Vertical construction changes as the building progresses, and so do access requirements.
During structural work, crews may have a clear line from the ground to steelwork, roofing or an external wall. Later, canopies, plant, completed sections and other structures can block that path.
That is the practical difference between choosing a straight boom lift and an articulated boom lift.
All Access Hire supplies both configurations across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich. The correct choice depends on how far the platform needs to reach and whether anything sits between the machine and the work area.
Where each boom type fits on a construction project
Structural and roofing work: where straight booms perform well
Straight booms suit areas where the machine can operate with a clear path towards the work face.
Typical applications include:
- Structural steel installation
- Roofing
- External framing
- High-level inspections
- Lighting installation
- Open facade work
The S45 Straight Boom has a published maximum working height of 15.7 m and 11.2 m horizontal reach.
For taller work or greater setback, the S65 Straight Boom increases working height to 21.8 m and horizontal outreach to 17.1 m.
That extra outreach is useful where the chassis must remain several metres away from the building but the boom path remains clear.
Facade work can require either boom type
Facade access depends heavily on the lower sections of the building.
If the ground in front of the facade is open, a straight boom can approach from a setback and use its horizontal reach efficiently.
If a podium, entrance canopy, roof section or completed structure blocks the direct approach, an articulated boom can provide a better working path.
The work height may be similar in both cases. The difference is the obstruction between the machine and the target.
S45 vs Z-45 RT: similar height, different reach
The S45 straight boom and Z-45 RT articulated boom operate in a similar height range but serve different access conditions.
The S45 provides:
- 15.7 m maximum working height
- 11.2 m horizontal reach
The Z-45 RT Diesel Knuckle Boom provides:
- 16.1 m maximum working height
- 7.6 m horizontal reach
- 7.1 m up-and-over clearance
The straight boom reaches farther horizontally.
The articulated boom sacrifices some direct outreach in exchange for the ability to work above and beyond an obstruction.
For an open work area, the S45 may be more efficient.
For access behind a canopy, roofline or structural element, the Z-45 RT may provide the better working envelope.
Services and later construction stages often favour articulation
As a project progresses, access areas usually become more restricted.
Mechanical plant, completed structures, awnings and installed services can reduce the number of positions available for the EWP.
Articulated booms suit applications such as:
- HVAC installation
- Electrical services
- Maintenance behind structural members
- Work above lower roof sections
- Access around fixed plant
- Finishing work near completed structures
At these stages, platform positioning can be more useful than maximum horizontal reach.
Three checks before choosing the boom
Before selecting a model, confirm three site conditions.
- Where can the machine operate?
Identify the nearest practical chassis position.
Account for traffic routes, exclusion zones, completed structures and ground conditions.
- Is the boom path clear?
Look between the chassis and the work area.
A clear path favours a straight boom.
A canopy, roof section, beam or fixed plant may require articulation.
- How far is the work from the chassis?
Measure both vertical height and horizontal setback.
A machine can provide enough height and still fall short horizontally.
These three checks usually narrow the choice before individual models need to be compared.
Rough terrain and machine type
All Access Hire supplies diesel 4WD options in both straight and articulated boom categories for outdoor construction work.
Boom configuration should be selected from the required access path first.
The individual machine must then suit the site’s surface, slope, available operating area and manufacturer limits.
Queensland operator requirements
WorkSafe Queensland requires a WP high risk work licence for boom-type EWPs with a boom length of 11 metres or more under its regulatory definition.
Operators also need suitable training and familiarisation with the specific machine being used.
Vertical construction can introduce trapping and crushing hazards around beams, framework and completed structures, particularly when the platform is operating close to the work face.
All Access Hire maintains and inspects its equipment before hire and supports contractors in matching the EWP to the site conditions.
Straight or articulated boom: which should you choose?
Choose a straight boom where the work area is open and long horizontal outreach is required.
Choose an articulated boom where the platform needs to reach above or around an obstruction.
A single construction project may require both types at different stages.
All Access Hire has completed 50,000+ hires and supplies straight and articulated boom lifts across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich.
For medium-height open access, review the S45 Straight Boom. For greater horizontal reach, see the S65 Straight Boom. Where the work requires up-and-over access, compare the Z-45 RT Diesel Knuckle Boom.