Snorkel TB-60 Boom Lift: Comprehensive Guide to Its Features, Use, and Maintenance

[MikePhua]

       

Introducing the TB-60: Compact Power, Significant Reach
The Snorkel TB-60 is a mid-size telescopic boom lift designed for demanding jobsite environments. As part of Snorkel’s durable T-series, it delivers a potent blend of reach, maneuverability, and reliable performance—making it ideal for tasks from construction to industrial maintenance.
Terminology Note

• Telescopic Boom: A boom with extendable sections that provide long reach while maintaining compact storage.
  
• Gradeability: The machine’s ability to ascend slopes; expressed as a percentage indicating the vertical rise per horizontal distance.
  
• Winch Swing / Superstructure Rotation: Full 360° continuous rotation allows effortless positioning without repositioning the base unit.
  

Key Specifications at a Glance
Putting the TB-60’s specifications into clear bullet form offers an easier reference:

• Working Heights:
  • Platform Height: 60 ft (18.3 m)
    
  • Maximum Reach: Around 50 ft (15.0 m)
    
• Capacity & Platform:
  • Payload: ~500 lb (227 kg)
    
  • Platform size: ~30 in × 60 in (76 cm × 152 cm)
    
• Machine Dimensions:
  • Overall length: ~30 ft 10 in (~9.4 m)
    
  • Width: ~8 ft (2.5 m)
    
  • Stowed height: ~8 ft 9 in to 10 ft (2.7–3.0 m)
    
• Mobility & Drive:
  • Drive system: 4WD with up to 30% gradeability
    
  • Steering: Narrow tail-swing back and tight turning radius (~26 ft outer radius)
    
• Performance:
  • Stowed travel speed: up to ~3 mph; elevated movement: slower (~0.5 mph)
    
  • Ground clearance: ~13 in (33 cm)
    
• Power & Fluids:
  • Engine: Kubota ~59 hp Tier 4 (diesel)
    
  • Fuel capacity: ~40 gal (151 L)
    
  • Hydraulic fluid: ~35 gal (133 L)
    
• Operational Weight: ~20,700–21,700 lb (9,400–9,850 kg)
  

Why the TB-60 Stands Out

• Robust, Rough-Terrain Capability: Its 4WD system and solid gradeability make it a reliable performer on uneven or sloped job sites.
  
• Full 360° and Platform Rotation: Allows operators to maneuver without repositioning the base or compromising on precision.
  
• Hydrostatic Drive with Positive Traction: Delivers smooth, controllable movements, ideal for delicate or precise operations—even when the boom is extended.
  
• Balanced Dimensions: The compact stowed profile fits through standard access points while still achieving substantial working height.
  

Real-World Use and Operator Insights
A rental manager once shared how the TB-60 became a go-to machine during a public infrastructure project: its tight turning radius and 4WD allowed quick repositioning in tight urban zones, while the telescopic boom reached overhead structures without needing costly scaffolding. The fade-resistant controls and reliable hydraulics helped minimize downtime. Operators appreciated the platform’s ergonomic layout and the full rotation, reducing worker fatigue.

Maintenance & Operational Tips

• Ensure Proper Ground: Always operate on firm, level ground to preserve stability and hydraulic efficiency.
  
• Regular Fluid Check: Monitor both fuel and hydraulic reservoir levels before each shift, especially after heavy usage.
  
• Routine Inspections: Check tire condition (foam-filled tires reduce puncture risk), greasing points, and discernible hydraulic leaks.
  
• Use Genuine Parts: For replacements—from filters to hoses—Snorkel’s official support network ensures quick turnaround and accurate specifications.
  
• Training Matters: Leveraging Snorkel’s Toolbox™ or Platform™ platforms (training and service portals) ensures operators are familiar with safe operating procedures and control functions.
  

Choosing the Right Unit
If you’re evaluating equipment, the TB-60 generally ranges in price from around $8,000 for older models to $25,500 for well-maintained machines with low hours.  Additionally, models on the secondary market warehouse between $14,500 to $22,500, depending on age, hours, and condition.

Summary Highlights

• Ideal for operations needing up to 60 ft elevation with tight mobility
  
• Strong platform capacity and integrated rotation offer unmatched flexibility
  
• Engineered for rugged terrain with solid 4WD, traction, and clearance
  
• Proven reliability, backed by dedicated support and parts logistics
  
• Widely used across construction, infrastructure, and maintenance sectors
  

Want help comparing the TB-60 to other boom lifts, exploring finance options, or planning preventive maintenance? Just let me know—happy to elevate your project.