Compact Crawler Boom Lifts: Versatile for Overhead Work

As a contractor, you're always on the lookout for equipment that can enhance your productivity and help you tackle challenging projects. JLG^® compact crawler boom lifts (also known as spider lifts or compact tracked lifts) are versatile machines that can help your crews access work at height in various applications.

In addition to their lightweight, narrow profile, which is purpose-built for taking these machines through single and double doorways to access work indoors or out, what sets these aerial lifts apart is their unique design, which includes:

• A smaller base with four legs or outriggers for enhanced stability
• Rubber track undercarriage instead of wheels for better traction and maneuverability
• The ability to work both indoors and outdoors
• Outreach that can exceed their height, allowing work around obstacles

By incorporating JLG compact crawler boom lifts into your equipment mix, you'll be better equipped to handle a broader range of projects, increase your crews’ efficiency on the job by easily reaching hard-to-access areas and expand your company’s service offerings.

No matter what you do, these MEWPs can benefit your work. Here’s how…

Maintenance and Repair Work

Post-construction phases, like ongoing facility maintenance and facility updates, upgrades and remodeling, become more manageable with compact crawler boom lifts:

• General Building Upkeep: Reach high ceilings, walls and exterior surfaces for routine maintenance
• Atrium Care: Navigate complex indoor spaces with high ceilings
• Electrical Installation and Updates: Access electrical systems in hard-to-reach locations
• HVAC Servicing: Reach rooftop units and high indoor installations with ease

Construction Job Sites

Thanks to their stability and reach, compact crawler boom lifts prove their worth in construction applications in numerous ways, such as:

• Erecting Scaffolding: Set up scaffolding safely and efficiently
• Bricklaying: Access hard-to-reach areas of buildings for precise brickwork
• Window Installation: Position workers and materials at various angles and heights
• Fit-out and Finish Work: Paint, install fire alarm or sprinkler systems, put in (or replace) lighting and drop in ceiling tile in confined spaces
• General Construction: From framing to finishing, these lifts provide the versatility needed on dynamic job sites

Specialized Tasks

The versatility of these lifts extends to various specialized applications, including:

• Lighting Work: Install and maintain high-hanging lights in stadiums, auditoriums and gymnasiums
• Signage Installation: Position and secure signage on buildings and structures
• Window Cleaning: Efficiently clean windows on tall buildings and in hard-to-reach areas
• Gutter Maintenance: Access gutters and rooflines for cleaning and repairs
• Steel Erection: Work between steel joists and X-beams

Operating in Sensitive Environments

Compact crawler boom lifts also excel in environments where other equipment might not be able to be used due to environmental restrictions, such as:

• Airports: Navigate around aircraft and airport structures with precision
• Shopping Centers: Maneuver through narrow aisles and around obstacles
• Historical Buildings: Work on delicate structures with minimal impact
• Hotels: Perform maintenance and renovations with minimal disruption to guests
• Industrial Halls: Access high ceilings and equipment in large industrial spaces
• Amusement Parks: Maintain rides and structures in complex layouts
• Parks and Gardens: Workaround trees and landscaping features

Working Indoors

The design of compact crawler boom lifts makes them particularly suitable for indoor use:

• Rubber Tracks: Prevent damage to flooring in shopping centers, theaters, schools and hospitals
• Compact Design: Navigate through standard doorways and narrow passages
• Low Weight: Operate on floors with lower weight capacities
• Clean Operation: Many models are electric, making them ideal for indoor use with no emissions

Painting Projects

For painters, these types of boom lifts offer significant advantages:

• Interior Painting: Reach high walls and ceilings in large indoor spaces
• Exterior Painting: Navigate around buildings and obstacles for comprehensive exterior paint jobs
• Detail Work: Perform precision work on intricate designs or hard-to-reach areas from a stable platform

Landscaping and Tree Care To Do’s

Landscapers and arborists can use compact crawler boom lifts for:

• Tree Pruning: Reach high branches without damaging the surrounding landscape
• Tree Health Inspections: Get close-up views of tree canopies for thorough assessments
• Lighting Installation: Install and maintain landscape lighting in trees and buildings.

Tackling Difficult Terrain

These lifts are also designed to handle a variety of challenging surfaces including:

• Rough, Unfinished Sites: Navigate ungraded and unleveled construction areas
• Slopes: Travel on inclines within the manufacturer's specified gradeability limit
• Fragile Surfaces: Work on lawns, finished indoor flooring and other sensitive areas without causing damage
• Frozen or Muddy Ground: Perform effectively in harsh weather conditions

Choosing the Right Lift

When selecting a compact crawler boom lift, consider the following:

• Working Height: Models typically range from 43-ft (13.30-m) to 100-ft (30.4-ft) in working height
• Outreach: Extend out to reach work ranging from 21-ft 7-in (6.60-m) to 54-ft 2-in (16.50-m)
• Articulated or Telescopic Boom Design: Pick the model to match the jobs to be done
• Indoor and Outdoor Use: Choose the model that suits your primary working environment
• Power Source: Choose between electric models for indoor use or hybrid/internal combustion engines for outdoor applications
• Transport: Consider how you will be transporting the lift between job sites

Safety Considerations

While compact crawler boom lifts offer numerous advantages, safety should always be the top priority:

• Only operate on firm, level ground when the boom is raised or extended
• Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for slope operation and never exceed specified limits
• Ensure all operators are properly trained and certified
• Regularly inspect and maintain the equipment to ensure safe operation

From construction and maintenance to specialized applications, these versatile machines offer the reach, stability and maneuverability needed to tackle a wide range of projects efficiently and safely. By understanding their capabilities and applications, JLG compact crawler boom lifts can help you expand your service offerings, increase productivity and take on projects that might have been challenging or impossible before.

As with any equipment, proper training, careful operation and regular maintenance will ensure you get the most out of these valuable tools for years to come.

Spec a JLG compact crawler boom lift for your next project at JLG.com/CompactCrawlerBoomLifts.

Do you want to stay up-to-date with industry news and issues similar to this? Make sure you subscribe below to receive monthly updates from #DirectAccess with newly posted content so you never miss important information.

Subscribe