What is a Boom Lift?
A boom lift is an aerial work platform designed to safely transport workers, tools, and materials to elevated or hard-to-reach spaces. Unlike scissor lifts, which only extend vertically, boom lifts provide both vertical and horizontal reach, allowing operators to position themselves precisely where work needs to be done.
Boom lifts generally fall into two main types:
- Articulating boom lifts feature multiple jointed sections that bend to reach over and around obstacles, making them ideal for maintenance, repair, and work in confined or obstructed areas.
- Telescopic boom lifts extend in a straight line to achieve maximum horizontal and vertical reach, making them well-suited for construction, bridge work, and large-scale outdoor projects.
With a boom lift rental, your crew gains stable, efficient access without the burden of maintaining specialized equipment.
Types of Boom Lifts Available
Selecting the right boom rental depends on your project's height requirements, terrain, and workspace conditions. BigRentz offers a full range of articulating, telescopic, and towable boom lifts to match the demands of any jobsite:
| Articulating Boom Lifts (Knuckle Booms) | Telescopic Boom Lifts (Stick Booms) | Towable Boom Lifts |
|---|---|---|
| Articulating boom lifts feature multiple hinged sections that bend and extend to reach over and around obstacles. These lifts typically offer working heights between 30 and 135 feet, making them ideal for projects that require precise positioning in confined or obstruction-heavy areas. | Telescopic boom lifts extend in a straight line to deliver maximum vertical and horizontal outreach. With heights ranging from approximately 40 to 180 feet, these lifts provide unmatched reach and stability for outdoor construction, bridge work, and steel erection. | Towable boom lifts combine mobility and convenience, allowing quick transport between job sites. They typically reach heights from 30 to 75 feet and are a cost-effective choice for smaller-scale work such as tree trimming, exterior lighting maintenance, or signage installation. |
When you rent a boom lift from BigRentz, you can select the height, power source, and configuration that best fit your project scope. With nationwide availability and flexible rental terms, BigRentz ensures your equipment is job-ready and delivered on schedule wherever the work takes you.
Common Applications
Boom lifts are critical in operations that require precise elevation and safe maneuverability. They're used across industries for:
- Construction: Installing steel beams, HVAC systems, and exterior finishes with ease.
- Facility Maintenance: Servicing ceilings, lighting, ductwork, and fire suppression systems in large buildings.
- Window Cleaning and Painting: Reaching tall façades and multi-story surfaces efficiently.
- Tree Trimming and Landscaping: Trimming, pruning, and maintaining vegetation in elevated areas.
- Sign and Lighting Installation: Positioning and maintaining signs, fixtures, and overhead lighting.
By choosing the right boom lift rental, project leaders ensure safer work conditions, reduced setup time, and consistent productivity without relying on scaffolding or permanent access systems.
Boom Lift Rental Options
Every project has its own timeline, terrain, and height demands. BigRentz offers flexible rental options to meet those requirements with ease:
Rental Duration
Choose daily, weekly, or monthly terms to align with your project schedule.
Power Source
Select from diesel, electric, or hybrid-powered models. Electric lifts provide clean, quiet operation for indoor use, while diesel lifts deliver power and endurance for outdoor or rough-terrain work.
Height Capacity
Models range from approximately 30 feet for indoor maintenance to 180 feet for large-scale industrial or construction projects.
How to Rent a Boom Lift
BigRentz simplifies the rental process so your team can focus on your project. You can secure the right equipment in just three simple steps:
1Request a Quote
Submit an online request or call to discuss your project requirements, preferred lift type, and delivery timeline.
2Confirm Details
Work with a BigRentz rental specialist to finalize lift specifications and schedule delivery.
3Start Working
The lift is delivered directly to your job site and is ready for immediate use.
BigRentz offers an extensive selection of boom lifts to match every job requirement, from indoor maintenance to large-scale construction. Each rental is backed by flexible terms, nationwide availability, and equipment maintained to meet industry standards.
Contact BigRentz to rent a boom lift that delivers the reach, precision, and performance your project demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boom lift?
The cost to rent a boom lift varies based on a number of factors, including height, type of boom lift, and fuel type. For example, a 34-foot diesel, dual-fuel articulating boom lift costs $260/day, $562/week, and $1,456/month to rent.
Boom lift rental prices will vary depending on power type as well. Compared to the above diesel boom, an electric boom of the same size will cost $242/day. Likewise, booms with larger lifts will cost more. A 60-foot diesel, dual-fuel telescopic boom lift costs $355/day or $2,245/month to rent.
The type of lift will also influence the price. Boom lifts are usually available in two specific lift types: articulated and telescopic. Compared to the 60-foot telescopic boom lift above, a similar-sized articulating boom lift will cost $339/day.
What type of boom lift do I need?
When it comes to boom lifts, there are two major kinds: articulated and telescopic. Both have similar lift heights, and both have similar lifting capacities. However, each model excels in different areas.
- Articulating boom lifts feature an arm with multiple joints. This “knuckle lift” allows the lift to move around obstacles and confined spaces to reach hard-to-navigate areas. This functionality makes articulated lifts great for exterior cleaning, pipe repair, and electrical work.
- Telescopic boom lifts feature an extending lift arm, rather than one that can bend. The lift bucket is usually smaller than that of an articulated lift, so telescopic lifts are suited for one-person jobs. Because of their extending action, they can be used for jobs of varying height. This includes tree trimming and electrical work.
How are boom lifts different from other types of aerial lifts?
Boom lifts are usually suited to one worker, and they work best on level ground. Boom lifts are also distinct because of the booms themselves. Unlike scissor lifts or forklifts, boom lifts are designed to lift a worker to a specific position for work, rather than lifting objects or multiple workers.
Additionally, boom lifts aren't designed for moving heavy loads. Those kinds of jobs are best suited for industrial forklifts.
Unlike other lifts, boom lifts can span wide areas without moving the base of the machine. Scissor lifts may lift more workers at once. But the reach of a boom lift, especially an articulated boom, allows a worker to cover more area.
Can boom lifts be used indoors?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Electric or battery-powered boom lifts are designed for indoor use because they operate quietly and produce no emissions. They work well in warehouses, arenas, and large facilities with smooth, level flooring. Diesel or dual-fuel booms should not be used indoors without proper ventilation due to exhaust emissions. Always verify ceiling clearance and floor load capacity before operating any boom lift indoors.
How high can a boom lift go?
The right boom lift size depends on your required working height, horizontal reach, and site conditions.
- 30- to 45-foot models suit general maintenance, lighting, or electrical work.
- 60- to 80-foot models handle construction, signage, and mid-rise façade work.
- 100- to 180-foot telescopic lifts reach higher elevations for infrastructure and industrial projects.
When selecting a lift, factor in both vertical height and outreach distance, as well as obstacles, ground stability, and available power sources. A rental specialist can help match the boom lift's specifications to your exact job requirements.
Do I need a license to operate a boom lift?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that you be trained and authorized to operate an aerial lift. Training and certification will cover safety risks, controls, weight and height limits, and inspections. Training and recertification may be necessary for some lifts. Additionally, one lift's training doesn't necessarily carry over to another type of lift.
