Whether you run a construction business or are working on a DIY project, any labor that requires you to work while elevated off the ground demands extra safety and care. As a result, these jobs often call for specialized equipment, such as an aerial lift. When this is the case, it’s crucial to pick the right type of lift for your needs. Using a boom lift or a scissor lift is a very different experience, requires different skills, and has different benefits. This guide can help you determine which equipment is right for your next job.
Often referred to as cherry pickers, boom lifts utilize a long arm (known as a boom) with a basket or small platform at the end to maneuver in three dimensions and grant workers access to hard-to-reach spaces. They are typically grounded at the base to keep the lift stable and utilize hydraulics to manipulate the boom1. In general, these tools are safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and the platform at the end of the boom tends to be large enough for only one person.
There are three main types of boom lifts:
Instead of relying on a boom to reach great heights, scissor lifts utilize a system of cross-hatched braces that articulate like scissors. When closed, these braces fold in on themselves and allow the platform to lower; when opened, they cause the vehicle’s platform to lift.
A scissor lift usually has a large, wide platform that offers enough space for multiple people and a sizable amount of equipment to be lifted. Scissor lifts only go up and down, and the base of the vehicle must stay level to keep the lift balanced2.
The general design of scissor lifts is largely consistent across brands and types, but they can be powered through various means. Most commonly, scissor lifts are powered by electric motors or diesel engines. However, there are also pneumatic models, which are the most energy-efficient and are ideal for small jobs. Additionally, some brands make models designed for rough terrain, which can be adjusted to maintain safety on uneven ground.
At first glance, the most noticeable difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift is the size of the platform that can be raised. Boom lifts generally have a bucket or small platform attached to the end of the boom, and they’re safe for only one or two people at a time to use. The small size of the platform also limits the amount of gear a worker can have on them, making wearable items and utility belts a higher priority.
On the other hand, scissor lifts all come with a much larger platform. As many as four or five people can fit on a scissor lift at once, and there’s plenty of room for paint, construction materials, goods that need to be put away, and other tools necessary for the job.
Scissor lifts also have a much shorter maximum lift height than boom lifts. Most scissor lifts extend up to 60 feet high, whereas boom lifts can reach much higher. Articulating boom lifts often have a range of 60 to 135 feet, and telescoping boom lifts can easily reach over 200 feet.
The available range of motion also varies greatly when comparing boom lifts to scissor lifts3.
Most boom lifts can swivel 360 degrees, allowing workers to reach anywhere within the lift’s range. Scissor lifts are more limited. They can only go directly up and down, meaning that workers need to be adjacent to whatever area they need to work on.
Choosing the right lift for the job can streamline your project and save you time and money. If you need multiple people working in the same area, or if you need to carry a lot of equipment with you, a scissor lift will be much more useful to you. They’re ideal for stacking, loading inventory, and painting.
If you need to reach over 60 feet, or if you need a wider range of motion, your best choice will be the boom lift. They’re useful for picking fruit, working on power lines, trimming trees, and putting up scaffolding.
Your work demands the safest top-quality lift equipment, and that’s where we come in. Our selection of new and used boom lifts and scissor lifts means you’ll find the specs you need for prices you can afford. Find the right equipment for your job and contact our sales team for next steps.
Both boom lifts and scissor lifts have significant vertical reach, but only boom lifts have any appreciable horizontal reach. Once a scissor lift has been extended, its horizontal reach is strictly limited to what is within reach of the platform. On the other hand, boom lifts have a much wider range of movement and can be repositioned both vertically and horizontally while extended.
Boom lifts can also reach higher than most scissor lifts. Typically, scissor lifts top out at 60 feet high, whereas boom lifts can extend well over 100 feet when equipped with an articulating limb. Since a boom lift has nearly 360 degrees of range, it’s clear that they are able to reach many more places than a scissor lift4.
When it comes to platform size and weight capacity, scissor lifts tend to be the most accommodating. In boom lifts, the platform only provides enough room for one occupant and some tools. The weight capacity is also greatly reduced thanks to the machine’s extending arm, which can’t support as much weight as a scissor lift can. Most boom lifts have a maximum capacity between 500 and 1,000 pounds5.
Meanwhile, scissor lifts have much larger platforms that can carry multiple occupants as well as a good amount of gear and cargo. Most scissor lifts can carry more than 1,000 pounds and have platforms that are several feet long and about half as wide.
While boom lifts and scissor lifts may seem similar, they excel at different types of work. Scissor lifts work best in indoor spaces and against flush surfaces. They’re also better for work that requires a lot of tools and materials, as there’s ample room on the platform for these items.
Boom lifts offer more mobility and better access to higher, tighter spaces, but they can’t carry as much and aren’t good for projects that require the operator to carry a lot of material with them. They also often have more rugged tires, which makes it easier for them to traverse dirt, gravel, and other outdoor surfaces.
Scissor lifts are not safe to use in conditions with rough terrain. They need to remain as level as possible and can’t extend when on uneven terrain. They have no way of balancing themselves, as they only move up and down, and they can quickly become destabilized on ground that’s not level. Scissor lifts are also susceptible to wind and typically shouldn’t be used when winds exceed 28 miles per hour6.
Boom lifts perform better outdoors and on graded ground as they can better adjust to imperfect surfaces. Some boom lifts can even lift or lower to stabilize on uneven terrain. This allows them to operate at odd angles without the risk of tipping over.
Boom lift and scissor lift rental costs vary based on several factors, including location, size, make, year of manufacture, and number of operating hours. Typically, boom lifts are more costly than scissor lifts, as they’re more complicated machines and are bulkier. Scissor lifts will run between $700 and $2,000 per month, while boom lifts go from about $2,000 to $4,000 monthly.
Before operating any type of lift, always check the owner’s manual for safety tips and requirements. Operators should always take proper safety precautions, such as wearing appropriate PPE and performing pre-shift inspections.
You should also always be hyper aware of your surroundings, especially while moving a lift. Being diligent helps avoid collisions and injuries. It’s crucial to ensure that your scissor lift is flat and on even ground to avoid tipping, and you should always ensure that your boom lift isn’t at risk of shifting on soft ground, slipping, or tipping by checking the surrounding terrain.
