PB12 Articulating Boom Lift
- 11.5mMax. working height
- 9.5mMax. platform height
- 200kgLifting capacity
- 4,800kgMachine weight
Electric articulating boom lifts for up-and-over access
When the work sits behind or above an obstacle, an articulating boom lift places the platform where a scissor cannot. This page explains how Platfon's three electric PB models differ, what their numbers mean on site and how to choose.
PB16 Articulating Boom Lift
- 16mMax. working height
- 14mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- 7,200kgMachine weight
PB18 Articulating Boom Lift
- 17.7mMax. working height
- 15.7mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- 8,000kgMachine weight
Compare models
| Model | Max. working height (m) | Max. platform height (m) | Lifting capacity (kg) | Machine weight (kg) | Max. persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PB12 Articulating Boom Lift | 11.5 | 9.5 | 200 | 4,800 | 1 |
| PB16 Articulating Boom Lift | 16 | 14 | 230 | 7,200 | 2 |
| PB18 Articulating Boom Lift | 17.7 | 15.7 | 230 | 8,000 | 2 |
Three height classesPB12 reaches 11.5 m (37.7 ft), PB16 16 m (52.5 ft) and PB18 17.7 m (58.1 ft) working height.
Up-and-over reachHinged boom sections lift the platform over machinery, racking, canopies and pipework to work a vertical lift cannot reach.
Electric powerAll three PB models are electric, with no exhaust fumes at the point of use.
Platform controlsA foot pedal and motion alarm are listed on every PB model; PB12 and PB16 also list drive at full height.
How articulating booms work
An articulating boom, often called a knuckle boom lift, is built from two or more boom sections joined by hinges. Raising and folding those sections lets the operator lift the platform up, out and over an obstruction, then bring it down onto the work from above. On most self-propelled booms a rotating turntable adds reach in several directions without moving the chassis.
The trade-off is weight and platform size. A boom must counterbalance its own outreach, so it is far heavier than a scissor of similar height: the PB16 Articulating Boom Lift weighs 7,200 kg (15,873 lb), while the PS-16 scissor, with 15.8 m (51.8 ft) working height, weighs 3,540 kg (7,804 lb). Boom platforms are also smaller, at 1.43 x 0.86 m on the PB16 and PB18.
Platfon's boom range is electric throughout: the three wheeled PB models covered here, plus the PSP18 for sites with restricted access.
Scissor or articulating boom?
Choose one of the scissor lifts when the work is directly above a clear, level floor and you need deck space or capacity: a PS-12 carries 320 kg (705 lb) on a 2.3 x 1.15 m deck. Choose an articulating boom when something stands between the machine and the work, when you need to reach into a structure, or when the floor directly below the work cannot be used. Many fleets keep both types for that reason.
- Measure the obstacle: its height and how far behind it the work sits
- Read each model's range chart, not only its maximum height
- Check ground and floor capacity: PB machines weigh 4,800 to 8,000 kg
- Count occupants: the PB12 takes one person, the PB16 and PB18 two
- Plan the rescue: a trained person must be able to use the ground controls
Frequently asked questions
What is an articulating boom lift used for?
Articulating booms are used to reach work that sits above or behind an obstacle: pipework over production lines, ceilings above racking, facades behind canopies, steelwork, lighting and signage. Its hinged sections let the platform go up and over, then down to the work. Platfon's electric PB12, PB16 and PB18 cover working heights from 11.5 m (37.7 ft) to 17.7 m (58.1 ft).
Is a knuckle boom lift the same as an articulating boom?
Yes. Knuckle boom is an informal name for the same machine type, taken from the hinge, or knuckle, between the boom sections. You will also hear articulated boom or articulated platform. All of these describe a machine whose boom folds at one or more joints, as opposed to a straight boom that only extends in a line.
Can you drive a boom lift at full height?
Some models allow it. Drive at full height is listed for the Platfon PB12 and PB16, so the operator can reposition along the work without lowering first. On most machines drive speed is automatically reduced when the platform is raised, and driving elevated is only permitted on firm, level ground within the limits of the operator's manual. Confirm the conditions for the exact model before planning work around it.
Can an electric boom lift work outdoors?
Many electric booms are rated for both indoor and outdoor use, but check the specific model: its data plate states whether outdoor use is permitted and the maximum wind speed. Electric booms suit paved yards, building exteriors and finishing work on firm, compacted ground. They are not rough-terrain machines, so soft ground, loose fill and steep ramps need ground preparation or a different solution.
How much does a boom lift weigh?
