Electric vs Non-Electric Articulating Boom Lift: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

When working at heights in construction there are often a few aerial lifts that you can choose from. These include articulating boom lifts, straight boom lifts, and scissor lifts. Each has its own purpose and use, and each has electric and non-electric models to choose from.

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We've already covered electric and diesel-powered scissor lifts and will cover the differences and uses between electric and non-electric articulating boom lifts. Knowing when to pick between the engine types is important as it could affect your bottom line.

Understanding Articulating Boom Lifts

Articulating boom lifts are a type of construction lift, also called man lift or aerial lift, that can lift both horizontally and vertically. Their ability to reach up and over obstacles makes them different from telescopic booms, also known as straight booms. Articulating boom lifts are available with three types of engine options: diesel, electric, and hybrid.

Articulating lifts are able to maneuver around obstacles because of the joints or "knuckles" in the boom arm. These knuckles are essentially pivot points, allowing the boom arm to adapt and adjust to the area it is operating in.

For this reason, articulating boom lifts are often used in situations where obstacles are the norm. These uses include painting, hanging up signs or lights, cleaning gutters and eavestroughs, tree cutting, and lighting or electrical work.

Distinguishing Features of Electric Articulating Boom Lifts

Electric articulating boom lifts are great machines that are preferred for many jobs, for which there are a few reasons. The first is that electric motors are great for indoor jobs. This can include lighting and electrical work and setting up events in expo centers and stadiums.

Electric models also produce less noise and create no emissions, making them great for confined spaces. And with their smaller range, typically ranging from 30' to just over 60' in reach, they have smaller dimensions allowing them to fit in smaller work areas.

While electric articulating boom lifts can also be used outside, they have limited reach and you want to protect the components from poor weather. This limits the number of projects they are used on. However, these man lifts typically don't lose a significant amount of the lifting power that diesel engines have. They typically have non-marking tires, making them great for use on concrete and finished floors.

Distinguishing Features of Non-Electric Articulating Boom Lifts

The primary upside of non-electric or diesel-powered articulating boom lifts is their ability to reach further both vertically and horizontally. Electric articulating boom lifts have a limited vertical reach of 60' and a horizontal reach of around 29', while diesel-engined models can reach up to 150' vertically and 50' horizontally.

Diesel-powered articulating boom lifts also have more power and platform capacity. This makes them better for outdoor uses with rough terrain or bigger grades as electric models would struggle to operate in those environments. The platform capacity of electric articulating lifts has a max of around 500 lbs while diesel models can lift up to 660 lbs.

The main drawback of gas-powered lifts is that they cannot be used indoors as they create emissions and are typically pretty loud.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Electric vs Non-Electric Articulating Boom Lift

Now that we've covered the basics of both diesel and electric machines, here is a boom lift comparison graphic to show the pros and cons of each.

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How to Choose Between an Electric and Non-Electric Articulating Boom Lift

Using the above information and graphics, it should be pretty easy to determine when to use an electric model vs a gas-powered boom lift. But to break it down again, electric models should be used indoors and can be used outdoors when working on finished or flat terrain. Diesel boom lifts, on the other hand, should only be used in outdoor environments and are the best option for projects that require more reach.

Another reason to choose between the two would be price. Typically, articulating boom lifts are easier to maintain because they have fewer components and don't require refueling.

Articulating boom lifts are essential equipment used in construction, maintenance, and repair of tall structures. These lifts come in different types, including electric and diesel articulating boom lifts. Both types of lifts serve similar purposes, but they differ in various aspects, such as cost, fuel efficiency, maintenance, and environmental impact. 

Differences

In this article, we will explore the differences between electric and diesel articulating boom lifts in detail.

Power Source

Electric and diesel boom lifts have different power sources. Electric boom lifts use batteries to power the machine, while diesel boom lifts use diesel engines. The electric boom lifts run quietly and emit zero emissions, while the diesel lifts generate noise and emissions. However, diesel lifts can operate in any weather condition, while electric lifts require stable weather conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is another significant difference between the two types of lifts. Diesel lifts are generally more fuel-efficient than electric lifts. They can run for several hours on a single tank of diesel, while electric lifts require frequent battery recharges, which can take several hours. Diesel lifts are ideal for long-term outdoor use, while electric lifts are best suited for indoor use.

Maintenance

Maintenance is another factor to consider when choosing between electric and diesel lifts. Diesel lifts require more maintenance than electric lifts due to their combustion engines. Diesel engines have more parts that can wear and tear, leading to frequent repairs and maintenance. On the other hand, electric lifts have fewer parts that require maintenance, making them more cost-effective and easier to maintain.

Environmental Impact

Environmental impact is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing between electric and diesel lifts. Electric lifts are more environmentally friendly than diesel lifts because they produce zero emissions. Diesel lifts, on the other hand, produce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution. Therefore, electric lifts are ideal for indoor use, where air quality is crucial, while diesel lifts are better suited for outdoor use.

Cost

The cost of the lift is another factor to consider when choosing between electric and diesel lifts. Diesel lifts are generally more expensive than electric lifts due to their more complicated combustion engines. However, diesel lifts are more cost-effective in the long run due to their fuel efficiency and ability to operate in any weather condition. Electric lifts are cheaper to purchase, but the cost of batteries, recharging, and maintenance can add up over time.

Performance

Performance is another aspect where electric and diesel lifts differ. Diesel lifts have more power and can lift heavier loads to higher heights than electric lifts. However, electric lifts are more precise in their movements, making them ideal for indoor use, where space is limited.

Noise Level

Noise level is another factor to consider when choosing between electric and diesel lifts. Diesel lifts generate more noise than electric lifts due to their combustion engines. Therefore, electric lifts are ideal for indoor use, where noise levels are an issue.

In conclusion, both electric and diesel articulating boom lifts have their advantages and disadvantages. Electric lifts are more environmentally friendly, cheaper to purchase, and easier to maintain, but they have limited power and are best suited for indoor use. On the other hand, diesel lifts are more powerful, can operate in any weather condition, and can lift heavier loads to higher heights, but they are more expensive to purchase, maintain, and generate harmful emissions. Therefore, the choice between electric and diesel lifts depends on the intended use, environment, and budget.

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