How Much Do Aerial Lifts Cost in 2025?

A Guide to Buying & Renting Aerial Lifts and Boom Lifts – Compare The Cost

In 2025 the cost of purchasing or renting aerial lifts varies significantly based on factors like type, size, and model. Purchasing new can range from $10,000 to $100,000+, while renting typically costs between $100 to $800 per day. Used lifts may offer lower prices. Prices also depend on location and supplier.

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Renting vs. Buying Aerial Lifts

If your business is in need of a boom lift, you might be torn between whether to buy or rent a machine. Your choice will more than likely depend on your budget and how often you plan to operate a machine. Here are some things you will need to keep in mind:

Renting Aerial Lifts

Costs:

Rental Fee: Charged daily, weekly, or monthly. More cost-effective for short-term projects.
Maintenance and Repairs: Generally covered by the rental company.
Transportation: Often an additional cost for delivery and pickup.
Insurance: Rental companies usually require renters to have insurance, which can be an additional cost.

Advantages:

No Maintenance Costs: Routine maintenance and repairs are typically the responsibility of the rental company.
Flexibility: Renting allows you to choose the specific type of lift for each project.
No Long-Term Investment: Ideal for businesses with occasional need for aerial lifts.
Latest Equipment: Rental companies often offer the latest models with advanced technology.

Disadvantages:

Higher Cost for Long-Term Use: Over time, rental fees can exceed the cost of purchasing a lift.
Availability Issues: Desired models may not be available when needed.
No Equity: Payments do not contribute to ownership.

Buying Aerial Lifts

Costs:

Purchase Price: One-time upfront cost, which can be significant.
Maintenance and Repairs: Ongoing costs to keep the lift in working condition.
Insurance: Required to cover potential damage or liability.
Depreciation: The value of the lift decreases over time.
Storage: Cost associated with storing the lift when not in use.

Advantages:

Cost-Effective in the Long Run: For frequent and long-term use, buying is more economical.
Asset Ownership: Adds to the company’s asset base.
Always Available: Immediate access without dependency on rental availability.
Customization: Ability to modify or customize the lift for specific needs.

Disadvantages:

Initial Capital Investment: Requires a substantial upfront financial commitment.
Depreciation: Equipment loses value over time.
Maintenance and Storage Costs: Ongoing expenses for upkeep and storage.
Less Flexibility: The same lift may not be suitable for all types of jobs.

The decision to rent or buy an aerial lift depends on the frequency of use, financial capacity, storage capabilities, and the specific needs of the business. Renting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, making it ideal for short-term or occasional needs. Buying is more cost-effective over the long term for businesses with regular use, despite the higher initial investment and ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

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What Are Aerial Lifts Used for?

Construction Projects
- Reaching high work areas
- Facilitating building, painting, and repairs
Maintenance of Buildings and Structures
- Exterior cleaning and painting
- Window and facade maintenance
Electrical and Utility Work
- Accessing overhead power lines
- Installation and maintenance of streetlights
Tree Trimming and Arboriculture
- Reaching tall trees safely
- Cutting and pruning branches
Telecommunications
- Installing and maintaining antennas and cables
- Accessing high telecommunication towers
Warehouse Management
- Stock picking and inventory management in high shelves
- Maintenance of high storage racks
Event and Film Production
- Setting up lighting and sound equipment
- Aerial photography and videography
Emergency and Rescue Operations
- Firefighting in multi-story buildings
- Rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas

Aerial lifts provide essential support in various industries, offering safe and efficient access to elevated workspaces.

What Are the Different Types of Aerial Lifts?

Each aerial lift manufacturer will provide various models with individual strengths. It’s essential to review their features against your onsite needs before you invest in a boom lift.

Take a look at the different types to choose from:

Scissor Lifts

The scissors lift earned its name thanks to its cross braces, which squeeze and push the platform up to a height.

Yet it is one of the more limiting boom lifts, as it has to be positioned directly below a site. Despite its positioning limitations, it can simplify complex tasks. It’s ideally used to make basic maintenance and painting jobs more convenient for an employee.

Articulating Boom Lift

An articulating boom lift is ideal for gaining access to those hard-to-reach areas. They are often used for electrical or piping repairs and other maintenance tasks.

Also called the knuckle lift, the machine operates on a work platform that has an extendable boom. It can also move from side to side to provide a more flexible working environment.

An employee can also mount a work platform to overcome onsite obstacles, and the equipment will be under their direct control.

Bucket Trucks

Bucket trucks are commonly known as cherry pickers. The machines are often used by landscapers, utility workers, and tree pruners. The equipment features a bucket at the end of the boom, where a worker will stand as the machine elevates.

The boom can also withstand travel, as it is mounted on a standard truck; therefore, a truck can follow the traffic’s speed limit.

The buckets must be routinely checked to ensure they are well-insulated, as they may be within close proximity to potential shock hazards.

Telescopic Boom Lift

A telescopic boom lift is unique, as it offers a greater horizontal reach than any aerial lift. Also known as straight or stick booms, the elevated platforms extend telescopically and start from 40 ft up to 185 ft high.

It’s the ideal solution for improved performance within limited access areas.

How to Pick the Perfect Aerial Lift / Boom Lift

It’s vital to make an informed decision before you buy or rent an aerial lift. After all, you will want to select a reliable machine to fit your needs.

