Boom Systems & Crane Components
Lattice booms, hydraulic telescoping booms, jibs, boom deflection, structural competence, headache ball, and telescoping operations.
- Compare lattice boom and hydraulic telescoping boom characteristics
- Explain how jibs and extensions affect crane capacity
- Describe boom deflection and factors affecting structural competence
- Identify headache ball function and safe telescoping procedures
Lección 1
Lattice Booms vs Hydraulic Telescoping Booms
Lattice Boom Cranes
A lattice boom crane uses a boom made of tubular steel sections assembled in a truss structure. These booms are lightweight relative to their length and can achieve very long reach. Lattice booms are assembled on-site by adding or removing sections (inserts) to change the boom length.
Lattice Boom
Truss structure from tubular steel
Light weight for its length
Must be assembled on site
Higher capacity at long reach
Cannot telescope - fixed length per assembly
Hydraulic Telescoping Boom
Nested steel tubes that extend hydraulically
Quick setup - no assembly
Variable length without adding sections
Heavier boom weight reduces net capacity
Can extend/retract under load
Hydraulic Telescoping Booms
A hydraulic telescoping boom consists of nested steel tubes that extend and retract using hydraulic cylinders. The main advantage is quick setup and variable boom length without physically adding or removing sections. The operator can change boom length from the cab.
However, telescoping booms are heavier than lattice booms of the same length, which reduces net lifting capacity. The boom weight is deducted from the gross capacity shown on load charts.
Exam Comparison
The main advantage of a hydraulic telescoping boom is quick setup and variable boom length without adding sections. The main advantage of a lattice boom is higher capacity at longer reach due to lighter boom weight.
Lattice booms are truss structures assembled on-site that offer higher capacity at long reach. Hydraulic telescoping booms provide quick setup and variable length but are heavier, reducing net capacity. Choose based on the job requirements.