Articulating Boom Lifts

Availability may vary by location – give us a call at (877) 700-1945 or contact us online for details.

View these additional boom lift rental resources:

• How to Choose the Right Aerial Lift
• Choosing the Right Type of Boom Lift
• Aerial Lift Operator Safety

Features of Articulating Knuckle Boom Lift Rentals

Articulating boom lifts have a small footprint, but a big reach. They’re a Z-style aerial lift, meaning the boom sections of their arm can move independently so you can maneuver the next section to go around or over obstacles. For this reason, they’re sometimes called up-and-over booms. Knuckle lifts feature a bendable joint that allows the boom to flex and reach around tall objects or obstacles. They are Z-style aerial lifts that have both vertical and horizontal flexibility — however, its horizontal reach is limited to 50-75% of the vertical reach.

They’re ideal for hard-to-reach and small areas because of their design, zero tail swing and small base. Many articulating lift rentals are also compatible with boom extensions or a jib. These extensions let you add another section to extend your reach even further.

Most knuckle lifts have a platform height of approximately 40 feet, but specialized knuckle lifts can reach heights of more than 100 feet. The width of each lift depends on the make and model. Some knuckle lifts have a rather compact width of four feet and a height of less than seven feet.

Others are wider than eight feet and are around 10 feet tall in storage. It takes a large warehouse or industrial-sized garage to store one of these lifts on a permanent basis. Articulated knuckle booms can be diesel, gas, liquid propane, dual fuel or electric. Different power options help you meet your project needs. Indoor projects in a closed area, for example, benefit from a battery-powered articulating boom rather than a diesel-powered one.

Other compatible accessories for boom lifts that can make your job easier include:

• Work lights
• Tool tray
• Self-closing gate
• AC generator

If your next project includes tight spaces and obstacles, then an articulating boom lift is likely the right lift to get the job done.

Why Rent an Articulating Boom Lift?

Small contractors and businesses rent boom lifts for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common uses of up-and-over booms include:

• Roof Work
• Building construction
• Mechanical, electrical or other maintenance work

Industrial facilities, like a steel or automotive plant, often need an articulating boom lift because their building has piping and machinery that can make some areas tough to reach during seasonal maintenance. Other conditions for renting an articulating boom lift include:

• Congested or tight work areas that would be difficult for other lifts to reach
• Short-term, seasonal or infrequent need of an up-and-over lift
• Indoor projects with various obstacles

Renting an articulating lift is also helpful if you’re looking to lower your maintenance and storage costs, as well as the time you spend repairing and maintaining your equipment. If a business only does seasonal maintenance, for example, owning an up-and-over lift is more time-consuming than renting one.

Specialty Uses for Renting Articulated Knuckle Boom Lifts

Knuckle lifts have many uses beyond the construction site. Some fire departments have begun using these lifts instead of traditional extension ladders and buckets. Although these specialty lifts are often modified to meet the demands of a specific industry, these lifts usually function in the same way as the average boom lift.

Articulated knuckle boom lifts are frequently seen around outdoor jobsites and designated work areas. Common applications include work on utility lines, roof work and other maintenance tasks.

What to Consider When Renting an Articulated Knuckle Boom

Because articulated knuckle lifts are used for indoor and outdoor scenarios, consider different aspects for your specific needs. For example, if you are looking to rent an aerial lift for indoor use, consider one with an electrical power source and non-marking tires.

For outdoor use, consider a diesel-powered engine, and a towable or rough terrain articulated boom.

Learn more about our available boom lifts for rent by contacting us online or calling our expert team at (877) 700-1945.