When it comes to elevated work platforms (EWPs), selecting the right boom style can have a significant impact on safety, productivity, and access on site. Some of the most common options are telescopic booms, over-centre booms, and articulating booms, each designed to suit different working environments and applications.
At Waimea, our Linelift® range features telescopic booms, while our Versalift range includes articulating telescopic and over-centre boom options. Understanding the differences between these boom styles can help you choose the right machine for your specific requirements.
A telescopic boom extends in a straight line, much like a telescope. This design provides excellent horizontal and vertical reach, making it ideal for open work areas where there is a clear path between the vehicle and the work location.
Because the boom moves directly towards the work area, operators can often position more quickly and efficiently. This makes telescopic booms a popular choice for utility work, infrastructure maintenance, telecommunications, and street lighting projects.
Linelift® telescopic booms are designed to provide maximum reach and straightforward operation, helping crews complete routine access work safely and efficiently.
Articulating booms use multiple hinged sections, often referred to as knuckles, which allow the boom to move up, over, and around obstacles. This added flexibility makes them particularly useful in more complex environments where direct access is not possible.
Versalift articulating booms are commonly used for arborist work, urban maintenance, and electrical servicing. When trees, buildings, vegetation, or other structures restrict access, an articulating boom can often reach areas that a straight telescopic boom cannot.
The ability to manoeuvre around obstacles can improve both access and productivity in challenging work environments.
There is also a third option, commonly used in arboriculture applications: the over-centre boom. Featuring a hinged knuckle that rotates past centre, over-centre booms can work up, over, and around obstacles with exceptional flexibility. They are particularly effective for vegetation management, making them the ideal choice for tree trimming around power lines where precise positioning and controlled movement are essential.
In simple terms, telescopic booms are best when you need direct access to your work location and there is a clear path to the job.
Articulating booms are often the better choice when you need to work over vegetation, around buildings, or over powerlines to safely reach the work area.
Over-centre booms are ideal for working around power lines for arborist work in confined areas.
At Waimea, we offer elevated work platform solutions for a wide range of industries and applications across New Zealand. Our team can help you determine which boom style best suits your operational requirements and working environment.
