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Knuckle Or Straight – Knowing What Boom Lift For Hire Is Right For You

Announcement posted by Liftech Handling & Access 24 May 2017

Boom Lift For Hire Is Right For You
If you’re in need of a boom lift for hire, you’ve probably realised that there is more than one type – knuckle and straight – so how do you know which is right for you? Although both are able to raise you to dizzying heights, choosing the wrong one for the application at hand will just prove to be a waste of money. In this article, we have outlined the key differences between these machines in the hope that it helps you determine which one will best tick all your boxes.

Knuckle Boom

Also known as articulating booms, these machines feature various hinges (or knuckles’ along the boom that can change the direction of the platform. This allows it to be used in up-and-over applications – you can be lifted over obstacles to ensure that you can access the desired spot safely.

If you need to work around obstacles (such as fixtures, walls and even other machinery), this type of boom lift for rent is your best choice. Generally speaking, the smallest model on the market has a working height of 10 metres and the largest has a working height of 41 metres.

Many people have actually found that these booms are best suited to indoor applications, as these are where most obstacles lie. As such, there are electric models available to ensure that workers aren’t exposed to potentially harmful fumes generated by diesel and LPG engines.

Another reason that some people prefer to use knuckle booms is that they have a much smaller working base, which means that they take up less room on the ground. Straight models are prone to being longer and even wider, which means that they have difficulty moving in narrower spaces.

Straight Boom

Also known as telescopic booms, these machines extend similarly to a telescopic (as their name suggests). The boom itself is straight, forming a sloping or triangular angle from the lifting mechanism up to the platform. It is generally only suited to works that require you to be lifted up-and-out.

If you need to get the most out of both the height and outreach capability of your machine, then a straight boom lift for hire is for you. Generally speaking, the smallest model on the market has a working height of 15 metres and the largest has a working height of 41 metres.

Many people have found that these booms are best suited to tasks in the maintenance and construction industries, particularly if their outdoors and feature rough or uneven ground. They will be able to handle all sorts of terrain with ease and without putting workers at risk.

Another reason that some people prefer to use straight booms is that they offer more accurate platform placement – there is less risk of the platform moving around during the lift, which lessens the likelihood that an accident or even damage could occur to the surrounding area.

We hope that the information provided above has enabled you to choose the best boom lift for rent. If you’re still unsure whether a knuckle or a straight one will best meet your needs, we highly recommend speaking with an expert – they will discuss the specifics of the task at hand and make a recommendation based on that. At the end of the day, it’s important that you’ve chosen the right machine, as the wrong choice could even prove to be dangerous.