Choosing your telescopic boom lift | Haulotte Africa & Islands

Telescopic booms are essential lifting machines for safe work at height.

Used on construction sites, in industrial maintenance, or for equipment installation, they provide access to elevated areas with great precision and impressive reach. Whether you are considering buying or renting a telescopic boom lift, it is essential to understand their operation, advantages, and differences compared to other types of aerial lifts.
In this article, we will answer in detail the main questions about telescopic booms.

What is a telescopic boom lift?

A telescopic boom lift is a mobile elevating platform equipped with an extendable straight boom. This boom consists of several sliding sections that extend using a powerful hydraulic system. Unlike an articulated boom lift with a boom made up of several articulated segments allowing operators to overcome obstacles, the telescopic boom lift favors a straight line and maximum reach.

These machines are ideal for:

the construction sector (installation of metal structures, cladding, roofing),
industrial maintenance (work at height in factories or warehouses),
public works (maintenance of infrastructure, signals, bridges),
the event sector (assembly of structures, lighting, and sound).

Professionals often opt for telescopic boom lift rental when they need a temporary solution, as it avoids a significant initial investment while benefiting from recent and well-maintained equipment.

What are the advantages of a telescopic boom lift?

The telescopic boom lift offers numerous advantages that explain its success in various sectors.

1. Great working height

Some models exceed 40 meters in height, making them essential for large-scale projects.

2. Exceptional horizontal reach

Thanks to their straight arm, telescopic boom lifts provide much greater horizontal extension than articulated boom lifts. This allows access to distant areas without moving the machine.

3. Optimal stability

These machines are designed to work outdoors in sometimes challenging conditions. Their robust design ensures excellent stability, even at full extension.

4. Versatile use

They are suitable for both construction sites and industrial sites. With diesel, electric, or hybrid versions, they adapt to different environments.

5. Comfort and precision in use

Proportional controls offer precise control of movements. The operator can adjust the speed and position of the boom lift precisely, improving safety and efficiency.

Whether for purchase or rental of a telescopic boom lift, these advantages make it an essential choice for increasing productivity and safety.

How does a telescopic boom lift work?

The operation is based on a hydraulic system that actuates the extension and retraction of the arm. The telescopic arm consists of sections that slide and interlock to reach the desired height or reach.

The main controls allow the operator to:

deploy or retract the boom,
rotate the turret 360°,
move the machine using its wheels or tracks,
adjust the speed and the working height.

The combination of rotation and linear extension allows reaching otherwise inaccessible areas.

Maintaining a telescopic boom lift: what are the best practices?

To ensure safe work at height, maintaining a telescopic boom lift is an essential step. Here are the rules to follow:

Daily checks: check hydraulic oil levels, fuel, and battery water levels.
Visual inspection: inspect tires, stabilizers, and check for hydraulic leaks.
Lubrication: regularly grease joints and pivot points.
Cleaning: remove dust, debris, and grease.
Regulatory checks: in France a periodic general inspection (VGP) must be carried out every 6 months by an approved organization. The frequency of periodic general inspections depends on local regulations.

Telescopic boom lift rental companies usually take care of these maintenance tasks, ensuring users have reliable equipment that complies with safety standards.

What are the differences between a telescopic boom lift and an articulated boom lift?

Although they are often compared, the telescopic boom lift and the articulated boom lift are designed to fulfill different needs.

Telescopic boom lift:

straight boom,
great horizontal reach,
ideal for open spaces,
designed to quickly reach great heights.

Articulated boom lift:

boom composed of several articulated segments
made to bypass obstacles (frameworks, machinery, walls),
more suitable for confined environments,
limited horizontal reach.

If you are looking for height and reach, choose a telescopic one. If you need to work in cluttered or hard-to-reach areas, opt for an articulated one.

What is the maximum weight supported by a Haulotte telescopic boom lift?

The Haulotte telescopic booms offer a load capacity ranging from 230 kg to 450 kg depending on the models. This generally allows 2 to 3 operators with their tools to be accommodated.

Some models have a double load capacity, allowing for heavier operations without compromising safety.

Before renting or purchasing, it is essential to check the useful load capacity of the model to ensure it meets the specific needs of the site.

What is the maximum height of a Haulotte telescopic boom lift?

The Haulotte range is known for its height performance. Depending on the models, the working height ranges from 16 to 43 meters.

Examples:

HT16 RTJ PRO : 16 meters, ideal for intermediate needs.
HT28 RTJ PRO : 28 meters, one of the most versatile models.
HT43 RTJ PRO : 43 meters, perfect for large construction sites.

The price of a Haulotte platform varies depending on the working height, the engine type (diesel, electric, or hybrid), and the available options. For occasional use, renting a Haulotte telescopic platform remains a cost-effective solution.

Conclusion

The telescopic boom lift is the ideal equipment for carrying out safe work at height requiring a large horizontal outreach and impressive height. Rugged, stable, and easy to use, it is suitable for both construction sites and industrial maintenance.
Haulotte models stand out for their reliability, load capacity, and working heights that can exceed 40 meters. Depending on your needs, you can choose to purchase or rent a telescopic boom lift, with the latter option allowing cost reduction while accessing recent machines.
By selecting the lift that meets your requirements, you will gain efficiency, safety, and profitability on your projects.

Choosing your telescopic boom lift: the complete guide