Aerial Lift Components Explained: A Visual Training for Operators

The anatomy of an aerial lift is a sight to behold. These incredible machines come in a wide range of varieties and sizes. From bucket lifts to scissor lifts, boom lifts, and beyond, the designs can vary dramatically. Understanding their unique features can help workers use aerial lifts as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Quality aerial lift training can teach employees to better maintain lifts and know what to look for during daily inspections. These skills can help make it easier to decide whether to repair or replace certain parts. Workers can even learn how to spot minor issues that could develop into more serious problems. That’s the power of quality aerial lift training and certification.

Aerial Lift Parts You Should Know About

Simply learning about aerial lift parts can be a great way to understand how these machines work. As you master aerial lift operation skills, keep these working parts in mind:

• Steer wheels: The front wheels are attached to the steering axle and are used primarily to steer the lift while in motion. They also help support the weight of the load that is being moved. In two-wheel-drive models, these wheels only steer, but they also drive in four-wheel-drive mode.
• Chassis/frame: One of the main structural design components, the frame provides support for the rest of the lift.
• Drive wheels: The rear wheels are attached to the driving axle and provide power to the lift. Some lifts come with 4-wheel drive, in which case the front wheels still steer.
• Ground console: This unit houses the controls for driving and operating all aspects of the lift. The console is located on the ground rather than on the lift and is operated by a second person as the first person is lifted.
• Jib: This consists of a projecting arm attached to the platform to extend the reach of the boom. It also increases the range of motion for the lift, moving up and down or from side to side, which helps when working in a confined space.
• Rotator: A small cylinder connecting the platform to the jib, allowing side-to-side movement of the platform. The rotator can tip the platform arm to one side and rotate 360 degrees in either direction.
• Platform control console: Located on the platform, it provides all the controls the operator needs to control the lift while in the air. This console, controlled by the person in the air, allows them to move certain components.
• Platform: Similar to a car’s gas pedal, the footswitch controls the lift’s position and operation. It also operates the auxiliary controls from the platform.
• Tower lift cylinder: uses hydraulics to raise and lower the two main boom sections.
• Upright level cylinder: Works with the main cylinder to control the movement of the main base and fly sections.
• Jib lift cylinder: Controls the movement of the jib.
• Slave cylinder: Works with the jib lift cylinder to raise and lower the jib.
• Main base section & main fly section: These two sections are joined to provide the platform’s height and extension.
• Tower base section and tower fly section: Together, these provide the structure and support for the main base and fly sections and the platform
• Guardrails: Designed to prevent workers from falling. They also contain anchor points for attaching lanyards. The guardrails help prevent tools and materials from falling off the platform.

FAQs About Parts of an Aerial Lift

If you’re new to working with this technology, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the anatomy of an aerial lift. Allow us to address a few frequently asked questions on the subject:

How Long Do Aerial Lift Parts Last?

Aerial lift part lifespans vary. While the aerial lift itself may have a lifespan of about 30 years, individual parts may need to be repaired or replaced much sooner. The joystick, for instance, shows significant wear and tear even with light use. Thankfully, it’s easy to swap out these parts and replace them with new ones. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your lift.

How Often Should Boom Lift Parts Be Serviced?

Boom lift parts, like aerial lift parts, should be inspected before each use. This can help operators spot any obvious safety issues. During these inspections, operators may notice certain parts are wearing down faster than others. While aerial lifts require annual servicing, individual pieces may need more frequent attention.

How Does Weather Impact the Parts of an Aerial Lift?

Exposure to the elements can significantly shorten the lifespan of aerial lifts, but sometimes working in the weather is unavoidable. Battery-powered lifts may experience reduced performance, engines may struggle to start, and fluids may take longer to warm up. That’s why it’s so important to store your lift properly, especially during the cold winter months. If you don’t have room to store your lift indoors, you may need to invest in an engine heater.

Learn More About Aerial Lift Parts

Understanding different parts of a boom lift and what they do will make you a better operator. To become a safer operator, get trained and certified at Certifymeonline.net! We offer classes to certify all your workers and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.

• Aerial Lift and Scissor Lift in English and Spanish $75.00
• Class 7 in English and Spanish $75.00
• Rough terrain forklift trucks, straight mast forklifts, and extended reach forklifts
• Fall Protection in English and Spanish $75.00
• Trainer certification costs $149.00

Start Anatomy of an Aerial Lift Training Now

Aerial lift operators must be trained and certified before using these powerful machines. Proper training can help workers understand the anatomy of an aerial lift and how to use and maintain it properly. If you or your colleagues need training, CMO can help. Our OSHA-compliant training is comprehensive – you’ll learn all the various parts of an aerial lift and how to use them safely and effectively. To receive additional information about our aerial lift safety training program or to sign up for a class, please contact us online or call us today at (602) 277-0615.