Boom Lift vs. Scissor Lift - Pros and Cons of Two Height ...

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Your upcoming project requires a work-at-heights lift rental that you&#;ve narrowed down to a boom lift vs. scissor lift. Which one is best suited for your budget and is the most efficient? Let&#;s break it down, and explore the pros and cons of each. But first, we&#;ll revisit their definitions and types.

Key Definitions for Boom lifts and Scissor lifts

What is Boom Lift?

A boom lift is the same as a man lift, cherry picker, basket lift, aerial lift, or elevated work platform. It's hydraulically controlled and is the highest-reaching elevated work platform that lifts the basket with workers to a certain height. The element is similar to an extending arm, operated from the base part of the machine on the ground. A boom lift is optimal for efficient, reliable, and safe highest-reach access, allowing workers to be raised and moved horizontally and vertically to complete indoor and outdoor jobs.

There are two types of Boom Lifts:

1. Articulating Boom and Telescopic Articulating boom lift &#; a jointed arm bends at one or more places, sometimes called knuckle booms, from the knuckle-like connectors that connect the multiple arms and provide excellent reachability and flexibility. The 360-degree turntable allows rotation in both directions.
2. Telescopic boom lift &#; referred to as a straight or stick boom lift. Its long, straight arm doesn&#;t bend. A telescopic boom lift has limited flexibility, but is higher than an articulating boom lift, and also moves from side to side. The 360-degree enables seamless sideways and upward-downward movement. It&#;s perfect for hard-to-reach places.

Alpha Platforms&#; hybrid boom lifts can reach heights up to 300 feet.

What is a scissor lift?

This lift is crossed in an X-like pattern when folded and its crisscrossed braces lift up the basket with workers. The braces squeeze like a spring to elevate the platform to the necessary height. These lifts can only move in one direction:up. But they tend to be larger and able to hold more weight. The lift is operated from the base, which needs stable ground to provide proper functionality. Scissor lift platforms usually don&#;t reach higher than 60 feet.

Two types of scissor lifts:

1. Electric and Engine-powered Electric scissor lift - zero emission, silent, electric short lifts designed for enclosed places.
2. Engine-powered scissor lift - diesel-powered lifts suited for outdoor jobs, with greater load capacity (up to 2,250 lbs) and larger platforms (79 x 154 in. / 1.95 x 3.92 m) designed to work on uneven surfaces
   

Boom lift Vs. Scissor lift

Boom Lifts Pros

• Incredible maneuverability for any task in hard-to-reach spaces
• Long, spacious 12-ft cage
• Max cage-lifting capacity 1,540 lbs. (heavy cage)
• Greater lift heights of up to 300 feet
• Side outreach up to 135 feet

Boom Lifts Cons

• Basket holds fewer workers and less weight
• Boom lifts usually cost more vs. scissor lifts

Scissor Lifts Pros

• Largest platform for lifting multiple personnel (6&#;4&#;&#; x 13&#;)
• Max. platform load capacity of up to 2,250 lbs (engine-powered)
• Cheaper vs. boom lifts

Scissor Lifts Cons

• Shorter lifts up to 60 feet
• Vertical movement only, no side reach
• Must be placed directly adjacent or under the work area

Boom Lift Vs. Scissor Lift key features

Boom Lifts:

• Efficient working at greater heights
• Enhanced maneuverability to work in hard-to-reach spaces
• Turning cage is perfect for swiveling around any object
• &#;Up and over'' access: 200 feet up and 100 feet over Unique "under and up" or "up and over and back" access
• Smooth, controlled motions to move close to and around glass and fragile structures

Scissor Lifts:

• Safe vertical elevation of multiple workers to heights up to 50 ft.
• Minimum footprint due to compact unit
• Ergonomic solution and easy-to-use controls
• Strong and stable platforms with a larger basket capacity (vs. boom lifts)

Factors to consider when choosing between Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift

While we can&#;t possibly address all of your project&#;s nuances, as experts, we have determined the following top considerations to help decide between a boom lift vs. scissor lift.

