Towable Boom Lifts

While the towable boom lift may not be the most common option of ariel lifts on a job site, it's still a powerful, versatile, and useful machine under the right circumstances. With all the features of a common ariel lift and the convenient transportation option of being a trailer, the towable boom lift proves to be a great, convenient way to work at heights without the standard heavy equipment hauling costs.

What Does A Towable Boom Lift Do?

Just like the articulating and straight boom lifts, the towable boom lift allows its operator to extend its boom arms in order for its bucket to reach tall heights. The highlightable feature of the towable boom lift isn't its height-reaching ability, however, but rather its towing capability. While articulating and straight boom lifts have better height capabilities, the towable boom lift has convenience. The towing feature of this boom lift allows its operator to mount the machine to the trailer hitch of a vehicle in order to conveniently transport it at a lower cost.

Design and Components of The Towable Boom Lift

The makeup of a basic towable boom lift is designed similarly to other ariel lifts. However, the main lifting components of the towable boom lift are accompanied by a few other components to make its transportation capabilities possible. Generally, the towable boom lift is made up of these components; a small turntable cover, a top and bottom (or primary and secondary) boom, a basket, a boom rest, auto-stabilizing outriggers, a tailer-axle frame with two tires, a dolly wheel and jack, and a trailer hitch. The trailer-axle frame with tires, dolly and jack, and trailer hitch are the unique components of a towable boom lift that other ariel man lifts don't have.

Operating The Towable Boom Lift: The Basics

There are two main modes of working with towable boom lifts: transport mode and operation mode.

Transport mode, as the name would suggest, is when you are working with the towable boom lift by transporting it via its trailer hitch. When working in transport mode, the first thing to make sure of is that the towable boom lift's outriggers and booms are in their enclosed position and are locked in place. From there, the trailer hitch should be properly mounted on the vehicle that's going to be towing the machine. It's best to refer to the specific towable boom lift's operation manual in order to complete this process as some hitches and machines have different requirements.

Once the towable boom lift has reached the job site destination, the wheels can be stabilized with chocks and it can be unhitched from the vehicle. From here, refer to the specific machine's operation manual in order properly and safely activate the towable boom lift's outriggers for automatic leveling and stabilization.

Operation mode is when you are using the basket and lifting functionality of the towable boom lift. When working in operation mode, there are several basic functions that universally all towable boom lifts will be able to perform. Once safely inside the basket with all the proper precautions and preparation completed, the operator will be able to raise and lower the boom with the machine's control panel. Refer to the specific towable boom lift's operation manual to learn these controls and familiarize yourself with the control panel as they vary from brand to brand.

In some cases, the top (or primary) boom will be controlled separately from the bottom (or secondary) boom. Some towable boom lifts even have the ability to move and reposition themselves by using functions on the control panel.

All of these operational features and controls mentioned above can be executed by using either the control panel in the basket or the control panel at the base of the towable boom lift.

What Is The Difference Between a Towable Boom Lift and Other Man Lifts?

The main difference between the towable boom lift and other man lifts like the articulating boom lift and telescopic boom lift, as the name implies, is the towing and transportation functionality. Towable boom lifts have the ability to be transported much more easily than other man lifts since they essentially act as their own trailer. This functionality is especially handy if the job requires a lot of movement from location to location.

Although the towable boom lift's easy and convenient transportation capabilities are perhaps the biggest, most obvious difference from other man lifts, there are some more specific differences that are noteworthy. For instance, while the average towable boom lift can reach maximum basket heights of around 50ft (or 15m), other man lifts can reach maximum heights from anywhere between 60ft (18m) to 140ft (43m). As such, it's important to know the height requirements for the job you're doing so that you can pick the best option.

Common Uses of the Towable Boom Lift

Whenever a project calls for both work at elevated heights and increased transportability, contractors should choose to use or rent a towable boom lift. The towable boom lift's increased stability and easy transportation offer additional safety to workers working at heights while also providing a quick and efficient way to get around to different job sites. 

Boom lifts can be a helpful tool when doing projects that require reaching tall heights. These projects include but are not limited to:

• Erecting scaffolding

• Fruit picking on farms

• Painting walls and ceilings

• Lighting work

• Hanging signs

• Cleaning out gutters and eavestroughs

What Questions Should You Ask Before Renting a Towable Boom Lift?

