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JLG straight boom lift sitting idly in a parking lot
JLG straight boom lift sitting idly in a parking lot
The Ultimate Straight Boom Lift Spec Guide
6 minute read
Kevin Forestell headshot
Kevin Forestell
January 31, 2023

The Ultimate Straight Boom Lift Spec Guide 

Straight boom lifts, commonly referred to as telescopic boom lifts, provide stability and access to high elevations. By providing both horizontal and vertical reach using a non-bendable arm, straight boom lifts give you access to multiple work angles at a greater distance.

Unfortunately, using a telescopic boom lift isn't always as easy as sending someone up into the sky with a few tools. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right straight boom lift for your construction project. In this guide, we'll provide an overview of the most important specs for straight boom lifts and the size charts for each brand's core models.

Notable Straight Boom Lift Specs

There are a few specs to consider when purchasing or renting a telescopic boom lift. These include platform height, work height, horizontal reach, machine width, machine length, and maximum platform capacity.

Boom lifts are used to lift people, tools, and materials up to a required height. Knowing this required height will be the most important factor in quickly picking the right boom lift to rent.

The maximum height a telescopic boom lift can be raised is known as platform height, represented by the distance between the platform's base and the ground. Fortunately, most models will have the platform height in the name of the model making it easy to know what model you need. For example, the Skyjack SJ45 has a platform height of 45' and the JLG 600S has a platform height of 60'. It's important to pay attention to platform height since it shows how much access you'll have to elevated work sites.

Find Your Next Equipment Rental on DOZR
Straight Boom Lift, 60 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
Straight Boom Lift, 80 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
Straight Boom Lift, 120 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel

Working height is simply the sum of the platform height and an additional 6 feet. The assumption is that the worker on the lift is 6 feet tall and the additional height accounts for where their eyes and hands will be working from. As the height of the project is typically the driving factor in which lift model to rent, it's important to pick a model that reaches that height.

However, vertical reach isn't the only factor that matters with boom lifts. Sometimes horizontal reach will also play an important role. Horizontal reach refers to how far out the boom extends. You'll notice in the spec charts below that horizontal reach is always less than vertical reach. This is because the weight distribution changes the further out you extend horizontally, which limits the range of motion that boom lifts can reach on the horizontal plane. This means if you're working on a job that requires less vertical reach but more horizontal, you will probably still need to rent a machine with a larger vertical. The nature of your job will determine what type of reach is more important.

The general dimensions of a boom lift's base and cabin are shown with machine width and length, which provides insight into the boom lift's stability on different terrain and its ability to navigate small spaces. Not all job sites are built the same. Some have narrow pathways or alleys which may limit your options. Knowing the dimensions of the site to know what equipment will fit is another factor to consider.

Straight boom lift fleet

The last spec to consider when selecting a straight boom lift is the maximum platform capacity. Platform capacity refers to how much weight the platform can safely transport to the maximum height which includes people and materials. The boom lift you choose must be able to support the people and materials required. The platform capacities below include both "unrestricted" and "restricted" platform capacities.

Restricted platform capacity is the higher number and signifies that there is a restricted range of motion where the lift can operate with that weight. Unrestricted platform capacity is the lower number and the maximum weight capacity where the machine can operate in its full range of motion. Typically, any restricted areas are within a machine's horizontal reach.

Straight Boom Brands and Models

Now that we've established the best specs to focus on for telescopic booms, we can look at distinguishing factors and spec values for Genie, JLG, Skyjack, Snorkel, MEC, and Haulotte.

Feel free to skip ahead to each brand's spec guide:

Skyjack

Skipjack's straight boom lifts are a great option for smaller projects since the platform heights on their lifts only range from 40' to 86'. All six models have considerable horizontal reach for their size, which ranges from 34' to 76'.

Skyjack offers many accessories for their boom lifts, including glazier kits that transport glass panes and tool caddies. Each model also uses Skipjack's patented control system that uses coded wiring to facilitate easy troubleshooting and servicing.

