Snorkel AB38W – specifications
Series: Snorkel Boom Lift
Build year not documented · Data origin: Directory data · sources
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The AB38W is an articulating boom lift from the Snorkel Boom Lift series, designated as AB for Articulating Boom. The manufacturer Snorkel, whose roots lie in the development of firefighting equipment, positions this model as a compact aerial work platform for indoor and outdoor use. The designation W indicates a specific equipment variant characterized by its dimensions and low self-weight. As part of the manufacturer's broad product range, it serves to provide safe access to elevated work positions in various environments.
Technically, the machine is based on an electric drive with a system voltage of 48 V, powered by eight batteries with a capacity of 220 Ah. The empty weight of 3,370 kg and ground clearance of 150.1 mm enable use on sensitive floors, while the non-marking tires leave no traces. With a maximum speed of 4 km/h, ground travel is kept moderate, which contributes to stability during work. The turning radius of 2,660 mm allows for precise maneuvering in confined spaces. The platform offers space for a load capacity of 215 kg with a length of 1,200.1 mm and a width of 600.2 mm, allowing the transport of tools and materials for one or two persons.
In the hierarchy of the series, the AB38W ranks 23rd out of 25 models in terms of empty weight. It is heavier than the next smaller model M2639J at 2,672 kg, but lighter than the next larger model AB38N at 3,850 kg. The total range of empty weight within the compared models extends from 2,570 kg to 18,978 kg. This classification shows that the AB38W belongs to the lighter variants of articulating boom lifts, underscoring its suitability for applications with lower load requirements on the ground.
Snorkel boom lifts AB, TB, M and SP – from Elwood, Kansas: AB for articulating, TB for telescopic, the number as working height in feet, J for the jib, up to the TB126J, 2.6 to 19 t
Snorkel goes back to the fire service: in 1958 the Pitman company in Kansas built the first articulated-boom firefighting unit, which became known as the 'Snorkel', and from it grew the maker of aerial work platforms that today manufactures in Elwood, Kansas, and Vigo in Spain and has belonged to the Ahern group since 2013. The type logic of the boom lifts: AB stands for Articulating Boom, the articulated telescopic lift that reaches over obstacles, TB for Telescopic Boom, the straight boom with long reach, M for the compact electric articulating lifts for indoor use, SP for the mast lifts; the number gives the working height in feet – AB38 about 38 ft, TB60 60 ft, TB126J 126 ft, i.e. a good 40 m – J marks the jib at the boom end, RT and 4x4 the rough-terrain version with all-wheel drive, E and N electric drive and the narrow layout respectively, W the wide one.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists 27 versions with service weights from 2,570 to 18,978 kg, lengths from 930 to 8,900 mm and widths from 810 to 2,603 mm – the 810 mm wide M models drive through doors, the TB120 and TB126J are the lifts for shipyards, stadiums and industrial construction.
Boom lifts are the machines for work over obstacles – façades, hall roofs, bridge undersides – where scissor lifts cannot reach; Snorkel serves above all the rental market and is strong in North America and Britain.
On used lifts, operating hours, play in boom and slew-ring bearings, the condition of hydraulic cylinders and hoses, the function of tilt and load sensors and a valid periodic inspection, without which no lift may be operated, are what count.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Snorkel Auslegerbühnen, Snorkel (manufacturer)
Technical data
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 4,040 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,720 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 150.1 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 3,370 kgcorrect |
| Platform length | 1,200.1 mmcorrect |
| Platform width | 600.2 mmcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Tyre type | non-markingcorrect |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 4 km/hcorrect |
| Turning radius | 2,660 mmcorrect |
Working data
| Platform capacity | 215 kgcorrect |
|---|
Electrical data
| Battery capacity | 220 Ahcorrect |
|---|---|
| Number of batteries | 8correct |
Other data
| System voltage | 48 Vcorrect |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Snorkel AB38W weigh?
The unladen weight is 3,370 kg.
What are the dimensions of the Snorkel AB38W?
4,040 mm × 1,720 mm.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 13 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
Sources: RitchieSpecs equipment specifications (retrieved August 2026) · Data sources and cross-checks
Telescopic platform in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
