Straight booms, or telescoping booms, are the most common alternative to articulated booms. They’re sometimes also called “stick booms,” because they have an arm that moves in a single direction. Since these lifts have a single boom, they’re a little easier to operate than an articulated boom.
Telescoping booms are used to provide maximum elevation. They’re most commonly used in industrial construction projects, where workers regularly need to reach very high areas. The majority of telescoping booms provide platform heights of 40 to 80 feet. Some models provide significantly more.
To support platforms at these heights, telescoping booms rent to have a much wider base than other types of aerial lifts. Your job site will need to accommodate widths of eight to 10 feet. Rough terrain telescoping booms usually have outriggers for stabilization, which require a bigger work surface.
Expect to see similar rental and purchase prices for telescoping and articulated booms. The prices of both types of lifts are determined primarily by the reach of the machine and its power source. Expect higher prices for booms with more reach, as well as for booms with a diesel power source. Towable telescoping booms are also in high demand.
