ForConstructionPros.com

The specific characteristics of your customer's jobsite have a significant effect on the type of boom lift they should rent from you. Asking your customers a few thoughtful questions can go a long way toward ensuring a positive rental experience for all parties.

"Choosing the best boom lift for an application begins with determining what needs the customer has for height and outreach, as well as how much weight will be on the platform," explains Phil Harvey, product manager, Genie Booms. "You should also consider whether the worksite is indoors or outdoors; the ground conditions to be negotiated; access through doorways and around tight corners; the type of congestion on the site; height of any obstacles above which access is required; lighting conditions in the work area and any limitations on things like noise or exhaust conditions. A thorough assessment of the site to make certain a boom can be safely and efficiently operated is crucial."

Bob Yoder, AWP national sales manager for BilJax, agrees, adding, "The weight of the machine is also important. Different ground surfaces determine not only how heavy a machine can be, but also the ideal tire type on self-propelled models. One should also consider range of motion required for a particular job. For example, articulating models are ideally suited for reaching up and over, or under, obstructions, while telescoping 'stick' models provide greater outreach at lower heights. Obviously, the required working height should be a user’s first consideration."

Aerial work platforms are available in a variety of styles and sizes to fit almost any overhead access need. Leading manufacturers offer dozens of different models including telescoping and articulating boom lifts featuring platform heights up to 150 feet.

With such a wide variety of machines available, there's a model that will match your customer's needs whether they're using it indoors or outdoors, on a solid concrete surface or driving through mud. Following are some things to consider when selecting a machine: