Boom Lift vs Scissor Lift: Complete Buyer Guide
Two fundamentally different aerial work platforms. This guide helps you pick the right one for your job, budget, and site conditions.
Quick Answer
Choose a boom lift when you need horizontal reach, heights above 60ft, or need to reach over obstacles. Choose a scissor lift when you need a large work platform, heavy load capacity, or are working indoors at heights under 50ft.
Boom Lift Advantages
- Horizontal reach up to 75ft+
- Heights up to 185ft
- Access over obstacles and barriers
- Articulating models for tight spaces
- Ideal for construction, tree work, signage
Limitations
- Higher purchase and rental cost
- Larger footprint and transport needs
- Slower cycle times vs scissor lifts
- Lower platform capacity (typically 500-1000 lbs)
Scissor Lift Advantages
- Larger platform = more workers + materials
- Capacities up to 1500+ lbs
- Lower cost to purchase and operate
- Faster raise/lower cycle
- Drive at full height (many models)
Limitations
- Vertical-only lift (no horizontal reach)
- Max heights typically 50-60ft
- Cannot reach over obstacles
- Rough terrain models are expensive
Which Platform for Your Job?
Application
Recommended
Why
Interior painting & drywall
Scissor Lift
Large platform, drive-at-height, no horizontal reach needed
Exterior building maintenance
Boom Lift
Reach over landscaping, access upper floors from ground level
Warehouse racking installation
Scissor Lift
Narrow aisle models, heavy load capacity for materials
Steel erection
Boom Lift
Reach across steel structure, height above 60ft typically needed
HVAC rooftop units
Boom Lift
Reach over roof edge to access equipment
Event setup (arenas, stages)
Scissor Lift
Multiple workers + heavy rigging on platform
Popular Boom Lifts
16ftJLG|Boom Lift
JLG LE-160 Lift
16ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
$16,600View
16ftJLG|Boom Lift
JLG 1000AJ Boom Lift
16ft Working Height·600 lbs·Diesel
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16ftGENIE|Boom Lift
GENIE S-100 Boom Lift
16ft Working Height·600 lbs·Diesel
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18ftJLG|Boom Lift
JLG 1200SJ Boom Lift
18ft Working Height·600 lbs·Diesel
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Popular Scissor Lifts
16ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1043 Scissor Lift
16ft Working Height·500 lbs·Diesel
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18ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1230ES Scissor Lift
18ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
Get QuoteView
21ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1530ES Scissor Lift
21ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
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22ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1644HighCapacity Scissor Lift
22ft Working Height·500 lbs·Diesel
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Still not sure? Let our specialists help.
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