Need a Boom Lift for Work on Multiple Job Sites? Use a Towable Boom Lift
Feb 05, 2025
Boom lifts come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from compact machines on tracks to larger ones that reach 12 stories and higher, and in multiple configurations, from electric and hybrid models to engine-powered ones. Articulating and telescoping. Each has different technologies and features for different job site requirements.
So, which boom lift is best to use when the work isn’t just on one job site but rather needs to be done in multiple locations throughout the day?
In these situations, towable models, like JLG® Tow-Pro® boom lifts, offer many advantages over trailered units. These machines are built to let operators tackle the same jobs as other electric or diesel-powered boom lifts but with a more efficient transportation option. With a standard combination hitch and 65-mph towing speed behind an average pickup truck, crews can have towable boom lifts on site and working quickly.
Advantages of towable boom lifts
Ease of transportability isn’t the only advantage towable boom lifts offer. They are always highly maneuverable and simple to use. For example, the same pick-up truck that hauls one of these lifts can also back or pull it into place. And if the lift is needed in a space-restricted area like a backyard or courtyard, an ATV or side-by-side can position it.
Towable boom lifts can be used in various ground conditions and flooring surfaces, including concrete slabs, grass and gravel. With a battery-powered model, crews can work inside and outside with the same aerial lift.
Once parked, crews can set up a tow-behind boom lift and start a lift. When crews finish their work, the machine can be dropped back down on the hitch and moved to the next location. Rinse and repeat.
Applications for tow-behind lifts
Whether rented or owned, tow-behind boom lifts are well-suited to meet users’ everyday needs. They can be used at low-level heights to complete overhead work involving a lot of up-and-down on a ladder or scaffold. They can also be used to get up, over, and around corners on the top of 2- and 3-story buildings without constantly setting up and repositioning.
Examples of applications that these machines excel in:
- Trimming trees
- Changing out streetlight bulbs and repairing fixtures
- Installing electrical work
- Pressure washing
- Window washing
- Exterior painting
- Working on siding, soffits and facia
- Hanging seasonal décor, like Christmas lights, and banners, like special event banners
- Setting ballasts, trusses or tin for roofing work
- Cleaning chimneys and gutters
- Checking radon system tubes
- General construction and maintenance tasks
JLG’s towable models
The Tow-Pro towable boom lift series from JLG has recently been updated to offer features that suit specific job and application needs. We offer two electric-powered (ET) models, the ET350 and ET500J, which feature peak efficiency with (4) 6V-DC 220 amp-hour batteries. Users can also choose one of two engine-powered (T) models, the T350 and T500J, equipped with the optimized productivity of an 11.7-hp motor.
These models offer other operational advantages in addition to ease of transport. They are also designed with detachable platform controls, efficient boom positioning with one-hand operation of all boom functions and hydraulic auto-leveling outriggers, which allow the machine to level itself instead of needing to be done manually.
Notable features of the refreshed series include:
- Standard air and water lines to the platform
- Audible parking brake indicator and LED taillights
- Smart charger and dual USB port in platform
- Quick Start Guide
- ANSI A92.2 standards compliant
- Optional accessory mounting tray to accommodate a generator, air compressor or pressure washer
- Backed by JLG’s world-class training, service and parts support
And, these tow-behind models are spec’d to get work done:
ET350/T350
- Horizontal Outreach: 18-ft 9-in / 5.72-m
- Platform Capacity: 500-lb / 226.80-kg
- Platform Height: 34-ft 5-in / 10.49-m
- Machine Width: 5-ft 3-in / 1.59-m
- Machine Weight: 3,60-lb / 1,632.93-kg
- Maximum Ground Bearing Pressure: 23-psi / 1.61-kg/cm2
- Swing: 410° (non-continuous)
- Leveling: 11°
- Horizontal Outreach: 31-ft 6-in / 9.6-m
- Platform Capacity: 500-lb / 226.80-kg
- Platform Height: 50-ft 1-in / 15.25-m
- Machine Width: 5-ft 8-in / 1.71-m
- Machine Weight: 5,200-lb / 2,358.68-kg
- Maximum Ground Bearing Pressure: 23-psi / 1.61-kg/cm2
- Swing: 410° (non-continuous)
- Leveling: 11°
Learn more about the JLG Tow-Pro Series at JLG.com/TowableBoomLifts.
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VP, National Accounts