Abstract: An aerial device includes a boom support structure, a boom pivotally secured to the support structure, and first and second boom lift hydraulic actuators. The first and second boom lift hydraulic actuators are operated in tandem to raise, lower, and hold the boom in position. The first and second boom lift hydraulic actuators are pivotally connected between the boom support structure and the boom and are disposed with respect to the boom pivot axis so that regardless of boom position, one of the first and second actuators is under tension and the other is under compression. This eliminates the danger of loss of lift of the boom caused by end gland failure of a lift actuator.