Heavier than many buyers expect, because the chassis carries counterweight to balance the boom. Platfon's PB12 weighs 4,800 kg (10,582 lb), the PB16 7,200 kg (15,873 lb) and the PB18 8,000 kg (17,637 lb). Before indoor work, check slab capacity, expansion joints, ramps and any floor ducts the wheels will cross, and choose transport rated for the load.
Do you need a harness in a boom lift?
In most countries, yes. Industry guidance and most site rules call for a full-body harness with a short restraint lanyard attached to the designated anchor point in the platform of a boom. The aim is to keep the operator inside the platform if the boom is jolted. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, your employer's rules and the regulations that apply where you work.
Which PB model is the one-person machine?
The PB12 is rated for one person with a 200 kg (441 lb) load, including tools and materials, which suits a single technician working up to 11.5 m (37.7 ft) working height. When two people need to work together at height, the PB16 and PB18 are each rated for two persons and 230 kg (507 lb). Our one-man lift guide compares the PB12 with single-person scissor and mast machines.
Does Platfon make telescopic or truck-mounted booms?
No. Platfon's boom lifts are the electric articulating PB12, PB16 and PB18 and the tracked PSP18. Platfon does not manufacture straight telescopic, towable, truck-mounted or insulated booms. If your job needs very long horizontal outreach, road-going mobility or work near live electrical conductors, define that requirement first, because it calls for a different machine type.
The PB range in detail
PB12: the compact single-person boom
The PB12 Articulating Boom Lift reaches a platform height of 9.5 m (31.2 ft) and a working height of 11.5 m (37.7 ft), with a 200 kg (441 lb) rated load for one person on a 1.4 x 0.70 m platform. At 1.27 m (4.2 ft) wide and 3.8 m (12.5 ft) long, it is the easiest of the three to take through warehouse doors and between production lines.
Typical tasks include overhead services in factories, lighting and sprinkler maintenance above racking, and fit-out work where a scissor cannot get close enough. It weighs 4,800 kg (10,582 lb), so check the floor along the whole route.
PB16: two people at 14 m platform height
The PB16 lifts two persons and 230 kg (507 lb) to a 14 m (45.9 ft) platform, giving 16 m (52.5 ft) of working height. Its stowed width of 1.73 m (5.7 ft) and length of 6.3 m (20.7 ft) suit large halls, yards and building exteriors.
Like the PB12, it lists drive at full height, emergency stop, overload protection, a motion alarm and a foot pedal at the platform controls. That combination works well for long runs of work, such as cable trays, gutters or roof-edge details, where the operator moves along the job.
PB18: the tallest wheeled boom in the range
The PB18 Articulating Boom Lift takes two persons and 230 kg (507 lb) to 15.7 m (51.5 ft) platform height, or 17.7 m (58.1 ft) working height. At 8,000 kg (17,637 lb), 1.90 m (6.2 ft) wide and 6.8 m (22.3 ft) long, it is a machine for open sites and large buildings rather than tight interiors.
Its listed features are emergency lowering, tilt protection, overload protection, a motion alarm and a foot pedal. If you need the same 17.7 m height but the access is under 1 m wide, compare it with the PSP18 Tracked Boom Lift on our spider lift page.
Ground, floors and transport
Electric booms are designed for firm, level surfaces. Before delivery, walk the route: slab joints, drainage covers, ramps and soft verges can all be weak points under a machine of several tonnes. Indoors, ask the building owner for floor loading data; outdoors, avoid recently backfilled trenches and ground softened by rain.
Stowed length and weight decide the transport. A PB18 needs a vehicle and trailer rated well above 8,000 kg (17,637 lb), loaded and secured as the manual describes; a PB12 is shorter and lighter but is still a heavy load.
Safe operation and emergency lowering
Boom operators need recognized training for the machine category and familiarization with the exact model. Every shift should start with a pre-use inspection and a function test from the ground controls, and the foot pedal should be checked so that releasing it stops movement as the manual describes.
A trained person on the ground must know how to bring the platform down if the operator cannot. Our guide to boom lift emergency lowering explains the principles, while the machine's own manual gives the exact procedure.
Documents, service and quotes
Platfon machines are CE-certified; certificates and catalogs are available on the Documents page. When you request a quote, ask for the operator's manual, the range chart and the recommended inspection and maintenance intervals, so your team can plan training and servicing in advance.
If you are still weighing up machine types, our overview of aerial work platforms compares every Platfon family, and the price guide explains which specifications drive the cost of a boom.
Find the right boom for the job
Tell us the working height, the obstacle you need to clear and the ground or floor conditions. Our team will propose the PB model that fits and price it for you.