Top 6 Factors when Choosing Boom Lifts vs Scissor Lifts

1. Height
2. Direction
3. Obstacles
4. Location
5. Number of workers
6. Budget

Consider the height you need to achieve and the capabilities of boom lifts vs. scissor lifts. Since scissor lift platforms rarely go higher than 60 feet, they are mostly suitable for residential projects and inside buildings. Boom lifts offer higher reach vs. scissor lifts, with telescopic boom lifts offering four to five times the height of scissor lifts - up to 300 feet. Commercial cleaning, cell tower repairs, and construction are often done with the assistance of boom lifts.

1. Determine direction(s) capabilities of boom lifts vs. scissor lifts. If you need to go only straight up and down, a scissor lift could be a good option. Otherwise, if you need a wide range of motion that requires substantial side reach, and "under and up" or "up and over and back" access, boom lifts are an excellent choice. That&#;s because boom lifts possess unique features that enable flexible maneuvering to access tough-to-reach areas.
2. Are there any obstacles at the location? In terms of maneuverability between boom lifts vs. scissor lifts, the scissor lift&#;s limited strict vertical movement makes it less capable of maneuvering around obstacles. A boom lifts&#; extreme side reach of almost 135 feet enables work over city construction, excavation, or coverage of over 4,000 square feet of building façade surface from one setup position. A huge upper boom can reach over an angled roof 200 feet high and 100 feet over, while the turning cage is perfect for swiveling around most structures.

3. Match the suitability of boom lifts vs. scissor lifts with the conditions of the project&#;s location. For inside jobs, scissor lifts might be suitable, especially if the floors are fragile. Boom lifts are larger, heavier, and must be vetted with building management. Both engine-powered scissor lifts and boom lifts can be effective on uneven terrain.

   Boom lift platforms are mounted on an all-wheel drive, rough terrain chassis, and are ready for work in rugged environments. They are equipped to face any challenge, from various city jobs to oilfield projects in extreme conditions.

4. How many workers does the boom lift vs. scissor lift need to accommodate? Back in the day, boom lifts were often created to lift one person and some tools. With Alpha Platforms&#; 12-foot wide work cage&#;s 1,360 lbs weight capacity that accommodates 6-7 people, a generous height reach of up to 300 feet, and great side outreach, these lifts quickly gained favor among professionals working at heights. And if you need to accommodate heavy materials with several workers at once - you can use a scissor lift with a large platform and a load capacity of up to 2,250 lbs (often engine-powered).
5. What is the budget? Since boom lifts versatility and functionality at more extreme heights means they are typically more expensive. With all other requirements being equal, for heights under 50 feet, it&#;s more cost-effective to choose a scissor lift vs. boom lift and save.

For some projects, a scissor lift may do part of the job, but you still need a boom lift to complete it. This is where deciding between a scissor or boom lift is challenging.

The good news is Alpha Platforms addressed that pain point by offering a solution for urban work that overcomes all obstacles and addresses hard-to-reach places. Considering its size and impressive maneuverability, our boom lifts are an ideal cost solution and a superb option compared to the highest lifts, or renting a scissor + boom lift.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Wonder Machinery sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift: Q&A

Do I need a license to operate boom lifts vs. scissor lifts?

Anyone operating a scissor or boom lift must be licensed and trained. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires lift operators to complete a special certification process.

How much do boom lifts vs. scissor lifts weigh?

Scissor lifts can weigh between 8,000-17,000 lbs, depending on the model&#;s height capacity. For electric lifts, the total weight of the lift and its load capacity should be taken into account. The tallest 300-ft boom lift weighs 110,900 lbs and the smallest 120-ft boom lifts weigh 19,500 lbs. All Alpha Platforms' boom lifts have different weights, with the average being about as much as a firetruck, and have been built to meet all US road standards (Federal and State). For indoor projects, the permissible limits should be calculated so that the surface can withstand them. Some Alpha Platforms' boom lifts have been cleared for indoor projects (e.g., an indoor waterpark).

Can a scissor lift tip over?

