Apr. 28, 2025
Boom lifts (also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, MEWPs or “cherry pickers”) utilize boom sections to position workers and tools to an elevated position for temporary, flexible access work, such as maintenance and construction tasks. This type of equipment comes in different configurations that vary depending on how these machines reach overhead work areas.
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The two most common configurations of boom lifts are: Articulated (articulating, knuckle) and Straight (telescopic, telescoping).
Both articulated and straight boom lifts can tackle tough jobs and come in a range of options:
Each have their own unique attributes that make them better suited for different types of work. For example, a JLG® telescopic boom lets you reach farther, with more capacity, which puts you right where you need to be as simply and efficiently as possible. While JLG articulating boom lifts are ideal for jobs that require you to get “up and over” objects.
So, how do you know which type of boom lift is right for your job site? Here is more information to help you make the choice between articulated and straight…
Articulating booms
The most easily recognizable type boom lift is articulated due to the boom’s distinctive shape. This type of lift uses multiple pivot points (referred to as joints or knuckles) on the boom sections to give you length and reach, allowing you up-and-over access, as well as vertical reach. The main advantage of this design is that it lets you achieve difficult positioning around obstacles at height.
Articulating boom lifts have less horizontal outreach than telescopic booms, but because they can reach high and far, these machines provide greater versatility to:
Telescoping booms
The mast on a telescopic boom lift extends out in a straight line, by utilizing one or more telescoping boom sections, to give you enough vertical reach to directly access overhead job sites. This design allows you to take full advantage of the boom’s entire range of horizontal reach.
Because of their design, telescoping models do not offer up-and-over ability to access work at height. And, this type of boom lift requires more space to operate within than articulating booms, including plenty of room around the machine’s chassis to make turns and other movements.
But straight boom lifts can typically reach higher than articulating boom lifts, which means these models provide both maximum height and maximum outreach to:
Tips for choosing one versus the other
It’s important to understand the specific work-at-height requirements on a particular project before you specify the machines to do the work.
Here are three things to consider when choosing the right boom lift to match your application:
1. Agility versus versatility
a. An articulating boom would be the preferred choice for applications that require agility to reach over or around objects, such as chimneys, ceiling joists or roof trusses, HVAC or electrical fixtures, the floors of a building under construction or warehouse shelves
b. A telescopic boom lift would be the best choice for applications that require the versatility to reach high, like multi-story buildings, or to reach far out at a lower level, like under bridges.
2. Job site conditions
a. An articulating boom lift generally offers you a more compact footprint and narrow operating profile, especially zero tail swing models, ideal for space-restricted job sites.
b. A telescopic model is more productive on job sites with plenty of room to turn and space to reach.
3. Outreach
a. An articulated model can offer you multiple angles and reach to access overhead work.
b. A telescoping boom lift often can reach higher than an articulating boom lift (depending on specific model and design differences).
The best way to distinguish between these two types is this: Telescopic models are better for getting people and materials into place and holding them there, and articulating versions are better suited for moving people and materials around obstacles and into different positions with agility.
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Are you tackling a demanding worksite where stability on uneven terrain and heavy lifting capability are crucial? If so, a diesel boom lift is likely the ideal choice for your project. Diesel articulated boom lifts are robust and versatile machines designed to provide safe lifting operations, even in unstable conditions.
Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider diesel boom lifts for your upcoming project:
At HERED, we recognize the importance of considering various factors when selecting a boom lift. These factors include:
- The type of terrain at the site.
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- The weight of the loads to be lifted.
- The available space and maneuverability on-site.
Taking these factors into account, here are our top three benefits of utilizing a diesel-powered articulated boom lift:
Diesel telescopic boom lifts and articulated boom lifts offer precise up-and-over capabilities, providing excellent outreach performance. Most articulated boom lifts feature baskets that can fully rotate to access any work area. When you combine the lifting capacity of a boom lift with its up-and-over and outreach capabilities, you have a highly efficient and high-performance machine.
Diesel articulated boom lifts are rugged and have 4×4 capabilities to be able to be driven onto and work on any uneven or unstable construction or work site. The four-wheel drive operation has oscillating axels for rough terrain performance.
Diesel boom lifts excel in a variety of applications, making them ideal for both general construction projects and building maintenance tasks. Their versatility extends across various industries, from warehousing to construction, making them the perfect choice for heavy lifting requirements.
Having a fleet with a range of working heights is essential because customers in the warehousing, construction, and industrial sectors have varying height requirements. Our fleet offers working heights ranging from 12 to 43 meters.
In addition to vertical height, horizontal reach is equally important. The horizontal reach of a boom lift indicates how far the boom can extend and work outward. Our fleet offers horizontal reaches ranging from 7 to 21 meters.
Up and over clearance is a crucial factor for many customers when choosing a boom lift. Boom lifts are designed to maneuver "up and over" obstacles or structures. Our fleet provides up and over clearances ranging from 4 to 23 meters.
The carrying capacity or platform capacity is another important feature of any boom lift. Customers often inquire about the weight a boom lift can safely carry, whether it's people or materials, at height. Our fleet offers platform capacities ranging from 220 to 300 kilograms.
Interested in diesel boom lift hire options or looking to purchase one for sale? At HERED, we maintain an extensive inventory of elevated work platform machines capable of tackling any job. Whether you require scissor lifts or telescopic handlers, we offer a comprehensive range of elevated work platforms to suit your needs.
To learn more about our full range of work platforms and access machinery available for sale, contact HERED today.
What are the advantages of diesel boom lifts?
Diesel boom lifts excel in outdoor environments and on uneven terrain due to their rugged, four-wheel drive capabilities. They offer exceptional up-and-over capabilities for heavy-duty lifting and are versatile for a variety of applications.
Where are diesel boom lifts used?
Diesel boom lifts are commonly utilized on construction sites outdoors, but they also find applications in warehousing and manufacturing settings.
Why should you consider diesel-powered boom lifts?
If you require a boom lift that can operate effectively in rugged terrain while providing robust lifting capabilities, a diesel boom lift is an excellent choice.
Are diesel-powered boom lifts stronger than petrol boom lifts?
Not necessarily. While diesel boom lifts offer strong performance, they do emit emissions and are not noise-free like some electric alternatives. Therefore, they are best suited for outdoor use.
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