Reaching New Heights: A Guide to the World's Tallest Boom Lift
With the tallest man lift capable of reaching up to 210 feet vertically, boom lifts are the best machine for working at insane heights. In this blog, we’ll highlight the tallest boom lifts in the world, for both telescopic lifts and articulating lifts. We will also compare the boom lift reach, platform capacities, working height, and features, and provide insights to help you understand their capabilities.
Exploring the World of Aerial Work Platforms
Boom lifts are mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) that have changed how contractors and laborers access great heights. There are two types of boom lifts: the telescopic boom lift and the articulating boom lift. The main differences between these two types of lifts are that telescopic boom lifts have a singular boom that has further vertical and horizontal reach while articulating boom lifts have a boom with many knuckles, allowing it to bend around obstacles if needed. Essentially, a telescopic boom has limited flexibility while an articulating boom lift has up-and-over capabilities.
But fundamentally, both boom lifts help accomplish the same task: reach extraordinary heights. The ease of using boom lifts on construction sites allows workers to:
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Reach unprecedented heights safely and efficiently
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Complete tasks that were previously unreachable
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Increase productivity and efficiency
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Reduce the risk of accidents and injuries
Now that we know a little about the differences between the machines, let's uncover the world's largest aerial work platforms and their features.
The Tallest Telescopic Boom Lifts: Where The Sky Isn't the Limit
Telescopic lifts, also known as straight boom lifts, are characterized by their straight boom design. Because of this design, telescopic boom lift machines provide a higher vertical reach and greater horizontal outreach compared to their articulating counterparts.
The Snorkel 2100SJ
While Snorkel may not have the name recognition as other telescopic boom lift brands like Genie and JLG, that hasn't stopped them from engineering the tallest boom lift in the world: the Snorkel 2100SJ. The 2100SJ has a platform height of 210 feet and 6 inches, and a working height of 216 feet when fully extended. It also has a horizontal reach of just under 115 feet. This makes it the world's largest boom lift in the world.
On top of the machine's reach capabilities is its superior maneuverability. The 2100SJ allows for a full 360-degree rotation of the structure, allowing the operator's position to change when needed. The lift is equipped with a four-wheel drive system, enabling it to navigate through challenging terrains. It also features five steering modes: front, rear, crab, complementary, and lateral. The Snorkel 2100SJ exemplifies the perfect blend of power, reach, and maneuverability.
The JLG 1850SJ Ultra Boom
Among these towering machines is the JLG boom lift, and more specifically, the JLG 1850SJ Ultra Boom Lift. This man lift has a platform height of just over 185 feet and a full height of 191 feet when factoring in the operator. It has a platform capacity of up to 1,000 lbs when operating in restricted weight limits and 500 when unrestricted. The JLG1850's horizontal outreach is 80 feet.
Related: DOZR's telescopic boom lift spec guide.
However, the JLG 1850SJ is not merely about height. It also showcases remarkable efficiency, with axles that can be extended or retracted in approximately one minute, streamlining the transition from transport to operation.
The Genie SX-180
While the Snorkel and JLG may have bigger telescopic lifts, models like the Genie SX-180 should not be overshadowed. The Genie SX-180 has a maximum platform height of 180 feet and a working height of 186 feet. It also has a horizontal reach of 80 feet and a platform capacity of 750 lbs. As such, it is still suitable for job sites that require high-reach applications.
The Genie SX-180 is also packed with features that enhance safety and efficiency. The platform can rotate up to 160 degrees, allowing for precise positioning from the basket and a wider work envelope. The standard model has 4WD that can be used to drive over different terrains.
The Tallest Articulating Boom Lifts: The Pinnacle of Flexibility
Shifting the focus to articulating boom lifts, these machines are characterized by their multiple joints or ‘knuckles’. These joints allow them to change angles and navigate around obstacles with ease. Designed to maneuver in confined spaces, articulating boom lifts have less reach than telescopic boom lifts but can move up and over obstacles, a capability that is paramount in crowded job sites. While there are some electric articulating boom lift models, none of the high-reaching machines are electric.
JLG 1500AJP
The JLG 1500AJP articulating boom lift is another high-flying giant in the industry. With a platform height of 150 feet and a working height of 156 feet, it is the world's largest articulating lift on the market today and can lift 600 lbs.
This JLG boom lift can also extend its arms to a horizontal outreach of 75 feet, providing a substantial work envelope for workers to perform their tasks efficiently. It also has a 360-degree swing capability, offering a full range of motion that enhances on-site efficiency.
The Genie ZX-135/70
The Genie ZX-135/70 is a prime example of an articulating boom lift designed for outdoor construction and industrial applications. Its unique design allows it to reach areas that traditional booms cannot. With a working height of 141 feet, a platform height of 135 feet, and a horizontal reach of 70 feet, it is only slightly smaller than the JLG 1500AJP. It also has a platform capacity of 600 lbs.