Both lifts can overturn under the wrong circumstances or operation. This can happen if the load is off center or if a worker leans out of the lift, i.e., if the center of gravity is off. It is important to consider stabilization strokes and follow clear safety and lift operation guidelines of scissor lifts. Alpha Platforms&#; boom lifts have redundant factory-installed safety systems that prevent them from tipping over.

What projects are best suited for boom lifts?

• Cleaning and maintenance
• Sign installation and removal
• Commercial painting
• Utilities and electric work
• Cell antennas
• Bulb replacement projects
• Tree cutting/trimming
• Bird protection
• Demolition projects
• Roof surveys
• Building facade inspection
• Building facade repairs
• Aerial photography
• Pest control
• Glazing and window repairs
• General construction
• HVAC and duct projects
• Film and television
• Stadiums and arenas
• Airports
• Highway & bridge inspection

What is your next step?
Having reviewed the core points, features and advantages of boom lifts vs. scissor lifts, and considered important factors in choosing an aerial platform, you can now make an informed decision.

If you decide that a boom lift fits your needs, Alpha Platforms offers a range of boom lifts that meets the needs of most projects at heights.

Have You Tried Operated Boom Lift Rentals?
Alpha Platforms offers a no-hassle, all-inclusive height access solution for inspection, maintenance, repairs, and other projects at heights.

• IPAF-certified and manufacturer-certified full-time operators.
• German-engineered aerial platforms are custom-built to US codes and standards.
• Best-in-industry service: permit procurement and traffic management.

Read more about Operated Rentals or call now at 855--855

Alpha Platforms is the pioneer in operated boom lift rentals and height access service in the 150-300-ft range. Our precise German-made lifts have become the favorite height access method for those who try them once, as they combine unmatched productivity, safety , and reach.

Find out why Alpha Platforms is your best choice for height access solutions

See how Alpha Platforms reduces owner liability to zero

Compare JLG vs. Alpha Platforms

Do you have a big job coming up and need to procure an aerial lift? Don&#;t know which kind is right for you? In our latest article, we will break it down for you! We are comparing scissor lifts vs. boom lifts. Let&#;s get started!

What Are Scissor Lifts?

Scissor lifts are used to elevate workers to high areas, and they are most commonly used in manufacturing and industrial settings. These particular lifts are supported by crisscrossing braces that extend upward.

Most scissor lifts are designed to move only up and down. However; some are able to move a few feet horizontally. One of the greatest advantages to scissor lifts is that they feature large platforms that can fit several people at once (along with materials).

Scissor Lifts Pros

• Larger Platform &#; Scissor lifts are awesome for those jobs that need multiple workers to work at an elevated level. The size of the platform tends to be much larger than with other types of aerial lifts.
• Cheaper &#; Scissor lifts are significantly less expensive than boom lifts.

Scissor Lifts Cons

• Lower Lift Heights &#; Most scissor lifts can only reach heights of 20-50 feet. This is significantly less than most boom lifts.
• Limited Maneuverability &#; Because most scissor lifts only move vertically, there is no way to maneuver them up and around obstacles.

What Are Boom Lifts?

A boom lift is a type of aerial lift, but it provides much greater flexibility than a scissor lift. This is because it is supported by a hydraulic arm that is capable of maneuvering around obstacles. Boom lifts can also extend to higher elevations.

There are two basic types of boom lifts. Articulating boom lifts have arms that bend, making it easier to move the bucket around things.Telescopic boom lifts, have straight arms. Telescopic lifts usually have higher weight capacities, but they are more difficult to maneuver.

Boom Lifts Pros

• Better Maneuverability &#; A boom lift is the better choice if you need to maneuver around objects. The long arms can be angled in many directions to access hard-to-reach places.
• Higher Lift Heights &#; Boom lifts usually extend much higher than scissor lifts. Lift heights can top 130 feet, as opposed to a maximum of about 50 feet with a scissor lift.

Boom Lifts Cons

• Smaller Platform &#; Boom lifts usually have smaller platforms, which means they hold fewer workers and materials.
• More Expensive &#; Boom lifts usually cost significantly more than scissor lifts.