What Is a Boom Truck?
A boom truck uses a winch to recover heavy things or transport materials to places that are usually inaccessible. Like for example, they are usually used to reach the top of a building, maneuvering supplies to a hillside or over a ditch.
A large truck is outfitted with a boom winch. This is mounted in the bed of the truck and then it is capable of moving construction things and other equipment from street-side to a particular location. There is a different boom truck design which is equipped with a cherry picker. This version allows arborists to access treetops easily.
The Vehicle
The Stinger BT 3063 model has a 113-foot reach and is outfitted with outriggers and stabilizers. A boom truck can range from an aerial work platform which is moved by a hydraulic lifting device which is mounted on the bed, up to a Class 8 tractor-trailer rig with a bucket. It is also possible to have a modified boom lift manufactured to suit the specific needs of the buyer.
Cherry Picker
Cherry pickers or bucket booms enable employees to reach excellent heights. Normally, cherry pickers or buckets move workers from the ground up to high areas such as the sides of buildings, treetops, for firefighting and fire department rescue or up utility poles.
Location
The platform on the boom is operated from the truck's cab by remote. Either the boom is mounted on a separate trailer or on the bed of a large truck. Bigger booms require outriggers which horizontally extend from the truck so as to level out and stabilize the crane during its operation.
Controls
A cab-over-engine model boom truck has a control cluster responsible for moving the boom located inside of the cab. It is often a panel in the boom itself on the side of the bed.