You should consider:

Aerial Lift Reviews

Do your homework and take a look at the different reviews available online. Look for comments relating to durability, reliability, maneuverability, and servicing.

If a user is satisfied with a lift’s performance, they’ll be happy to write positive reviews. They also won’t think twice about writing a negative review if their performance is unsatisfactory.

Awards and Recognition

Look for a machine that sets the standard in aerial lifting. You can do so by identifying if a company has any awards from third-party industry leaders.

A Help and Support Center

An unreliable aerial lift will only result in one thing: operational downtime.

One of the best ways to boost productivity is by selecting a boom lift that offers a help and support center. Select a machine that comes with 24/7 support, 365 days a year.

Training and Maintenance

Nothing is more important on a worksite than the safety of your staff and the public. A manufacturer should take safety as seriously as your company. Select equipment that comes with training and maintenance manuals.

For instance, they may provide training for personnel, as well as regular servicing. After all, routine checks will help to extend a machine’s life, so you will receive value for your money.

Best Aerial Lifts – Conclusion

A top aerial lift can boost onsite productivity and flexibility to streamline company operations. With many options to choose from, there is a machine available to suit your needs. The best aerial lifts come from companies like Skyworks, Genie, JLG, and United Rentals.

Compare Prices on Aerial Lifts

It’s important to review your budget and requirements to identify whether to buy or rent a boom lift. If you’re unsure where to start, we can provide competitive aerial lift quotes to help you make an informed choice.

Find Aerial Lifts Near You and Compare Up To Five Money Saving Quotes

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Next, let’s discuss the different types of aerial lifts available, the safety precautions one should take when using them, and the advantages they offer. Here we explain how aerial lifts are used in construction, firefighting, and tree trimming, as well as for performing maintenance on buildings and other structures. We’ll also highlight the importance of working with a trained operator to ensure the safe use of these powerful machines.

Aerial lifts are specialized pieces of equipment designed to safely lift workers and their tools to hard-to-reach areas. They offer a number of advantages over ladders or scaffolding, including increased stability for both the operator and the load being lifted, improved visibility, and the ability to quickly transfer from one area to another.

Essential Safety Tips for Using Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts should only be operated by trained and experienced personnel. Before using an aerial lift, a thorough inspection should always be conducted to ensure that the machine is in safe working order. Operators must also wear proper safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety harnesses, and steel-toed shoes or boots.

Aerial Lifts 101

Aerial lifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common types are boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical personnel lifts, and articulating (knuckle) booms. Boom lifts are available in both electric and gas-powered versions. They feature an extendable arm capable of reaching heights up to 70 feet, allowing operators to access hard-to-reach areas. Scissor lifts are typically used in indoor spaces and can reach heights up to 40 feet. Vertical personnel lifts allow for the safe transport of one or two people to the desired height with limited mobility. Articulating booms combine both a telescoping arm and articulating body,

Working at Heights? Why You Should Invest in an aerial lift

Working at heights can be dangerous, especially if you are not equipped with the right tools and safety precautions. An aerial lift is a great option for those who need to work safely in elevated positions. Aerial lifts provide greater mobility and stability than other types of access equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, or cranes. They also provide more flexibility than traditional ladders or scaffolding as they can move up, down, and sideways.

Aerial lifts are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the needs of many different types of projects. Smaller models can be used for light maintenance work while larger ones can handle more demanding jobs like electric work, painting, and window cleaning. They are also great for accessing hard-to-reach areas such as roofs and upper stories of buildings.

Aerial lifts come with a range of safety features to make sure operators are always safe while working at heights. Safety features include guardrails, overhead protection, load capacities, speed limiters, and other safety devices that can prevent falls and minimize the risk of injury.

Investing in an aerial lift is a cost-effective way to improve safety, efficiency and productivity when working at height. It offers greater flexibility than traditional access methods and makes it easier to complete tasks quickly and safely. So if you need to work at heights, invest in an aerial lift today!

How to Use an Aerial Lift Safely on Construction Sites

Aerial lifts are a type of elevated work platform used in many construction and maintenance tasks. These machines come with unique safety considerations, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using them. Here are some basic safety tips for operating an aerial lift on a construction site:

1. Wear the right clothing and personal protective equipment. Make sure to wear a hard hat, steel-toed boots, and a harness or full-body harness that is secured to the aerial lift at all times.

2. Perform a pre-operation inspection. Before operating the lift, inspect its brakes, lights, and any other components for proper functioning and repair anything that isn’t working.

3. Keep the area clear of debris and workers. The aerial lift should only be operated in an open, unobstructed area with no other workers nearby.

4. Follow posted operating instructions. Read and follow any manufacturer’s operating instructions that are posted on the machine or provided by your employer before using it.

5. Secure the aerial lift to a stable surface. Make sure the ground is level and firm before securing the aerial lift to an immobile object such as a wall or pole.

6. Never exceed the machine’s weight capacity. Check the manufacturer’s instruction manual for weight limits and make sure not to overload the platform with tools and materials.

7. Avoid hazardous areas. Do not move the aerial lift into any area where there is a risk of contact with high-voltage lines, combustible materials, or any other potentially hazardous material.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your use of an aerial lift on a construction site is safe and efficient. Remember to always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and maintenance of any machine.

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