4 Tips for Operating a Towable Boom Lift

Whether needed for tree trimming, decorating, roofing, washing, painting, or other maintenance tasks, man lifts like the JLG^® Tow-Pro^® Series boom lifts can tackle the same jobs as other JLG electric or gas-powered boom lifts but with the advantage of having a more efficient transportation option — towed instead of trailered

Like other types of boom lifts, tow-behind models are equipped with a work platform on the end of an elevating and rotating boom. The primary operator control station is in the platform. From inside the platform, operators can raise or lower the main and tower boom or swing the boom to the left or right. . This feature can override the platform control station in an emergency only as required, lowering the platform to the ground if the operator in the platform cannot do so.

Whether renting or owning one of these machines, safely and properly using the towable boom lift is essential for productivity and avoiding accidents. Follow these four tips for best use when operating JLG towable boom lifts.

#1: Tips for Towing

The owner and operator must follow local and national regulations (height, width, brakes, etc.). It is the responsibility of the towable boom lift user to determine which regulations apply and to comply with these requirements

The platform must always be completely empty when towing, lifting, or hauling the machine. Before moving the machine, make sure there are no personnel, tools or materials on the platform and that the boom is in the stowed position with the transportation latch locked.

#2: Tips for Setting Up

Before beginning work with a towable boom lift, users must do some essential things to set up the machine properly.

First, understand the surface(s) the machine is working on, as well as its capabilities and limitations in any work environment or condition.

When using a tow-behind lift, it is crucial that users Do Not:

• Exceed the allowable side slope and grade while operating
• Elevate the platform while on a soft surface
• Exceed the maximum platform capacity. Distribute loads evenly on the platform floor
• Raise the platform unless the machine is on firm surfaces and outriggers are correctly set
• Push or pull any object with the boom
• Attempt to use the machine as a crane with a platform attached
• Tie off the machine to any adjacent structure
• Operate the machine when wind conditions exceed 28 mph (12.5 m/s).
• Increase the platform's surface area or the load. An increase in the area exposed to the wind will decrease stability and could result in a tip-over
• Increase the platform size with unauthorized platform extensions or attachments
• Use the machine for any purpose other than positioning personnel, their tools and equipment unless using the optional JLG material hook attachment.

To mitigate the risks of using towable boom lifts on job sites, users should Always:

• Follow all recommended guidelines outlined in the machine’s Operation & Safety Manuals
• Check the allowable capacity of floors, bridges, trucks and other surfaces before operating on them
• Keep the machine's chassis and outriggers at least 2-ft (0.6-m) from holes, bumps, drop-offs, obstructions, debris, concealed holes and other potential hazards on the floor/surface
• If the boom assembly or platform is in a position where one or more outriggers are off the ground, keep personnel away before stabilizing the machine. Cranes, forklift trucks or other appropriate equipment can be used to stabilize the machine

Second, unhook the boom lift from the tow vehicle. Once the machine is parked, setting up only takes a few minutes. JLG Tow-Pro lifts are equipped with hydraulic auto-leveling outriggers. When the machine reaches a level, an alarm with three short beeps indicates to the operator that it is leveled.

After the machine is positioned on a firm surface and outriggers are correctly deployed, operators can raise the boom from the transport position with or without any load in the platform. Before getting to work, ensure all loads are within the manufacturer’s rated capacity and that all machine systems function correctly.

Third, when lifting or lowering the platform, users need to check the work area for clearances overhead, on the sides and at the bottom of the platform. JLG towable boom lifts are not insulated and do not protect from contact or proximity to electrical current. To prevent incidents, operators should always maintain a safe distance from electrical lines, apparatus, or any energized (exposed or insulated) parts. Be sure to account for machine movement and electrical line swaying when near these elements.

#3: Tips for Using a Material Hook

Additional precautions must be observed when using a JLG tow-behind lift equipped with an OEM-approved material hook attachment.

It is important to make sure that the combined weight of the material and rigging equipment does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the material hook.

Also, be aware of clearances above, below and around the machine when handling material with the material hook. Users can attach a line to restrict the movement of the load but be sure to keep slings and chains as short as possible. Excessively long slings and chains allow the load of the swing and could cause the machine to overturn.

Watch the Material Hook Mode on JLG Towable Boom Lifts video for additional guidance.

Adherence to these precautions is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.

#4: Tips for Avoiding Accidents

Separation of the tow-behind boom lift from the tow vehicle or loss of control of the towable boom lift or tow vehicle can result in death or serious injury.

Common causes of accidents with these types of boom lifts include:

• Driving too fast or not being aware of road conditions
• Failure to adjust handling while towing the lift
• Machine improperly coupled to the hitch
• Incorrect use of safety chains
• Incorrect use of breakaway brake
• Mismatch of boom lift and hitch or inadequate tow vehicle or towing hitch
• Unsafe tires, lug nuts or wheels
• Inoperable brakes, lights or mirrors
• Modifying or not properly maintaining the boom lift’s trailer chassis

Adhere to all of the recommended guidelines outlined in the machine’s Operation & Safety Manuals to prevent issues while towing a JLG Tow-Pro Series boom lift.