Aerial Lift Types

There are many different types of aerial lifts and platforms, this course is going to focus on aerial boom lifts. Boom platforms can be extendable or articulated.

Aerial boom lifts consist of a platform or bucket at the end of a hydraulic or electric lifting system, or boom. They are mounted on trucks, vans, trailers, and other motorized devices. These are often referred to as cherry pickers or bucket trucks.

Extendable boom is a straight, single boom that can be extended to lengthen the platform to the desired height. The length of the boom arm limits the reach of the platform or bucket. Some extendable booms have a telescoping feature, which has sections within the boom, providing greater horizontal reach.

Articulating boom has two or more hinged boom sections. The hinge, or joint, allows the boom to be twice as long. Some articulating booms are capable of rotating on an axis. The second arm can extend horizontally and vertically, allowing the operator to extend up and over obstacles.

The most common industries that use aerial boom lifts are electric utilities, telecommunications, construction, lights and signs, and vegetation management.

To learn more about Aerial Lifts visit our OSHA Aerial Boom Lift Safety Online Training web page.