Boom Truck Repairs Charlotte

A popular type of crane is a boom truck. There are many types of cranes. Some are designed to lift heavy loads while others are used for very light loads. There are two primary types of boom trucks: fixed and swing cabs. These boom trucks can be classified according to their attachments and their intended usage.

Fixed Cab

Boom trucks with fixed cabs are equipped with a single cab. The back of this cab is for the driver. You'll also find all the boom controls here. The operator will work the lift in this area.

A truck with a fixed cab resembles a regular truck with a boom attached to the back. They are shorter and less bulky than a swing cab.

Fixed cab boom trucks have some disadvantages, the most obvious one being the fact that they are not self propelled. This is a problem when lifts require increased visibility, such as those on a large site with numerous existing structures.

Swing Cab

Swing cab boom trucks are equipped with swing seats and separate cabs on the flatbed. This boom is hooked to the boom and will move and rotate in unison with it.

Swing cabs provide a broader view for the operator, making them ideal for a wider variety of work that requires high level detail and precision. Most people prefer a swing cab over a fixed cab. They are generally preferred because of their benefits.

Boom trucks are also classified according to their attachments and their intended usage.

Boom Truck Cranes

The most common type of boom truck is the boom truck crane. It's also known as a boom crane. They often have a telescopic arm and function similar to a conventional crane, lifting and moving heavy goods.

Furthermore, they also have an additional advantage. Their arm is divided into two key components: the main boom and the jib.

A jib is the most common accessory used with boom cranes, since it’s attached to the tip of the crane and is used for lifting material, and it can lift the weight of 10 to 60 tons, depending on the model and manufacturer.

Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are used to transport goods, while boom trucks are used to transport people. If you need personnel to be elevated, bucket trucks are the best option.

Crane platforms allow workers to work safely in an elevated position, but they also give workers more space for tools. Truck buckets are generally made of fiberglass and are encircled by a railing or wall.

Telescopic vs. Articulating
Booms are frequently classified into two types according to their level of flexibility:

Articulating
An articulated boom has a segmented boom that can tilt at different angles, allowing it to be flexible. This style of boom truck is more suited to compact or tight areas than a telescoping boom.

Telescopic
Telescopic boom trucks have a straight boom. A lot more than articulated units are utilized in open areas, for example, building sites.

Boom Truck Maintenance

With so many moving parts that need greasing, it's crucial to have a plan to remain on top of a schedule.

The following is a general recommendation on when to change the fluid in various components of a boom truck. It varies by manufacturer.

Engine Oil: 250 hours
Automatic Transmission: 500 hours
Standard Transmission: 1,000 hours
Rear Differentials: 600 hours
Power Steering: 1,000 hours
Antifreeze: 1,000 hours
Hydraulic Oil: 1,000 hours

Checklist for Boom Truck Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to avoid catastrophic failure of your boom. Here’s what to look for when performing preventative maintenance:

Check for lubricant or coolant leaks in the engine, transmission, rear differential, power steering, and wheel seals.
Check for excessive play in the power steering.
Check the air pressure in the truck to ensure it is building up the air quickly and to the right level.
Verify that tires are properly inflated and free of excessive wear and tear.
Check for damage or cracks on the wheels and rims.
Conduct a brake inspection to see if the brake shoes and drums have excessive wear or cracks.
Check the front axle and rear suspension for broken or cracked springs, worn bushings, and pins.
Check drainage of the air tank in order to check for excessive moisture.
Examine battery connections and frayed wire.
Ascertain that all lights are operating.
Ascertain that air horns are functioning correctly.
Examine the windshield and mirrors for cracks, chips, and other damage, as well as ensure optimum visibility.
Ascertain that windshield wipers are not in need of replacement, are operating correctly, and that wiper fluid is appropriately topped off.
Examine the condition of all belts, hoses, and lines, including the engine belts, the fuel crossover and water, airlines, the radiator hoses, and the power steering and automatic transmission lines.

Proper boom truck maintenance is important to avoiding more costly issues and keeping your trucks operating at peak performance. Heavy Equipment Repair Services Charlotte can assist you in maintaining your fleet of trucks with our factory-certified mechanics and experts in our facility. Additionally, we may assist with towing, roadside assistance, repairs on-site, and emergency repairs.