How Much Do Aerial Lifts Cost in 2023?

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

Buying Aerial lifts in 2023 can cost from as little as $6,300 to $83,000, yet daily rentals can start from only $330 all the way up to $2,000. You can also rent aerials lifts for $650 – $4,900 a week.

It’s time to take your business to new heights with an aerial lift.

Also known as boom lifts, the machines allow workers to reach various heights with ease. This ensures a construction team does not have to build time-consuming scaffolding.

But there are many different types and price options to choose from. Read our handy aerial lift buyer guide to make an informed decision.

What Are Aerial Lifts Used for?

Aerial lifts simplify the process of moving materials in various settings, such as construction and warehousing. They’re an efficient addition to almost any site, as they can lift objects with ease, granting access to hard-to-reach areas.

The flexible boom lift improves flexibility in comparison to traditional handling equipment. As a result, it can create a more productive working environment.

An aerial lift has evolved from the traditional cherry picker and can reach a whopping 185 ft high.

Unsurprisingly, they have become an essential machine for a variety of trades, including:

Electrical contractors
Warehouse operatives
Telephone line workers
Painters
Steel builders
Plus more

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 Much Does an Aerial Lift Cost (Rent vs Purchase)

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.

Aerial lifts can range from as little as $4,850 to $81,975, yet daily rentals can start from only $325 all the way up to $2,100

Yet daily rentals can start from only $295 all the way up to $2,120. If you want to rent a machine out for a week, expect to pay between $656 to $4,9750. Again, this will depend on the size and model you choose.

You could also pay between $1,970 to $10,445 per month, and it will often require additional fees.

You can expect to pay extra for:

Delivery fees
Machine usage costs
Damage insurance
Environmental fees (if applicable)

If you plan to rent a machine for several months each year, it may be wise to invest in an onsite boom lift.

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

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.