Boom lifts can be considered to be very useful equipment. They help workers to achieve accessibility to high places, such as roofs or tall trees, and even signs in Malaysia. Most people hire boom lifts for various purposes.

While hiring a boom lift in Penang, you will have two options to choose from: electric and non-electric. In this blog, we shall discuss both types of boom lifts.

What is a boom lift?

It is the category of machines that lifts people to high distances from the ground. The boom lift’s arm is long, reaching upward and sideways. This will help those workers working high or far away from a place to stand on it, just like working on tall buildings or roofs. Application uses of boom lifts include painting, light fixation, window cleaning, or construction work. Most of them are rented in Malaysia rather than buying because it is more affordable.

Electric Boom Lifts: What You Need to Know

Electric boom lifts are clean, quiet machines running on batteries that do not involve exhaust smoke or contributing to increasing noise pollution. These make it just the right working machine for use indoors or places where silence is needed, for example in hospitals and schools.

Advantages of Electric Boom Lifts:

  • Low Noise: They are not very noisy. This comes in very handy while working indoors or in places where loud sounds may be a disturbance.
  • Zero Emissions: Electric boom lifts run on electricity and emit no harmful gasses into the environment as compared to diesel engines. That makes them safer to be used inside buildings.
  • Easy to Maneuver: Electric boom lifts are usually smaller, which makes it a lot easier to work with in restricted areas.

Disadvantages of Electric Boom Lifts:

  • Limited Power: Electric boom lifts may not be strong enough for heavy outdoor work. They have a lower lifting capacity.
  • Limited Reach: They often cannot reach as high as non-electric boom lifts.
  • Need to Recharge: The batteries need to be charged regularly, which can cause delays if the lift runs out of power in the middle of a job.

Non-Electric Boom Lifts: What You Need to Know

Non-electric boom lifts are stronger, always diesel- or gas-powered. Generally, non-electric boom lifts are assigned the more intense tasks outdoors, where power is needed to move heavier weights or reach extremely high places.

Advantages of Non-Electric Boom Lifts:

  • More Power: Non-electric boom lifts are stronger and able to hold far much more weight.
  • Longer Reach: These boom lifts reach really high places, even up to 100 feet tall.

They are ideal for rough ground and outdoor jobs where the ground is uneven or rough.

Disadvantages of Non-Electric Boom Lifts:

  • Loud and Noisy: Diesel and gas-engined ones are significantly noisier compared to electrically operated boom lifts. Additionally, this can sometimes be disadvantageous in areas where quietness is to be maintained.
  • Emissions: They emit smoke and fumes, something that can be catastrophic if used indoors or in restricted space.
  • Maintenance Costs: Other than electric boom lifts, a number of other boom lifts contain a series of moving components. Therefore, this may contribute to over a period the cost of the total rental.

Tips for Renting a Boom Lift in Malaysia

Now that you know the basics of an electric and non-electric articulated boom lift, let us talk about some tips on renting one. In Malaysia, there are many companies that rent out boom lifts. However, before choosing one, here are some important things to consider.

1. Know Your Job Requirements

You’ll have to know your needs for the boom lift before you start searching for it. Ask yourself these:

  • How high can you reach?
  • Do you work indoors or outdoors?
  • On what type of surface will be the boom lift?
  • What type of weight do you plan to lift?

These questions help you decide between renting an electric and a non-electric boom lift.

2. Choose the Right Type of Boom Lift

Next, after understanding your requirements for the job at hand, it will be appropriate to choose the right boom lift type. Unless you are working indoors or in noise-free areas, then it would be more fitting if an electric boom lift is to be used. Otherwise, if you are supposed to be operating on rough ground outdoors or you need to reach very high places, then it would call for non-electric boom lifts.

3. Check for Safety Features

Safety is important when using a boom lift. Make sure the lift you rent has all the necessary safety features. Look for things like:

  • Emergency stop buttons
  • Guardrails around the platform
  • Harness points to attach safety belts
  • Controls that are easy to use

It’s also important to make sure the workers using the boom lift are trained and know how to operate it safely.

4. Consider the Costs

First of all, one considers the budget; it really does matter to rent a boom lift. It is usually considered that an electric boom lifter will give a much cheaper maintenance budget since it never needs fuel and has very few moving parts. However, non-electric boom lifts may be better in heavy-duty work. With much power, they could save more time. Consider the following:

  • Rental Price: Compare prices from different rental companies.
  • Fuel Costs: Remember that non-electric boom lifts will need fuel, which adds to the cost.
  • Maintenance Fees: Non-electric boom lifts may need more maintenance during the rental period.

5. Inspect the Boom Lift Before Use

Always inspect the boom lift before you start using it. Check for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure the tires are in good condition, and check the control panel to ensure everything is working properly. If you notice anything wrong, ask the rental company to fix it before you start your job.

6. Plan for Power Supply

If you rent an electric boom lift, make sure you have a plan for recharging the batteries. Electric lifts usually need to be charged overnight. You don’t want to run out of battery power in the middle of your job. Thus, make sure you have access to electricity at the job site and consider bringing extra batteries if possible.

7. Check the Weather

Always check the weather forecast if you’re going to work outdoors. Indeed, though non-electric boom lifts are more suitable for outdoor tasks, bad weather still can be a challenge. Powerful wind flow, heavy rain, and storms can be dangerous in the operation of a boom lift. Schedule your work according to the weather to ensure your safety.

Where to Hire a Boom Lift in Malaysia?

Many companies operate in Malaysia, involving offering boom lift rentals. It is always very important to ensure the Rental Company has good reviews and also offers quality machines.

However, BES Industry & Trading Sdn Bhd is a reputed boom lift rental service provider in Malaysia that can cater to your requirement beyond expectations.

Here are a few things to look for when choosing a rental company:

  • Good Reputation: Go for those that have been complimented by their previous clients.
  • Variety: Look for a company where you can choose electric and non-electric boom lifts to best meet the requirements of the job.
  • Good Rental Company: A good rental company should have friendly staff who actively provide customer service throughout the tenancy.

The End Note

Overall, choosing the right machine for your job and enjoy a safe, successful project with the following important tips. Whether it’s an indoor operation that requires a quiet electric lift or outdoor work, where you may need a tough non-electric lift, there will definitely be a boom lift that is designed for your needs. Thus, always plan ahead, compare your options, and choose a rental company offering quality service.