Related: DOZR's articulating boom lift spec guide.
However, its capabilities extend beyond reach. The Genie ZX-135/70 features the Genie X-Chassis system, which expands for stability during use and retracts for a compact profile during transport. With four-wheel drive and full-time positive traction, the Genie ZX-135/70 is ready to conquer any terrain, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. It also has different steering options for more maneuverability.
Haulotte HA130 RTJ PRO
The Haulotte HA130 RTJ PRO articulating boom lift is a reliable and rough terrain machine that offers a working height of 136 feet and 2 inches and a platform height of 130 feet. With a horizontal reach of 65 feet and 11 inches, it can easily access hard-to-reach areas, making it a valuable asset in various job sites.
Besides its impressive reach, the Haulotte HA130 RTJ PRO also boasts robust performance features, including a 360-degree turntable rotation as well as a platform rotation range of 180 degrees. Where it lacks in comparison to the previous two models is in its lift capacity at only 500 lbs.
Maximizing Reach and Efficiency: Telescopic Jib Extensions
Telescopic jib extensions enhance the reach and efficiency of boom lifts. These extensions can help access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible with a traditional man lift, making them indispensable tools in various industries. However, while jib extensions can help extend a boom lift's work envelope, they also decrease the maximum platform capacity of the machine.
Safety First: Operating the Tallest Man Lifts
Despite the numerous benefits of boom lifts, they also present certain risks. Operating a boom lift requires comprehensive training, encompassing safe operation, hazard identification, and proper use of safety equipment. Operating the tallest man lift? That requires even more operator focus.
Safety measures for operating aerial work platforms include:
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Only authorized personnel wearing a safety harness attached to the boom or basket are allowed to operate aerial lifts.
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Load limits specified by the manufacturer must not be exceeded.
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Safety protocols must be rigorously followed.
These measures ensure that the use of these high-reaching machines remains as safe as possible when working at their full height.
Choosing the Right Lift for the Job
Selecting the lift that aligns with your job requirements and work environment is essential. Factors such as work environment, clearance requirements, terrain, and frequency of use are significant in determining the specifications for the right boom lift. For instance, telescopic boom lifts work best on job sites where maximum reach is needed with limited obstructions. An articulating boom lift, on the other hand, works best when there are obstructions like trees, steeples, or walls that need to be maneuvered around.
Other lifts like scissor lifts or vertical man lifts might have use cases too, depending on the size and scope of the job. For example, if there is really limited space, vertical man lifts or often compact and self-propelled, only working with one operator. Meanwhile, a scissor lift might be a better option on flat or indoor jobs where the maximum height needed is only 60 feet but requires a higher platform capacity.
Electric Boom Lifts: The Future of High-Reach Equipment
As we look to the future of high-reach equipment, electric models stand out. Currently, there is only one electric telescopic boom lift model: the Genie S-60 DC. However, several electric articulating boom lift models can be used for indoor projects. These machines are advantageous because they have zero emissions and reduce emissions and noise pollution. However, they currently have a maximum platform height of 60 feet.
While more industry leaders like JLG, Genie, Snorkel, Skyjack, MEC, and Haulotte are most likely going to incorporate more electric models at some point, we are still several years away from having an electric boom lift that can reach higher than gas-powered models. However, with electric articulating boom lifts becoming more common and electric scissor lifts being preferred for tasks requiring straight-line access indoors, the future of high-reach equipment is undoubtedly electric.
Conclusion
From exploring the world’s largest telescopic boom lifts and articulating boom lifts, we’ve highlighted the biggest aerial lifts in the world. And the good news is, the technology and development of new products will only make them better. Whle there's still a lot to be done in the electric space for high-reach boom lifts, there's lots of evidence they are on the way.
Looking to rent an articulating boom lift or a telescopic boom lift? Search DOZR.com today or call our team of experts to find the right equipment for the job. With all kinds of aerial lifts on our site, we're sure to find the right machine for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest Genie lift?
The highest-reaching Genie lift model is the Genie SX-180 telescopic boom, which is designed to safely and quickly lift operators to heights of 180 feet.
What is the maximum height for a boom lift?
The maximum height for a boom lift is typically in the range of 30 to 210 feet. You can find out more about machines and their specs in our articulating boom lift spec guide and our straight boom spec guide.
What is a boom lift?
A boom lift is a type of aerial work platform used in construction and maintenance to access heights and workspaces.
What safety measures are necessary when operating a boom lift?
When operating a boom lift, it is crucial to undergo thorough operator training, adhere to OSHA regulations, wear a body belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket, and follow the manufacturer's load limit specifications to ensure safety.
What is the future of high-reach equipment?
High-reach equipment is moving towards electric models, which offer zero emissions and contribute to a healthier work environment. Embracing electric boom lifts will lead to a reduced ecological impact.
