ForConstructionPros.com

When obstacles get in the way
Site conditions have considerable influence on the type of lift that is most practical for a project.

Telescopic (stick) booms are the most popular lift type, thanks to their extended reach capabilities, straightforward design and ease of operation. Their single telescoping boom means fewer controls and slightly faster cycle times compared to articulated (knuckle) booms.

"As far as the iron workers go, you want it as simplified as possible," says Roeske, "with as few controls as needed." This is why he prefers to rent JLG telescopic lifts. "You have one [control for] the travel forward and back, left and right, then you have one major control for up/down and swing. You might have an occasional toggle switch for boom extension or retraction. But it's simplified; it's easy to understand and it's easy to operate."

By design, articulated booms are more complex. "With an articulated boom, you have multiple boom sections to lift up, and you need to be a little more cautious with what you're trying to reach over and around," Mohn points out. This translates into slightly longer cycle times and a higher operator learning curve.

On the other hand, articulated booms can reach up and over obstacles or reach elevated positions not easily approached by a telescopic boom lift, notes Michael Disser, vice president of marketing, NES Rentals.