NLEQ is proud to offer a wide assortment of used boom lifts to our customers. We also have the privilege of helping others understand what types of boom lifts, commonly called cherry pickers and man lifts, are available for them to purchase for their construction projects. While there are many different models of boom lifts available today, they can generally be broken down into two different categories:
- Self-driving boom lifts, which includes straight boom lifts as well as articulated boom lifts.
- Towable boom lifts.
In this article we will explain the differences between the categories so that you can make the most informed decision when it comes time to make a purchase of your own.
Self-Driving Boom Lifts
These boom lifts are often outfitted with tires, though they can also be purchased with tracks instead. What makes these boom lifts unique is that they are operated by a person sitting inside of an onboard basket. These four-wheel-drive lifts are ideal for outdoor work, especially when the terrain is a bit more rugged than you’d experience in an indoor job site.
Self-driving boom lifts are also very sturdy in construction, with heavy bases that make them resistant to tipping. They can be maneuvered with ease, making them rather versatile in their applications. For these reasons listed, many construction business owners prefer to use self-driving lifts when working in heavy construction duty outside.
These lifts also tend to be significantly larger in size than towable boom lifts, meaning that they have a higher capacity in general. One downside of this fact is that it requires significant hauling capacity. You will have to transport your self-driving boom lift on a large trailer. This shouldn’t be a surprise, since these lifts do weigh about as much as a tractor.
Articulating Boom Lifts
This type of self-driving boom lift has an articulating arm, hence the name, that enables it to perform a number of tasks with greater ease. The arm unfolds, layer by layer, until it is at the desired height required for the job. These lifts are more compact than straight boom lifts and can therefore be maneuvered easily through even the most crowded of job sites.
Straight Boom Lifts
A straight boom lift utilizes a telescoping arm to achieve its maximum working height. They are easier to maintain than articulated boom lifts, but do not operate as ideally in close quarters.
Towable Boom Lifts
If you are looking toward used boom lifts that are lighter weight and less costly than self-driving boom lifts, towable lifts are a solid alternative. There are, however, certain downsides to using this type of lift instead of the self-driving varieties. These lifts generally have a lesser extent of reach than larger, self-driving boom lifts and cannot be adjusted with the same ease as their larger counterparts.
Don’t be discouraged, as there are benefits to choosing towable boom lifts. For one, they can be transported with greater ease due to their lighter design. Another benefit is that they do not require a drive engine or chassis, which greatly reduces their price tag.
Buy Your Used Boom Lifts from NLEQ
When you make a selection from our catalog of used boom lifts, you can feel confident in knowing that you are getting the highest-quality lift for the price. We place safety, functionality and customer service at the forefront of our business.
