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Boom Lift Inspection - How to Find the Right Equipment For Your Job
By Todd Moir

Recently we featured an inspection of an industrial straight mast forklift. I had a lot of really good feedback and some very good questions.

I'm pleased to know that you find these guidelines helpful. Thanks to all of you that responded. And no Mike, you're right, I didn't always wear my safety belt when I operated a forklift, but I do now.

This month, let's tackle a boom lift.

Aerial lift equipment inspections and pre shift inspection routines have become extremely important. With the cost of insurance and the difficulty finding good quality employees, the last thing you want to see happen is one of your key production people get injured due to an oversight of a safety inspection. The subject of safety is an ongoing responsibility to everyone involved in the operation of aerial equipment or at least in this case, boom lifts.

Not only should an inspection be done at the time of purchase of that used boom but really every time that equipment is used, someone (preferably the operator) should take a few minutes to check out the machine and all of its safety functions to make sure everything is ship shape.

The reason I'm spending a little more time and focus on this subject aside from the pre purchase inspection is that aerial lift equipment by its very nature is very dangerous if not used properly. Anytime you put a worker up in the air, the potential for accidents is compounded.

The best way to avoid an accident is to stop it before it happens. What do they say? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? Anyway, let's inspect that boom lift.

First, just like the forklift, we'll start with the engine. Gas or diesel, lets check the oil - check oil level, color of the oil, does it look thick and dirty or is it fresh. Run it through your fingers to see the consistency of the oil. Are there any grit or dirt particles in it? How about the smell? Burnt or does it have that fresh oil smell? Remember a milky or watery coloring on a water-cooled unit could be a sign of a leaking head gasket, or other cooling problem. How is the wiring? Does it look like some one has been working on it or used different colored wires in the harness or around the engine? Start the engine. Make sure you check all engine functions. High speed and/or choke solenoid if equipped. Also make sure the machine runs from both lower and upper controls. All fuctions should work in both upper and lower controls (the drive function will not work in lower controls due to safety reasons).

Okay, enough about the engine. Let's check around the hydraulic pump and the valve body. Check for any leaks. Just by nature of its function, there may be a little hydraulic fluid in the manifold or valve body area but for the most part, there should not be an obvious leak or any dripping of oil. Check the hose fitting and hoses themselves. Are they free of kinks, cracks, and leakage?

When we check the machine functions, we will listen to any noises coming from the hydraulic system.

Moving on to the structure of the machine. Aerial lift equipment is particularly susceptible to cracking of pivot point areas due to the incredible load placed on these points. Check carefully at the places where boom arms come together, where pins and bushings are used. These are high stress areas; make sure you check them for cracks or abnormal wear. Look down the boom arm - can you see the wear pads? What condition are they in? Next, let's move on to the basket assembly. Make sure the rails are not cracked, broken, or bent (too badly). Look at the weldment where the boom and basket come together. Is the basket connection free of cracks, missing bolts or other obvious maladies? You don't want that basket to fall off when you're 40', 60', 80' in the air!

Now lets check for play in the turret assembly. With the basket off the ground a foot or so, just gently move the basket from side to side, checking the play of the main turret gear or slue ring, there should be some movement but only about 6-10". Check your manufacturers service manual for the recommended play in this major component.

Lastly, inspect the wheels. Make sure the lug nuts look tight, the alignment of the wheels look correct, you don't want your machine to look like one of those VW bug desert machines.

We need to inspect the machines safety switches. The limit switch is located on the boom arm and keeps the drive function in slow - When the boom is above the horizontal position.

Make sure you check all functions of the equipment to verify proper operation of each component and to confirm that the unit works in a smooth and safe manner.

Check the operator's manual for any other safety related items that should be checked for correct operation and function. Before purchasing the equipment and BEFORE you start your shift.

When a machine such as a boom lift is left on a job for any period of time, it's always a good idea to check and make sure there was not some unauthorized use and that the operator didn't manipulate or disengaged the safety equipment in such a way that might cause you or your co-workers potential harm.

Aerial lift equipment can be dangerous if some common sense is not used in its operation.

Always check the manufacturers safety manual (each machine should have one) for the proper and safe operation of this equipment, before you buy and before each use.

I hope this information has been helpful and you will find the machine that fits the application and your job.

Todd R. Moir is the owner and principal broker of equipwholesale and has been in the equipment industry since 1975. Working in the equipment rental industry gave Todd a solid background in how to buy and sell construction equipment. Contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at http://www.equipwholesale.com

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