be towed.

9. Environmental protection, low noise, no trace driving, suitable for indoor construction.

What is a scissor lift?

Unlike the boom-type lift EWP, the scissor lift has a smaller operating radius. Because the scissor lift does not have the function of rotating and telescopic but compared with the arm lift, the working table of the scissor lift is relatively large, which can allow 2-3 people to work at the same time, and the platform load of the scissor lift is relatively large. Generally, 300 -1000kg and the load of the boom lift is generally around 200kg.

The unit lifting structure adopts a cross-mode connecting folding bracket.

Scissor lifts can be self-propelled, trailer-mounted, or vehicle-mounted and can be equipped with outriggers and assisted walking.

Types of scissor lifts

The following briefly introduces several scissor lifts.

Hydraulic Scissor Lift

Electric scissor lift

Crawler Scissor Lift

Hydraulic stationary scissor lift

Hydraulic Unlike the arm EWP, the scissor lift has a smaller operating radius. Because the scissor lift does not have the function of rotating and telescopic but compared with the arm lift, the working table of the scissor lift is relatively large, which can allow 2-3 people to work at the same time, and the platform load of the scissor lift is relatively large. Generally, 300 -1000kg and the load of the boom lift is generally around 200kg.

The unit lifting structure adopts a cross-mode connecting folding bracket.

Scissor lifts can be self-propelled, trailer-mounted, or vehicle-mounted and can be equipped with outriggers and assisted walking.

What factors should be considered when choosing a boom lift vs scissor lift?

Loading Capacity:

When choosing between a boom lift or a scissor lift, the first thing you should consider is the number of your workers or the load capacity you require. For the arm lift, only one person is allowed to work at the most, and multiple people are not allowed to work simultaneously. For load-bearing work needs, we recommend using a scissor lift because its supporting structure is kept vertical to accommodate more employees and objects.

Indoor work or outdoor work:

The working environment of different lifting platforms is different. The passing performance of the scissor lift is better than that of the boom lift, so if you need to complete indoor work, the scissor lift is your first choice.

The lifting height and working range of the boom lift are more significant than that of the scissor lift, which is suitable for outdoor work. It can excellently complete wall maintenance, glass cleaning, street lamp installation, and cherry-picking.

There are many types of boom lifts and scissor lifts. We must decide according to our own needs and budget when choosing them. As a Chinese manufacturer specializing in scissor lifts and boom lifts, Homelift will provide you with professional opinions about scissor lift vs boom lift. You can contact us at any time.