Tips for Choosing a Boom Lift to Rent Alpha Platforms

Ho do businesses choose the right aerial platform for their tasks? How do they decide whether they need to buy an aerial platform or to rent one? It surely depends on the frequency of jobs and economic efficiency of such costly purchase. Most of companies rely on rental of boom lifts as the optimal option for their business. But what factors do they need to consider to decrease costs and increase productivity while choosing among aerial platforms? These are some tips to help you come to the best decision.

Aerial platform design

Companies commonly choose between telescopic and articulating units. The first ones are more suitable for projects when workers need to overcome obstacles at height to get to the required area. And this is where companies need to consider the height of a boom. A 150 foot boom lift is often enough to deal with a high variety of construction, repair, maintenance and other tasks. But when the height to be reached is significant – when companies work on stadiums, bridges, tall buildings etc. – it is best to rely on 230ft-300ft boom lift.

Articulating booms cannot compare with telescopic ones in the aspect of maneuverability. Neither they reach so high spots as telescopic ones. However, they can easily perform many urban tasks being a highly available cheaper option.

The matter of size

Another important matter to be considered is max. height and horizontal span you need to reach while doing the job. Choose the aerial boom based on the “up and over” needs of your project. In the aspect of storage, it may also be important how low the unit can be configured. The boom should not be too wide for your working space in order it could fit the narrowest places on site. One more specification that could matter is ground bearing pressure – the value in PSI helps to evaluate how safely you can operate the machine on the surface of the project area.

Diesel or electric

Depending on the job location, decide if a diesel-powered boom is suitable for you. If you plan to work indoors or in a confined area, choose an electrically-powered machine to avoid exhaust. Electric lifts have another advantage over diesel ones – they are more compact.

When the job is to be mostly performed outside, the most obvious choice is a lift powered by internal combustion. Diesel machines, as well as gasoline and propane, have a higher travelling speed and do not require recharging batteries.

Towable or self-propelled

In most cases self-propelled models seem to be the appropriate choice. However, when you need to relocate the machine between places, it is best to choose a portable towable lift. A towing hitch will connect the unit to a work truck. Towable lifts are compact, lightweight, easily controlled and, therefore, suitable for many operations from painting and tree work to maintenance and repair.

Additional options

Think of other additional options you might need on site. For example, what flooring do you have in the working area? Maybe you’d need non-marking tires or rubber-footed tracks while working indoors? If the working space is pretty much confined, think of a jib boom extension. If you plan to work in the dark, consider work lights to be mounted on the machine. Many operations, such as plumbing or electrical ones, may need racks and trays on the aerial platform.

Simply describe the working conditions to a specialist of a boom lift rental provider to get the optimal machine for your project.

Alpha Platforms is the pioneer in operated boom lift rentals and height access service in the 150-300-ft range. Our precise German-made lifts have become the favorite height access method for those who try them once, as they combine unmatched productivity, safety, and reach.

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