So, you’re looking for a MEWP for your next project – but unsure between a telescopic vs articulating boom? In this article, we’ve explored the key differences between the two types of boom lifts, as well as when to use each, to help you choose the most appropriate mobile platform.
What is a Telescopic Boom lift?
Telescopic boom lifts, also referred to as ‘stick booms’ are instantly recognisable due to their trademark extendable arm, which can be easily extended in a straight line, to offer significant reach for on-board users – ideal for when working from height.
When to Use a Telescopic Boom
There are many occasions in which you might use a telescopic boom vs an articulating boom, such as:
- Reach: The key scenario in which you would choose a telescopic boom over other types of MEWP is when you need the furthest possible reach – such as when working at the top of tall structures. In such instances, the extendable arm gives you unmatched height access.
- Direct access: The retractable arm gives you direct access to heights without you having to worry about managing and manoeuvring mechanical knuckles or joints. If you’re working within an unobstructed space, you might decide to use a straightforward telescopic boom instead of an articulating lift
- Stability at extreme height: When working from significant height, it’s essential to choose a MEWP that gives you complete stability. While all our boom lifts are regularly tested and certified, we’d recommend telescopic platforms when at full extension. With a firm base and straight arm, they’re suitable for safely lifting workers and tools.
What is an Articulating Boom Lift?
While a telescopic boom extends in a straight line, articulating boom lifts boast joints that allow them to manoeuvre up, over, and around obstacles – making them ideal if you’re working in hard-to-reach zones. Incidentally, the handy joints have led to them also being referred to as ‘knuckle booms’ in countries like Australia and the U.S. However, here in the UK, we tend to stick to the term “articulating boom” or “articulating boom lift”.
When to Use an Articulating Boom?
Just as telescopic booms have their uses, there are numerous occasions when you might use an articulating boom. For example:
- Reaching around obstacles: The main benefit of articulating vs telescopic boom lifts (and other MEWP types) is their ability to operate in the face of all manner of obstacles – the knuckles and joints let you navigate the platform around other machinery, through aisles and doors, and over in-the-way infrastructure. Where telescopic booms offer reach, articulating lifts offer flexibility.
- Working in confined spaces: The narrowness, pivotability, and manoeuvrability of articulating booms – especially compared to more static MEWPs like telescopic lifts – makes them the ideal choice when working within a tight space. It doesn’t matter what’s in your way; you can bend and navigate around any confinement.
- Precise positioning: Many warehouse and construction projects require you to maintain fine control, especially in a busy environment. While you can certainly make precise movements with a telescopic boom, articulating lifts feature multiple jointed sections that simplify delicate tasks.
What to Consider When Choosing Between Articulating vs Telescopic Boom Lifts
So, we’ve explored articulating and telescopic booms, and when you might choose to use each. But if you’re still unsure, here are the key considerations to make when comparing MEWPs.
Obstacles and Manoeuvrability
As we’ve outlined above, articulating boom lifts shine when it comes to environments laden with obstacles; from other MEWPs to trees, mezzanine floors, and beams, for example, this jointed boom lets you reach some of the trickiest spots. On the other hand, telescopic booms are less agile, but their extendable arm helps you reach extreme heights – so long as the path is unobstructed.
Required Reach
If your project involves working at significant height and you need major reach, we’d suggest using an extendable telescopic boom lift, rather than an articulating alternative. While the latter offers exceptional dexterity and flexibility, the former is largely unrivalled when it comes to accessing maximum heights.
Platform Capacity
When selecting any platform from our range, you’ll be informed of its maximum capacity, which is the total safe load including workers, tools, and equipment.
While telescopic and articulating booms are available in a variety of capacities, to suit varying needs, larger telescopic MEWPs often enable higher limits – especially those designed for outdoor, construction site use. Of course, if you’re unsure which mobile platform is best for your project; don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts, who’ll be happy to advise.
Type of Environment
You may be wondering which MEWP is best for outdoor use: articulating boom or telescopic boom?
Well, fortunately, there are machines in each style that can accommodate varying environments, meaning you can manage an articulating boom on an outdoor site, and a stick boom in the warehouse. That said, indoor working environments can often be more confined, and feature more obstacles, in which case it might be worth considering an articulating MEWP.
Curious as to the other types of elevated work platforms we have on offer? Explore our complete guide to the different types of MEWPs and our boom selection tool, Platform Finder. Alternatively, learn more about hiring a boom lift from Horizon Platforms.