One of the great advantages of manipulators over cranes is their ability to make a load
float without up/down push buttons. This is also possible with the slide column.
In the case of the floating load, the operator simply pulls up down on the handlebars while the load floats. Without the distraction of up-down pushbuttons, an operator's speed accuracy can be increased.
Slide columns are always suspended between 2 bridges. The bridges typically carry exaggerated loads because an offset load (aka a moment load) will cause a downward load on one bridge an upward load on the other. The bridges have to be very strong, yet lightweight.
In most cases, we use G-rail™ with the Slant Truss reinforcement (patented) with slide column manipulators.