Articulating Boom Lift Inspection & Certification

Why knuckle joints demand extra attention

Each articulation point on a knuckle boom carries the full moment of everything beyond it, so the pins and welds at these joints see the highest stresses on the machine. We inspect every pivot for pin and bush wear, measure clearances, and apply non-destructive testing to the weld connections that carry the joint loads.

The jib at the platform end adds fine positioning but also adds another loaded joint, so it is included in the same detailed examination.

Hydraulics and stability

With multiple boom sections to control, an articulating lift has several cylinders and a hydraulic circuit that must hold position reliably. We pressure-test the system, check for cylinder drift at each joint, and confirm the emergency descent works with the boom in an articulated position, not just fully retracted.

The slew ring and tilt sensing are checked as on any self-propelled boom, since the extended up-and-over geometry places demanding loads on the turntable.

Inspection intervals and certification

Annual competent-person inspection and a ten-year major inspection apply under AS 2550.10, with our engineering report documenting the condition of every joint and the certification outcome. Given the number of fatigue-critical joints, we recommend close attention to log book history to identify any joint that has previously required attention.