Booms lifts are common equipment on a variety of different jobsites. But before you can start working with a boom, you have to get it to the jobsite. To do this safely and efficiently, there are some important considerations.
The most important thing to do as you prepare your Genie lift for transport is to check the operator manual, which includes a step-by-step guide to prepare your particular boom for transport, as well as any specific issues you may encounter.
Before you start the important steps of tying the boom lift down, you’ll want to make sure the lift is loaded correctly and that you’re using the right equipment to transport it. When positioned correctly on a transport trailer, the boom’s platform floor should be horizontal to the transport trailer bed. If that can’t be achieved due to the length of the boom or trailer, check with the operator manual for further guidance.
Once the boom lift is loaded, look over the entire machine for any loose or unsecured items. Always use a turntable rotation lock pin, checking to make sure the key switch is in the “off” position and then remove the key before beginning transport.
Next, it’s time to secure the platform. The boom’s platform should be in the stowed position before securing it to the trailer. Nylon straps should be placed parallel to the machine’s strap guides, taking care that you don’t use too much downward force to secure them. Put some sort of force-absorbing material, such as foam, rubber or wood, opposite the nylon strap to reduce any movement of the straps during transport.
The chassis of the boom lift also must be secured to the transportation platform using a minimum of six chains. Make sure the chains have ample load capacity for and adjust the rigging to prevent any damage to the chains or the lift.
After the lift arrives at the jobsite, you’ll want to think about how to unload it safely. If you’re unloading the boom on a public road, extra precautions need to be taken, such as the use of warning cones, hazard tape, signs and flag personnel. Any one of these options can help you safely unload the transport trailer and prevent harm to worksite personnel as well as drivers on the road.
