Do you have a big job coming up and need to procure an aerial lift? Don’t know which kind is right for you? In our latest article, we will break it down for you! We are comparing scissor lifts vs. boom lifts. Let’s get started!

What Are Scissor Lifts?

Scissor lifts are used to elevate workers to high areas, and they are most commonly used in manufacturing and industrial settings. These particular lifts are supported by crisscrossing braces that extend upward.

Most scissor lifts are designed to move only up and down. However; some are able to move a few feet horizontally. One of the greatest advantages to scissor lifts is that they feature large platforms that can fit several people at once (along with materials).

Scissor Lifts Pros

• Larger Platform – Scissor lifts are awesome for those jobs that need multiple workers to work at an elevated level. The size of the platform tends to be much larger than with other types of aerial lifts.
• Cheaper – Scissor lifts are significantly less expensive than boom lifts.

Scissor Lifts Cons

• Lower Lift Heights – Most scissor lifts can only reach heights of 20-50 feet. This is significantly less than most boom lifts.
• Limited Maneuverability – Because most scissor lifts only move vertically, there is no way to maneuver them up and around obstacles.

What Are Boom Lifts?

A boom lift is a type of aerial lift, but it provides much greater flexibility than a scissor lift. This is because it is supported by a hydraulic arm that is capable of maneuvering around obstacles. Boom lifts can also extend to higher elevations.

There are two basic types of boom lifts. Articulating boom lifts have arms that bend, making it easier to move the bucket around things.Telescopic boom lifts, have straight arms. Telescopic lifts usually have higher weight capacities, but they are more difficult to maneuver.

Boom Lifts Pros

• Better Maneuverability – A boom lift is the better choice if you need to maneuver around objects. The long arms can be angled in many directions to access hard-to-reach places.
• Higher Lift Heights – Boom lifts usually extend much higher than scissor lifts. Lift heights can top 130 feet, as opposed to a maximum of about 50 feet with a scissor lift.

Boom Lifts Cons

• Smaller Platform – Boom lifts usually have smaller platforms, which means they hold fewer workers and materials.
• More Expensive – Boom lifts usually cost significantly more than scissor lifts.