Difference Between Straight and Articulating Boom Lifts
It is important to note that not all boom lifts are the same: there are straight boom lifts and articulating boom lifts.
Straight Boom Lifts
Imagine a cross between a small crane and a forklift; you’ve got a straight boom lift. Telescopic booms look very similar to Forklifts, but have a boom attached that extends upward and out. This type of boom lift is ideal for smaller job sites, roofing work, and navigating rough terrain. Straight booms take you right where you need to be easier, reaching farther and offering a higher capacity.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Highly versatile, these boom lifts are perfect for hard to reach areas and confined spaces. An articulating boom lift is comprised of an aerial work platform with multiple boom sections that articulate. This allows operators to reach over obstacles, making them an ideal choice for reach applications with barriers in the way. Articulating boom lifts are incredibly maneuverable, can be positioned in a number of ways, and feature functioning joints that add working length.
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How Much Does Renting a Straight Boom Lift Cost?
The cost of renting a straight boom lift depends on the age, make, model, and size of the machine. Costs are also affected by the duration of the rental agreement, your location, and the company you rent through. That being said, here is a general pricing guide to provide an idea of what you can expect to pay when renting a straight boom lift:
- The average rental cost for a 30′ straight boom is between $150 and $250 per day.
- The average rental cost for a 135′ straight boom may run as much as $1,200 – $1,500 or more per day.
- Most companies rent out by the day, week, or month, with many offering better prices for longer rental agreements.
- The majority of rental companies require you to insure the boom lift during the rental period. Insurance has an average cost between 12 and 15 percent of the total rental amount.
- Many companies include the cost of delivery and pickup in their rental fees. If not, expect pay around $100 – $200 for both.
Advantages of Renting
Renting a straight boom lift comes with a plethora of benefits, some of which include:
- Lower upfront cost: Purchasing a straight boom lift is expensive, sometimes costing as much as $100,000. While buying is generally less expensive in the long run, if you have no need to permanently add a boom lift to your equipment or can’t afford the initial price, renting offers significant savings.
- Minimal downtime: If there should be a problem with the boom lift, or some type of malfunction, the dealer typically replaced it quickly and covers repair costs. This gets you back on the job faster and keeps productivity high.
- No maintenance or inspection costs: A boom lift should be inspected every 150 hours of use, or every three months. They must also be inspected every year by a qualified technician. But when you rent, even if it is for a long period of time, you can have the rental company perform inspections. If there are any problems, the boom lift is replaced.
- Options: When you decide to rent, you open up the amount of straight booms available to you. Renting gives you access to the latest and greatest in boom lift technology, as well as multiple choices of length and size.