Boom Lifts and scissor lifts are mechanical platforms that help move people or materials to higher or lower levels. In various industries like construction, aerospace, and defence, these lifts play a key role in improving safety, increasing efficiency, and reaching areas that are difficult or dangerous to access using regular ladders, cranes, or scaffolding.

Several different variants of scissors and boom lifts are available based on their specifications and the type of work they’ll be used for. Scissors and boom lifts are used in several industries and serve various purposes.

Bailey Cranes, a veteran-owned small business based in Muskego, Wisconsin, specializes in manufacturing several different types of lifts and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for a variety of industrial purposes.

The company has earned the trust of notable organizations, including NASA and Lockheed Martin, due to its high-quality boom and scissor lifts that enhance industrial operations.

How to Choose The Right Scissor or Boom Lift Catering to Your Needs?

Choosing the right type of boom and scissor lift depends on several factors.

The lift must suit the task at hand, the height required for working, and the working environment. Using the appropriate lift not only ensures safety but also improves work quality and efficiency.

Bailey Cranes offers several different variants of scissor and boom lifts based on how the lift matches the specific needs of the job and the conditions at the worksite. They consider several factors to do so:

• An important aspect to be taken into consideration is just how high the lift needs to reach. For example, if the task is at a fixed vertical height, a scissor lift might be suitable. If the job requires accessing areas at different angles, a boom lift is often the better choice.
• The weight capacity is another criterion as it’s important to know how much weight the lift will need to carry, including people and tools, as each lift has a maximum limit.
• It is also important to take the work environment into consideration. For example, for indoor use, you can choose lifts that have non-marking tyres to protect the flooring. For outdoor use, lifts are designed to handle rough ground and weather conditions.
• It is crucial to ensure that boom and scissor lifts include proper safety controls and meet industry safety standards.

Key Differences between Scissor Lift and Boom Lift

There are several key differences between boom and scissor lifts in terms of their structure, types, and use.

1. Scissor Lift

• Basic Structure:

A scissor lift has a platform that moves straight up and down, supported by crisscrossing metal bands. It offers a stable base and is ideal for tasks that require workers to remain at the same height for a long period.

The basic system for scissor lifts offered by Bailey Cranes has scanning of both sides from the platform that moves with the extension deck. The lifts also have an advanced system of eye-safe laser class that reflects colours like yellow for median and red for stop. It also has an IP67 Outdoor Rating and can detect metals or composites easily.

• Types:

Bailey Cranes has designed and manufactured many different types of scissor lifts according to their use and the environment they’ll be in. This includes explosion-proof scissor models that have advanced features like padded aircraft rails (PAR) that prevent damage to airframes or other aircraft-sensitive objects, and Battery-powered LED lights that have a 3.5-hour runtime.

Other variants include Omni-Drive Scissor lifts that have a unique mode of movement as they move in all directions for optimum positioning. It also has a 2-wheel drive mode for longer travel distances and a 4-wheel mode for a tighter turning radius.

Air-powered scissor Lifts have sub-variants like Skyjack Scissor Lifts and Genie Mast Lifts that incorporate a GAST air motor that controls a hydraulic pump, with the operation being similar to the original Genie Lift.

Low-height scissor Platforms are another type that can be used by workers to work in low terrains.

• Use and Applications:

Scissor lifts are versatile machines that can be used to safely lift workers and tools to various heights in a controlled manner using a criss-cross platform. It is commonly used for construction, maintenance, and industrial work.

They help to improve access to elevated areas where ladders or scaffolding may not be practical or safe. These lifts are especially useful for tasks at different heights, which are facilitated by the movement of the “scissor” and can be used for installations, painting, utility, or servicing work.

Bailey Cranes have designed their scissor lifts with safety and efficiency in mind and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments across a wide range of industries.

2. Boom Lift

• Basic Structure:

The boom lift has a long hydraulic arm that extends both upward and outward. It is ideal for reaching high and hard-to-access areas, such as construction zones, aerospace, and defence. The arm can be moved in multiple directions, making it useful in tight or uneven spaces.

• Types:

The types of boom lifts can be differentiated based on their power capacity, battery, and resistance to explosion, among other variants.  Bailey Crane’s high-capacity boom lifts stand out due to their exceptional weight-bearing capability, which can support up to 3,000 lbs on the platform. This lift allows workers to reach greater heights and carry heavier loads with ease. Some variants available are – T40MH-3000 and T60MH-1500 high-capacity boom lifts.

Bailey Crane’s battery-powered boom lift provides workers with longer operational hours and a safer workspace, which is essential for completing projects on time and with maximum efficiency. Its variants include the 600S and 800S series.

Another variant, EX Boom Lifts, also known as Explosion-Proof Boom Lifts, are specially built for use in environments where there is a risk of fire or explosion due to flammable gases, vapours, or dust. These lifts are essential for industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, and other hazardous areas. These range from Ex-telescopic, ex-articulating, and ex-vertical boom lifts.

Other types also include pedestal boom lifts, coal mining boom lifts like T25MH-2000, and electrically insulated boom lifts.

• Use and Applications:

The boom lift can provide safe access for workers to reach higher elevated areas efficiently. Boomlift can be used in many industries such as construction, aerospace, and defence, for maintenance, installation, utility, industrial tasks, and many other types of work. Bailey Cranes has designed boom lifts based on utility, and several variants are constructed for high-load work, long-duration operation, and explosion-proof operations so that work is completed on a higher surface level with maximum efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both scissor lifts and boom lifts play a critical role in ensuring work at elevated heights is carried out both efficiently and with minimal risk. It is important to understand the nature of the task in terms of whether it involves fixed vertical work or work that would require explosion-proof equipment. This will help determine which lift is more suitable for industries and companies. Scissor lifts are ideal for stable, straightforward elevation, while boom lifts offer greater flexibility in accessing hard-to-reach areas. Choosing the right equipment not only improves productivity but also ensures a safer working environment.

With trusted manufacturers like Bailey Cranes, businesses can obtain high-quality equipment, tailored to their needs. We place utmost importance on manufacturing quality scissors and boom lifts, and our team of professionals can guide you through choosing scissor lifts vs. boom lifts as per your requirements.

Contact Bailey Cranes today to choose the right kind of lift that will help reduce workload and ensure maximum efficiency of workers.

Bailey Cranes offers a wide selection of specialized boom and scissor lifting equipment across many categories, like high-capacity boom lifts, omni-drive scissor lifts, and explosion-proof lifts of both kinds.

To learn more about our lifting solutions, contact Bailey Cranes at 262-710-4028 or email us at sales@baileycranes.com. We have an experienced team that will guide you in finding your ideal equipment.

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