Advantages of Towable Boom Lifts

Written by: Steve Thompson

An increasing number of businesses are going mobile these days, and might work on a different site every day. This means that, in addition to chauffeuring employees from one place to another, equipment must be mobile as well. Towable boom lifts are just one example.

Towable aerial lifts are used in industries where mobility is essential. Utility companies, for example, rely on these machines so they can fix outages and other problems in multiple locations. Although these machines are more expensive than stationary equipment, they do provide a necessary and valuable service.

Towable boom lifts considerations

If purchasing towable boom lifts is in your future, there are a few features you should consider.

Convenience: One of the most important features you should look for is the ease with which a mobile lift can be transported. Some portable boom lifts must be loaded onto a trailer for transport, in which case they should be equipped with features that allow them to be easily moved off and on to the trailer. A few manufacturers provide forklift pockets for this purpose. Of course, this negates one of the advantages of towable lifts: you don’t need a dedicated truck to haul them to the next job site. However, your application may call for self-propelled lifts, in which case a towable boom lift isn’t an acceptable option.

Speed: Mobile often means more of a hassle when it comes to industrial machinery, but this doesn't have to be the case with towable boom lifts. In fact, many of them can be set up completely in 30 seconds or less. If time is a factor in your business, you should make sure to inquire about setup speed before you buy. Even better, have the dealer demonstrate the process for you.

Hitch: It’s important to make sure that the towable aerial lifts you choose are compatible with the trucks and tow hitches you already own. Most of them are towable with a Class 2 hitch, but make sure that you have those specifications in advance.

Power: Depending on the job sites where you will be using your towable boom lifts, it is essential that you have a workable power source. Some of these machines are gas-powered, while others work from battery power, and still others have hybrid capabilities. With the rising cost of fuel, it might be favorable to go with battery power or a hybrid setup. But remember that batteries must be recharged. If there are no available electrical outlets at your job site, this option may not be acceptable.

A towable mobile work platform can add a considerable amount of convenience to your business, and can expand the number of services you are able to provide. They can be purchased either new or used, but make sure you do your research first so you know which features are necessary for your work. Once you’ve got the basics down, finding a trustworthy dealer is the next step in getting a good deal on the right lift for your needs.

Ready to find dealers? We can find the best dealers for your situation: answer a few simple questions about what you’re looking for and we’ll put you in touch with the best towable lift dealers in your area.