Man Lift - Self Driving vs Towable

[finn1]

A friend bought one of the 14k lifts in need of a new engine, on the cheap.

He found and installed another engine, so the lift works now, and he sometimes uses it for roof jobs.

It costs him around $200 every time he needs to relocate it to a different jobsite, though, as 14k is way beyond his truck and trailer capabilities. He’s not in a position to buy a newer, larger truck and trailer at this point.

He’s looking foe a used towable now.

 

[finn1]

A friend bought one of the 14k lifts in need of a new engine, on the cheap.

He found and installed another engine, so the lift works now, and he sometimes uses it for roof jobs.

It costs him around $200 every time he needs to relocate it to a different jobsite, though, as 14k is way beyond his truck and trailer capabilities. He痴 not in a position to buy a newer, larger truck and trailer at this point.

He痴 looking foe a used towable now.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Isn't the stationary nature of a towable a major time wasting drawback? Sometimes you just need to move a little. Plus, often there is no room for outriggers.

Any machine I bought would stay close to home. My conflict is more whether to go gas/propane, Diesel or Electric for a seldom used machine.

I have some weird air powered lift that only goes straight up, that I thought about mounting on a loader, but think it would be too wobbly.

 

[WVBill]

I have a JLG T-350 towable manlift that is more than just useful. I rented several brands from rental companies until I found mine for sale on Craigslist.

12) Download the manual from the manufacturere's website to see the arcs of travel ranges for a positioning guide. I actually bought a plastic model of mine from a ebay seller to study the ground placement issue. (I hate to look stupid in front of my friends and enemies.)

This is my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.View attachment 566069

That looks like the one I rented to put the metal roofing on the studio building I built for my wife. I second your note on planning the positioning.

Have to remember that there's a boom sticking out opposite the basket the same distance so you need clearance in that direction too. I knocked into a few tree branches on my first set-up.

 

[MossRoad]

I have a JLG T-350 towable manlift that is more than just useful.
View attachment 566069

I've been searching for one of those for years and can never find one in my price range. Weekend rental is about $300. And that's not bad, all things considered.

I think the 14K self powered unit would be a pain to have hauled in and out. If it were a one-time deal, not so bad, but if it's going to be used elsewhere (think friends, church, family etc...), then I'd definately get the portable.

Also, the heavier units are much more susceptible to sinking in the soil. Almost all of the contractors put down plywood sheeting when they have to drive them over lawns or soft soil. They tear up the lawn something awful if it's a nice, watered lawn.

As others have mentioned with a portable, I'd put a ball hitch on the front of my tractor (well, my machine already can do that as I have a 2" receiver on a quick attach plate) and guide the thing into tight spaces much easier than backing. That's the way we moved airplanes at the airport. Much easier to see and maneuver. :thumbsup:

 

[Tractorable]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. Seems like folks have different opinions on this. I reckon I’ll stick with renting the self powered unit and hope it doesn’t destroy my lawn. The rental company is taking care of the pickup and delivery.

Which unit is better on slopes?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Certainly a 4wd for starters. And on slopes, it would have to be an all terrain one. Then there is single boom vs articulated.

 

[Tractorable]

It’s articulated with a jib.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I had a large zoom boom weighing in at 12 ton. On dry ground with fairly smooth wide tires it wasn't too hard on grass. It had quarry type tires. Most have R4s.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. Seems like folks have different opinions on this. I reckon I’ll stick with renting the self powered unit and hope it doesn’t destroy my lawn. The rental company is taking care of the pickup and delivery.

Which unit is better on slopes?

With the limited information available it’s probably the self propelled one that is better for rougher terrain and slopes