Articulated Boom Lift vs. Telescopic Boom Lift

There are two types of boom lifts available: Articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts. Continue reading to discover the differences between the two and how to choose the right boom lift for your job at height.

What is an Articulated Boom Lift?

An articulated boom lift contains multiple sections that can articulate at various angles, allowing the operator to reach over and above obstacles. Articulating boom lifts offer more flexibility compared to telescopic boom lifts because an articulating boom platform can reach out to the complex and narrow areas safely and efficiently. Articulated boom lifts are available in both diesel and an electric power source. Industries that are required to work outdoors prefer to acquire diesel-powered boom lift whereas for indoor operations an electric articulated boom lift is available which ensures less noise and comes with non-marking tyres. 

Why choose an Articulated Boom Lift?

If your job at height requires you to reach in between, over, or under various obstacles, an articulated boom lift is the best machine for the job. Z booms, in particular, allow operators to fit in very narrow or congested spaces that would not be possible with a telescopic boom lift.

Both electric and diesel-powered versions of articulated boom lifts are available from Manlift. An electric articulated boom lift is environment-friendly as it produces zero emissions and is noise-free, providing a more pleasant work environment for operators and the ability to work in areas with noise restrictions. In addition, they come with non-marking tyres, which is why they are highly recommended for indoor operations. diesel-powered articulated boom lifts are typically more suited for construction and industrial operations as they can easily move around on rough terrain with a great deal of stability.

Key Features of an Articulated Boom Lift

• Ideal for narrow workspaces
• Ideal for rough terrain operations
• Can reach over and around
• 4WD traction allows gradeability up to 40%

What is Telescopic Boom Lift?

telescopic boom lift is also known as a stick or straight boom as it extends straight with greater horizontal reach. Telescopic boom lifts are commonly used by construction, industrial, painting and facility management industries.

Why choose a Telescopic Boom Lift?

Telescopic boom lifts allow quick boom extension and offer extended outreach. Telescopic booms have active oscillating axles and with four-wheel drive, ensuring maximum terrain ability and traction. A telescopic boom lift is available with either electric or diesel-powered engines based on your requirements.

Key Features of a Telescopic Boom Lift

• Greater horizontal outreach
• Faster to reach full height
• Oscillating axles offer maximum terrain ability 

A straight or telescopic boom lift is a common alternative to articulating boom lift but it offers limited access in terms of reach as it can only move in one direction. A telescopic boom lift comes with a wider base in order to ensure stability safety while working at height. A telescopic boom with working height up to 40 meters is available these days and a rough terrain telescopic boom comes with outriggers for stabilization as the platform needs to be safe while working at height.

In order to choose between an articulated and telescopic boom lift, one must consider various factors such as physical requirements, the terrain of the work area, load capacity and outreach. To learn more about our range of telescopic and articulated booms available.