Tow behind boom lifts like the Genie TZ50, JLG t500J or the Haulotte 4527A are incredible lifts. They are cheap and easy to transport and get fit into tight spaces, not to mention the height and reach.
Most of these lifts weigh in at under 5500lbs, so you can tow it with and SUV! Before you pick it up, there are a few things that you should know about your lift.
Towing Checklist
Look at the operator’s manual prior to towing your lift. On the back cover, there is a towing checklist. A transportation checklist is critical for transporting any piece of heavy equipment; and even though these lifts are smaller than a lot of heavy equipment, they are still heavy equipment.
Talk to the Rental Representative
The shipper/receiver will can you ensure that your rental is set up properly for travel. If you are not sure what ball size to use for your lift, please ask. Most of ours require either a 2” or 2 5/16” ball.
Do a Walk-Around Before Towing
Prior to driving away, do a quick walk-around. Here are some things to check:
- Trailer lights work (signal/brake/hazard)
- The ball hitch is in place and the secondary locking mechanism is secure
- The side hatches of the lift (battery compartment) are secure
- The charging cord is stored properly
- The mast is in the stowed position and the manual mast lock-downs are secure
- The basket is not near the ground
- The jack is up
- ***The hand brake is released*** This is a common oversight
Be Careful While Driving
Driving with a relatively heavy trailer is not the same as driving a single vehicle. Take corners wider than normal, and drive slow, especially for downward grades. Only drivers experienced with trailer towing should transport a tow-behind boom lift.
Max Speed
All of our tow-behind lifts have a maximum towing speed of 97km/hr (60mph). This speed should never be exceeded, and a lower speed is recommended for anything less than ideal road conditions.