Asking a variety of questions can help you find the best lift for the job. A few examples of questions to ask and things to consider are:

• How heavy is the towable boom lift you need?

• Do you have a trailer hitch and vehicle capable of towing the weight of the specific towable boom lift you need?

• What type of movement do you need on the job site?

• How high do you need to go?

• How many people and how much material do you need to move?

• What are the job site conditions?

• What kind of power source capability do you have on-site?

• What are the space restrictions of the job site and work area?

Answering these questions will help you determine the platform height, boom type, and whether it should be tracked or wheeled with two or four-wheel drive. This helps contractors pick whether a specific boom or scissor lift is the better option to rent.

Current Manufacturers Of Towable Boom Lifts

While there are many manufacturers across the globe making towable boom lifts, there are only a few big names in the North American market. These companies are JLG, Genie, Haulotte, and NiftyLift.

• JLG's towable boom lift lineup includes the T350 and T500J models

• Genie's towable boom lift lineup includes the TZ-34/20 and TZ-50 models

• Haulotte's towable boom lifts lineup includes the 3522A, 3632T, 4527A, 5533A, and 6534A models

• NiftyLift's towable boom lifts lineup includes the TM34, T34T, TM42T, TM50, and TM64 models

Each of the models mentioned above has an average basket height ranging between 30ft to 55ft (or 9m to 17m). Towable boom lifts generally don't exceed a maximum basket height of 55ft (17m).

Potential Hazards & Safety Protocols

Boom lifts take the operator and worker high off the ground. As such, falls are one of the fatal four accidents recognized by OSAH in construction. Working at heights should be taken seriously and a worker should never become too comfortable working off the ground. 

The boom machine itself poses potential hazardous situations and, like with any kind of heavy equipment, should be handled with care. Never operate a towable boom lift if it is not safe to do so and always wear a safety harness. 

There are a few common hazards that are associated with boom lifts aside from falling. They are tipping, pinning, dropped objects, and electricity.

Dangers of Tipping a Boom Lift

As soon as a machine raises material – or in this case people – up into the air, the center of gravity is thrown off. Boom lifts are made to reach out and lift up materials and people and are incredibly stable machines. However, this does not mean that they are immune to tipping. 

To avoid tipping a towable boom lift, always survey the job site before beginning to work and test to ensure the terrain is solid, especially after rain or a storm. Wheels can become stuck or sink which poses the threat of tipping the machine or knocking off the operator. Never exceed the maximum weight and range of a boom lift and always use personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Dangers of Being Pinned or Crushed On a Boom Lift

Towable boom lifts are created to take operators to new heights but there are new kinds of obstacles that live in the rafters. Overhead beams, moving against walls, and working under ceilings can create the hazard of pinching or being pinned. 

To avoid pinching, always keep arms and legs inside the safety railings, maneuver the bucket slowly, and never work alone.

Dangers of Dropped Objects From a Boom Lift

When working at a height, it becomes your responsibility to keep those working under your boom lift safe as well. Dropping a hammer or even something as small as a nail from those heights can cause serious injury to those below a boom lift platform. 

To avoid injuring those below you, always secure equipment and materials when working at heights. Use all the safety features and tools available and do not skip steps to save time. Always put safety first.

Dangers of Working With Electricity on Boom Lifts

Working at heights can often mean working on electrical projects or near wires. Electricity is silent and can be very deadly. Electricians are aware of the dangers but those not used to working close to electricity may overlook or not be fully aware of the dangers. Look at site plans ahead of time to analyze the location of any wires.

Other Ways to Stay Safe On A Towable Boom Lift

Examples of other steps to take to ensure the safe operation of a towable boom lift are:

• Knowing where the lift emergency stop and lowering measures are

• Knowing how to use the lift emergency stop and lowering measure

• Never operate a boom lift alone

• Always wear safety harnesses and other PPE

• Secure all tools when working on a raised platform

• Never work a boom lift with another worker standing under the platform

• Use a boom lift only if the base is on stable ground

• Survey the area where the operator will be working for exposed wires and other potential hazards

• Request proper training and never operate a boom lift if you do not know how