Boom Lift Inspection Basics

Todd Moir

Todd R. Moir is the owner and principal broker of www.equipwholesale.com. Working in the equipment industry since 1975, Moir started as a yardman with Hertz Equipment in Portland, Ore., working his way up to regional manager with US Rentals. Then, after the merger, he spent six years in management with United Rentals. Moir's company provides customers around the world with new and used construction equipment. By working with America's largest equipment dealers and contracting companies, the company is able to distribute a diverse line of construction equipment from all manufacturers. Todd can be reached at todd@equipwholesale.com.

 

November 2, 2005 — Anytime you put a worker up in the air, the potential for accidents is compounded. Aerial lift equipment, by its very nature, is very dangerous if not used properly. That's why it's so important in this business to remember the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When you think about it, this message's underlying premise still holds true today.

 

Aerial lift equipment inspections and pre-shift inspection routines have become increasingly important. With the cost of insurance rising and the difficulty of finding good personnel, the last thing you want is for one of your key production people to get injured due to a safety inspection oversight. The subject of safety is an ongoing responsibility to everyone involved in the operation of aerial equipment.

 

When it comes to boom lifts, not only should an inspection be conducted at the time of purchase — in the case of a used boom — but also every time the equipment is used. Someone (preferably the operator) should take a few minutes to check out the machine and all of its safety functions to make sure everything is ship shape. For boom lifts, following some simple equipment inspection guidelines will help ensure you remain accident-free.

 

Start with the engine. Whether gas or diesel, check the oil • oil level and color. Does it look thick and dirty, or is it fresh? Run it through your fingers to test the consistency. Are there any grit or dirt particles in the oil? How about the smell? Does the oil smell burnt or fresh? Remember a milky or watery color on a water-cooled unit could be a sign of a leaking head gasket or other cooling problem. How's the wiring? Does it look like someone has worked on it or used different colored wires in the harness or around the engine? Next, start the engine. Make sure to check all engine functions, including the high-speed choke solenoid if the machine is so equipped. Also make sure the machine runs from both lower and upper controls. All functions should work in both upper and lower controls — the drive function (on most models) will not work in lower controls due to safety reasons.

 

Enough about the engine. Let's check for leaks around the hydraulic pump and the valve body. Just by the nature of its function, there may be a little hydraulic fluid in the manifold or valve body area. But for the most part, there should not be an obvious leak or any dripping of oil. Check the hose fitting and hoses themselves. Are they free of kinks, cracks, and leakage? When you check the machine's functions, listen to any noises coming from the hydraulic system.

 

Moving on to the structure of the machine, aerial lift equipment is particularly susceptible to cracking of pivot point areas due to the incredible load placed on these points. Check carefully at the places where boom arms come together, where pins and bushings are used. These are high stress areas; make sure you check them for cracks or abnormal wear. Look down the boom arm • can you see the wear pads? What condition are they in? Next, move on to the basket assembly. Make sure the rails are not cracked, broken, or bent (too badly). Look at the weldment where the boom and basket come together. Is there a tight fit, free of cracks, missing bolts or other obvious maladies? You don't want that basket to fall off when you're 40, 60, or 80 feet in the air!

 

Next check for play in the turret assembly. With the basket off the ground a foot or so, gently move the basket from side to side, checking the play of the main turret gear or slue ring. There should be some movement but not usually more than 6 to 10 inches. Check your manufacturers' service manual for the recommended play in this major component.

 

Lastly, inspect the wheels. Make sure the lug nuts look tight, and the alignment of the wheels is correct. You don't want your machine to look like one of those VW bug desert machines.

Also inspect the machine's safety switches. The limit switch is located on the boom arm and keeps the drive function in slow when the boom is above the horizontal position.

 

Check the operator's manual for any other safety-related items that should be checked for correct operation function — before purchasing the equipment and before you start your shift.

When a boom lift is left on a job for any period of time, it's always a good idea to check and make sure there was not some unauthorized use and that the operator didn't manipulate the safety equipment in such a way that might cause you or your fellow employees potential harm.

 

Aerial lift equipment can be dangerous if some common sense is not used in its operation.

Always check the manufacturer's safety manual  — each machine should have one — for the proper and safe operation of this equipment, before you buy and before each use.