If you need to get off the ground for a job, boom lifts are versatile lifts to help you accomplish the task. You’ve got two options when it comes to boom lifts — buying or renting. What should you consider before renting a boom lift? Start by asking yourself four questions:
- Would it cost you a lot to transport your lift, if you have one?
- Is the job seasonal or temporary?
- Do you want lower costs?
- Do you have limited storage?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, renting a boom lift is the best choice for you. Let’s take a closer look at boom lift rental options to help make that decision a little bit easier.
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Electric Boom Lifts
If you’re working indoors or in tight spaces, the last thing you want is diesel or gasoline fumes filling up the space and making it dangerous for workers. Electric booms run on battery power instead of fuel and are equipped with flexible arms that make them useful for navigating tight spaces.
These lifts come in a variety of height ranges, up to 60’4″, depending on your needs. The platform sizes also vary from 2’6″ by 3’10” to 2’6″ by 6′ with several different accessories. You can utilize these lifts indoors or outdoors, though because of their electronic components, you’ll want to protect them in the event of rain. They work best in tight spaces and can move in any direction — even when they’re raised.
These booms are useful for ceiling projects, indoor maintenance and interior building inspections. They’re also popular in the entertainment industry to hold and manipulate lighting equipment.
Straight Telescopic Boom Lifts
If you need some serious height, a straight telescopic boom lift may be the best option. Their heights range up to 185’7″ with platforms 2’6″ by 6′ or 3′ by 8′ depending on your needs. These lifts also come with several different tire options, so they can work on various job sites regardless of the surface.
These lifts work best in exterior environments or on jobs that require access to extreme elevations. They have the longest horizontal reach of any boom lift and are most commonly used in construction, maintenance and bridge inspection.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulating boom lifts are unique in that each section of the boom is capable of moving independently from the others, providing superior articulation and quality of movement. The platform can rise up to 150′ from the floor, with platform dimensions ranging from 2’6″ by 3’10” to 3′ by 8′.
These lifts work best in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas indoors. Large articulating boom lifts rely on diesel fuel, while smaller models use gasoline or propane as their fuel source, which makes adequate ventilation a must. The unique Z-style boom allows this lift to maneuver around obstacles, making it ideal for electrical work, maintenance, roofing and construction. While it’s designed for indoor work, its four-wheel-drive option helps it navigate difficult terrain with ease.
Towable Boom Lifts
Sometimes you don’t need the tallest or heaviest lift to get the job done. That’s where towable boom lifts come in. They’ve got a smaller footprint, and you can attach them directly to a trailer hitch instead of loading the lift onto a trailer. These lifts don’t have the height range of some of the other options. Their platforms can reach up to 50’9.5″, and they have two different platform options — 2’2.8″ by 3’8″, and 2’6″ by 4″.
These towable boom lifts come in two varieties — electric and gas — and are easy to transport. You can safely tow them up to 65 mph, so getting them to the jobsite is easier than ever. With their small size, these boom lifts work best in tight spaces. They can move in any direction and work in both indoor and outdoor environments. They’re ideal for home and building maintenance, repairing electrical lines, building inspection and overpass inspection.
Atrium/Spider Lifts
If you don’t have a lot of room to work with, atrium or spider lifts are a great option. These crawler lifts are lightweight, compact and easy to transport to and from the jobsite on a trailer. They can reach up to 77’5″ high, with a 4’10” by 2’7″ platform. These lifts pack a lot of punch for both indoor and outdoor jobs. They’re a great alternative to scaffolding, and you can quickly bring them inside for building maintenance.
The exact boom lift that you need will depend on the requirements of your jobsite, but you’ve got plenty of lift rental options to choose from! If you need additional help determining what boom lift is right for you, give us a call at (877) 700-1945 or contact us today!
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