On the Job

Tracy Bennett

November 17, 2004—For several months now, I have been watching the progress of a yard-maintenance project — a large tree is slowly being dismembered. Eventually, I assume, the trunk will be whacked off at the knees, and then finally, felled.

 

I've never driven by while work is in progress, but the evidence suggests a boom lift that sits in the yard next to the tree is integral to the project. I use the term “boom lift” rather loosely • I've even wondered if, perhaps, the device is homemade. The machine features a fixed boom length that is pivot-mounted to the base. There is no rotation turntable. A concrete counterweight hangs off the back of the machine. The misshaped platform looks as if it's missing a few rungs, and the machine's finish is a lovely vintage rust color.

 

Intrigued by this curious, and somewhat frightening, aerial device, I drove my boss by it the last time he was in town. Turns out it's a Selma Manlift, circa 1966. My history lesson included an explanation that this was one of the first aerial platforms to be built, preceding even John Grove's famous telescoping boom lift. The units were often used in orchards for picking fruit.

 

Certainly used lifting equipment can lead safe and productive second, third, even fourth, lives. Not that I'm inferring this nearly 40-year-old machine is still safe or productive, but maintenance and makeovers (otherwise known as remanufacturing) keep equipment running as it should. Technicians, mechanics, and fleet management professionals play a key role in sustaining this equipment. Just as important is a machine's inherent design, which is the impetus behind “On the Job” equipment evaluations you will find exclusively on LiftandAccess.com.

 

Featuring reviews of actively employed lifting equipment, the purpose of On the Job equipment reviews is to evaluate how a machine has stood up to the rigors of real work environments. Most machines selected for review are under its first ownership, have been in service for a maximum of 5,000 hours, or six years, and a minimum of 2,000 hours, or three years. With the exception of normal maintenance and repair, they are in original condition. If you would like to nominate your aerial lift, crane, or forklift for review, contact gramsey@liftandaccess.com.