Types of aerial boom lifts

Written by Anastasia Zoldak

An aerial boom lift is a vital piece of equipment for businesses that requires the movement of materials, inventory, or other loads. Businesses with warehouses or distribution centers may increase warehouse capacity, efficiency, and productivity with the use of a forklift boom. Boom and extension boom forklifts are also helpful in such industries as construction, landscaping, and other labor-intensive industries where large loads must be handled and moved over obstacles to considerable heights. If you want to convert an existing forklift into a boom forklift, you’re in luck, as there are two types of attachments that can help.

Advantages of this type of machinery

Businesses that use an aerial boom lift in their operations may increase the height of inventory shelving to increase overall warehouse capacity. The various boom forklift options are designed to allow businesses to carry larger loads or items that normally are hard to move through conventional means. There are two main types of boom products available for forklifts: the boom and the extension boom.

Extension boom forklifts. An extension boom is an attachment that gives a forklift greater height, reach, and crane capabilities. The boom easily slips onto the forks of an existing forklift and is attached with safety chains. The extension boom attachment can be purchased in various weight capacities up to 6,000 pounds, depending on your needs. You can adjust the height and take advantage of the chain and hook feature that can fully extend and retract as needed. Some extension booms allow the operator to pivot the load horizontally as well

Extension boom forklifts allow businesses to move materials onto elevated areas. In construction, for example, they’re often used to move building materials through upper story windows.

Telescoping boom forklifts. The telescoping boom is a simpler attachment. It’s also attached to the forks of a lift tuck to create a boom forklift. Attached chains allow you to pick up and move loads that are long, rounded or oddly shaped. Telescoping boom forklifts have a load capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The extension feature can accommodate longer items and, with two lifting hooks, secure loads safely.

OSHA requirements

Businesses must note that, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the use of any attachment not original to a forklift requires businesses to contact the manufacturer of the forklift for written approval. Getting this approval letter is highly recommended since OSHA will fine businesses that do not comply.

Buying a boom forklift or boom attachment for your forklift starts with choosing the right forklift dealer. When you’re ready to make your purchase, use EverythingForklift’s free request for price quotes service to get customized bids from reputable dealerships in your area.

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