Boom lifts reach up and over obstacles that stop a scissor lift. This guide explains how boom reach really works, what the working envelope means and how to choose between a boom and a scissor for your job.
Boom lift or scissor lift?
A scissor lifts a large platform straight up, so it wins for capacity and workspace. A boom reaches up and over, so it wins when something sits between where the machine can stand and where the work is. If you can park directly under the task, hire the scissor.
What is a knuckle boom?
A boom with an articulating joint partway along the arm. The knuckle lets the platform go up, across and then in, reaching over structures and around corners that a straight boom cannot.
What does the working envelope mean?
The reachable positions of the platform: maximum height, maximum horizontal outreach and how they trade against each other. Full outreach is never available at full height, so check the envelope diagram against your task position.
How high do boom lifts reach?
Our articulating boom works to about 12 m working height with several metres of outreach. Working height includes the operator, so measure the task height and add your reach as with any machine.
Do I need a licence for a boom lift?
In NSW a WP class high risk work licence is required to operate a boom-type EWP with a boom of 11 metres or more. Below 11 m, training such as the EWPA Yellow Card is the accepted standard. We confirm the requirement for the machine you hire.
Do I need a harness in a boom lift?
Yes. A harness with a short lanyard attached to the anchor point is required in boom-type platforms because they can catapult. This is a hard rule on virtually every site.
Can booms work on rough ground?
Diesel booms with four wheel drive are built for unsealed sites within their rated slope limits. Set-up on firm ground still matters, and some models use outriggers for stability.
How do I choose the size?
Measure the task height, the horizontal distance from the nearest safe parking spot and what the boom must reach over. Those three numbers decide the machine. Send them with your enquiry and we will do the matching.
Machines to match this guide
Compare machines or get a quote
Line machines up side by side with the comparison tool, browse the full fleet, or tell us the job and we will quote the machine and delivery together.
We deliver across Access Equipment Hire Central Coast, Access Equipment Hire Box Hill, Access Equipment Hire Rouse Hill and the rest of NSW from Berkshire Park.