Boom Lifts vs. Scissor Lifts: Which One is Right for You?
Choosing the right access equipment can greatly affect the productivity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your projects. If you’re weighing the options between boom lifts vs scissor lifts, this guide breaks down their use cases, specs, and key benefits to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn which lift is best for you and your business!
Designed to be more versatile, boom lifts combine horizontal and vertical capabilities; making the maneuver advantageous for reaching tricky angles or hard-to-access areas. On the other hand, scissor lifts only move up and down, but the trade-off is that their platforms are bigger which makes them great for carrying multiple workers and materials.
Whether you need height, reach, or stability; exploring the key differences between these two lifts will help you select the right equipment for your next project. Let’s dive deeper into each type to find the best fit for your needs.
What Are Boom Lifts?
Boom lifts are known for their exceptional reach and flexibility, featuring an extendable arm that allows both vertical and horizontal movement. They’re designed for jobs that require access to high and difficult-to-reach areas.
Types of Boom Lifts and Applications
- Articulating Boom Lifts (Knuckle Booms)
These lifts have “knuckled” arms with multiple joints, allowing them to bend around corners and other obstructions. This design makes them ideal for navigating tight spaces—like packed warehouses—or for moving around structures at complex worksites. - Telescopic Boom Lifts
Designed with straight extendable arms, telescopic lifts offer superior horizontal reach. They’re ideal for bridge maintenance, high-rise repairs, and other projects requiring long-range access. - Bucket Trucks (Cherry Pickers)
Mounted on trucks with hydraulic arms, bucket trucks allow for quick access to utility lines, trees, or signage. Commonly used by arborists and utility workers, their mobility makes them a favourite for roadside and electrical jobs.
Power Options for Boom Lifts
Electric Boom Lifts
- Zero emissions, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Usually reaches heights up to 30-60 feet and operates quietly which is ideal for use in warehouse, retail, or sound-restricted palaces.
Diesel or Dual-Fuel Boom Lifts
- Heavy-duty power suited for outdoor jobs, including rough terrain and construction sites.
- Diesel models can reach heights of up to 210 feet, providing the power and durability needed for large-scale projects.
Boom lifts come equipped with hydraulic lift systems, offering precise control, and many models feature 360-degree rotation for added maneuverability. Their ability to move horizontally makes them perfect for tackling tight or angled spaces that other lifts can’t reach.
Best Use Cases
- Building Maintenance: Access rooftops, facades, and signage.
- Electrical Installations: Reach utility poles and outdoor fixtures.
- Tree Trimming: Perfect for navigating branches and working at height.
- Outdoor Terrain: Works well on uneven or sloped ground, thanks to robust tyres and stable platforms.
Key Specs and Benefits
- Reach: Heights up to 185 feet with horizontal extension
- Flexibility: Telescopic and articulating booms allow precise maneuvering
- Mobility: Ideal for tight, hard-to-reach areas
Explore our range of Boom Lifts to find the right fit for your next project.
What are Scissor Lifts?
Scissor lifts provide large, stable platforms that extend vertically, making them ideal for jobs that require extra space for workers or equipment. These lifts are commonly used in indoor settings with smooth floors.
Types of Scissor Lifts and Applications
- Electric Scissor Lifts
- Best for indoor use, thanks to zero emissions and quiet operations
- Highly maneuverable in tight spaces, making them perfect for warehouses and retail environments
- Environmentally friendly and ideal for use in enclosed spaces
- Diesel Scissor Lifts
- More powerful than electric models, with higher weight capacities to handle workers and materials
- Equipped with four-wheel drive for rough or uneven terrain
- Hydraulic Scissor Lifts
- Operate using hydraulic fluid in cylinders to raise or lower the platform
- Easy to use, requiring minimal operator training
- Suitable for general use in various environments where simplicity is a priority
- Pneumatic Scissor Lifts
- Use air pressure to lift and lower the platform, making it highly energy-efficient
- Zero emissions, making them ideal for indoor projects
- An economical choice, especially for smaller projects or facilities focused on sustainability
Best Uses Cases
- Warehouses and Retail: Perfect for restocking high shelves.
- Facility Maintenance: Ideal for lighting installation and ceiling repairs.
- Outdoor Maintenance on Smooth Surfaces: Used for signage or minor outdoor tasks.
Keys Specs and Benefits
- Vertical Reach: Up to 40-50 feet.
- Platform Space: Large platforms accommodate multiple workers and tools.
- Simple Operation: Easy to control with minimal training required.
Browse our Scissor Lifts to see which model fits your job requirements.
Key Differences: Boom Lifts vs. Scissor Lifts
| Feature | Boom Lift | Scissor Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Reach | Up to 185 feet | Up to 50 feet |
| Horizontal Reach | Yes (telescopic and articulating) | No |
| Platform Size | Smaller, fits fewer people | Larger, ideal for multiple workers |
| Mobility | High, even in tight spaces | Limited to straight up/down |
| Terrain Handling | Works on uneven surfaces | Best on smooth, flat surfaces |
Which One is Right for your Business?
Choose a Boom Lift If:
- You need to access hard-to-reach areas horizontally.
- Your work involves outdoor terrain or heights over 50 feet.
- You need flexibility to maneuver in tight spaces or around obstacles.
Choose a Scissor Lift If:
- Your work is mostly indoors on flat, smooth surfaces
- You need more platform space for multiple workers or tools.
- You’re looking for cost-effective, easy-to-operate equipment.
Cost and Availability
Boom lifts typically have higher rental and purchase costs due to their extended reach and flexibility. Scissor lifts, on the other hand, are more affordable and practical for everyday tasks, especially in indoor settings.
Not sure which buy? At AMSales, we offer expert advice on both options and help you choose the best equipment for your needs.
Flexible Finance Options with AMSales
Investing in equipment is a big decision. That’s why we offer flexible finance options to suit your business. Now you can get your hands on a new Sinoboom equipment without the financial stress. Contact us to find out more about our finance options and get the equipment you need to lift your business. Call 1300 807 372 now.
Safety and Compliance Considerations
Both boom lifts and scissor lifts must meet Australian safety standards. We recommend regular operator training and compliance checks to ensure safe and legal use of access equipment. AMSales offers support for certification and maintenance services—get in touch with our team for more details.
Conclusion
The choice between boom lifts and scissor lifts comes down to your specific project needs. If you need versatility and height, a boom lift is the way to go. If stability and platform space are your priorities, a scissor lift will get the job done.
Still undecided? Contact AMSales today for expert guidance, or explore our full range of Boom Lifts and Scissor Lifts to find the perfect equipment for your business.
