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How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Boom Lift?

Last Updated: February 01, 2022

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A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker, basket crane, or hydraladder, is designed to lift people and equipment for aerial work. Originally used for fruit pickers to reach high elevations in the trees, boom lifts are now a necessity in a variety of industries. Telephone and electrical workers use them to reach power lines. They're widely used for tree removal or maintenance, window washing, in factories and warehouses, and for many types of construction work.

Boom lifts are vehicles that consist of a bucket or platform to transport the passenger and arms that move the platform up and down to various heights. There are two main types. Telescopic boom lifts (also called stick booms) have a long, stationary arm that can be angled to reach heights of up to 120 feet with the largest machines. Articulating boom lifts (or knuckle booms) have hinged arms that can be bent to move around obstacles such as tree branches or power lines.

Boom lifts for indoor use are electric-powered with smaller tires built for flat surfaces. Outdoor-use booms are usually diesel powered, 4-wheel drive vehicles meant for all-terrain use. Dual-use lifts are suitable for both indoor and outdoor work. You can alternate running them on liquid propane for inside work and an internal combustion engine for outside jobs.

Cost of Renting a Boom Lift #

Rental rates for boom lifts vary depending on the type of machine and length of the rental. Most companies offer daily, weekly and monthly rates. It's a good idea to figure out, in advance, how long you'll need the lift. For longer-term use, weekly and monthly rates are generally a better deal. Some companies, but not many, offer hourly or half-day rates.

Generally, boom lift rentals run $250-$400 per day, or $1,000 to $1,500 per week. However, the largest models - those that extend 100 feet or more in the air - will cost significantly more.

  • A 30-foot articulating electric boom lift rents for about $250 per day, $1,000 per week and more than $2,000 for four weeks.
  • A 45-foot telescopic 4-wheel drive model costs about $300 per day, $1,100 per week and $2,500 for four weeks.
  • A 65-foot diesel lift runs about $350 per day, $1,500 per week and $3,000 or more for the month.

Don't forget to factor in delivery and pickup fees, which usually add $100 to $150 to the total bill.

Renting vs. Buying a Boom Lift #

There are several advantages to renting a boom lift instead of buying one - particularly if you only need the machine from time to time or for a single project. Buying a boom lift requires a major capital investment. Small- to mid-sized models cost $25,000 to $50,000, while the largest top $100,000. Even used lifts begin at about $10,000 and run upwards of $75,000 for the models with a range of 100 feet or more.

Renting a boom lift means spending less upfront to get a job started, never having to worry about footing the bill for repairs, and always have access to modern equipment.

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