There are a lot of little booms out there on the market, so understanding what they are each used for is imperative to your project.
Anything 45ft or under is generally considered a “little” boom lift (such as the Genie Z45/25). They come in different engine varieties including diesel, dual fuel (gas/propane), hybrid and electric. Each option brings different tools to your jobsite.
Normally, the first thing to figure out is the correct size. How high and far out do you need to reach? You can consult a lifting chart for each boom lift for those details. Note that the measurements start at the middle of the boom lift/
Secondly, is there any narrow spaces that you need to pass through? Does the machine require a maximum width or height clearance to get into a space?
Thirdly, are exhaust fumes acceptable? If the machine is used indoors, you will probably want to go with an electric or hybrid option. Is diesel/gas/propane required for your worksite (and ease of refueling)? If there is no power available on site, an electric lift (like the Genie Z34/22N) may not do the trick.
Lastly, what is the workspace ground condition? Most indoor rated boom lifts (electric) cannot operate on ground conditions worse than a cement pad, while many 4×4’s can navigate through most conditions. In the most extreme cases, some models have tracked options to reduce ground pressure and increase traction. An important consideration of ground condition is also the allowable ground weight AND pressure. In buildings with more sensitive flooring (such as shopping malls), you may want to sacrifice a bit of reach in order to reduce the machine weight.
