Which boom type is typically used for pile driving due to its strength and simplicity?

• A. Lattice
• B. Telescopic
• C. Knuckle
• D. Floating

Answer: (A)

Pile driving needs a boom that can withstand heavy impact forces and stay very stiff, while also being reliable on rough job sites. Lattice booms achieve this through their truss design, which provides high stiffness for a given weight. That stiffness minimizes deflection under hammer impact and supports the large loads required when driving piles. The simpler, more robust construction with fewer moving parts also makes them easier to transport, assemble, and maintain on-site. In contrast, telescopic booms rely on hydraulic extensions and can be more susceptible to bending and damage under repeated impacts; knuckle booms are better for close-range material handling and don’t offer the same long-reach stiffness; floating booms are used on ships, not typical land pile driving. So the lattice boom is the best fit for pile driving because of its strength and simplicity.