Skyjack Telescopic Boom Lift Specs

Skyjack Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Specs
  
ModelPlatform HeightWork HeightHorizontal ReachMachine WidthMachine LengthMax Platform Capacity (lbs)
Skyjack SJ40 T+40' 7"46' 7"33' 11"7' 6"25' 4"750 / 1,000
Skyjack SJ45 T+45' 2"51' 2"39' 8"7' 6"28' 11.5"660 / 1,000
Skyjack SJ61 T+61' 8"67' 8"51' 3"8'30' 4"660 / 1,000
Skyjack SJ66 T+66' 3"72' 3"57'8'34' 2"660 / 1,000
Skyjack SJ82 T82'88'72' 6"8' 2"37' 10"500 / 750
Skyjack SJ86 T86'92'76' 10"8' 2"42' 6"500 / 750

Genie

Genie is such a popular boom lift brand that the name "Genie Lift" was coined as a synonymous term. They offer 19 straight boom lift models that are well-suited for a variety of jobs. With platform capacities ranging from 600-1000 lbs, their models are well-equipped for lifting heavy materials and industrial construction.

The S-40 HF and S-45 HF are part of Genie's high float models, which can lift 600 lbs of weight on softer terrains like sand and turf. The S-60 J, S-65 J, and S-80 J are offered with tracks, denoted by the "TraX" label. The S-80 J TraX model is one of the only models with an 80-foot working height that comes with a tracked option.

Genie Straight Boom Lift

Genie telescopic boom lifts are great options for multiple jobs, especially heavy-duty work. They're also the only company with a fully electric straight boom lift with the Genie S-60 DC making it great for indoor applications like malls, sports arenas, and more.

Genie Telescopic Boom Lift Specs

Genie Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Specs
  
ModelPlatform HeightWork HeightHorizontal ReachMachine WidthMachine LengthMax Platform Capacity (lbs)
Genie S-40 HF39' 6"45' 6"28' 11"8' 5"26' 4"600
Genie S-40 XC39' 6"45' 6"31' 1"8' 2"26' 4"660 / 1,000
Genie S-45 HF44' 6"50' 6"34'8' 5"31' 1"600
Genie S-45 XC44' 6"50' 6"36' 2"8' 2"31' 1"660 / 1,000
Genie S-60 XC60'66'48' 7"8' 2"28' 7"660 / 1,000
Genie S-60 HF60' 2"66' 2"46' 7"8' 5"28' 7"600
Genie S-60 J60' 10"66' 10"40' 6"8' 2"31' 10"660
Genie S-60 DC / Genie S-60 FE61' 2"67' 2"40' 6"8' 2"31' 8"660
Genie S-65 XC / Genie S-65 TraX65'71'54' 2"8' 2"32'660 / 1,000
Genie S-65 HF65' 2"71' 2"51' 2"8' 5"32'600
Genie S-80 HF80'86'68' 6"8' 6"37' 7"600 / 1,000
Genie S-80 XC80'86'68' 6"8' 2"37' 7"660 / 1,000
Genie S-80 J / Genie S-80 TraX80' 5"86' 5"54' 9"8' 2"34' 3"660
Genie S-85 HF85'91'72' 6"8' 6"40' 7"600 / 1,000
Genie S-85 XC85'91'74' 6"8' 2"40' 7"660 / 1,000
Genie S-125 XC125'131'80'8' 2" - 12' 11"46' 9"660 / 1,000
Genie SX-135 XC135'141'90'8' 2" - 12' 11"64' 10"660 / 1,000
Genie SX-150152'158'80'8' 2" - 16' 6"53' 1"750
Genie SX-180180'186'80'8' 2" - 16' 6"53' 1"750

JLG

JLG is another well-known boom lift brand that offers 20 straight boom lifts with a variety of interesting features.

JLG's 400 and 600 Crawler Series includes three crawler straight boom lifts. Instead of a wheeled base, crawlers have excavator-like tracks that move well on dirt, sand, and snow. These models have low ground-bearing pressure, so their tracks can run on smoother terrain such as concrete and sidewalks.

JLG Straight Boom Lift

An offer unique to JLG's straight boom lifts is their Self-Levelling Series. The first and only model in the series, the 670 SJ automatically levels on any slope that's 10 degrees or lower as the boom lift moves. With the 670 SJ, your work area may not even need leveling before operation.

JLG's models are well-suited to many different projects. Their Ultra Series models have platform capacities of up to 1000 lbs, which is ideal for steel mill, shipyard, and heavy construction work. They also have one of the highest-reaching models with the JLG 1850SJP, just slightly larger than Genie's biggest model.

JLG Telescopic Boom Lift Specs and Sizes

JLG Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Specs
  
ModelPlatform HeightWork HeightHorizontal ReachMachine WidthMachine LengthMax Platform Capacity (lbs)
JLG 400SC39' 7"45' 7"33'7' 4"24' 10"600 / 1,000
JLG 400S40'46'33' 6"7' 7"24' 10"600 / 1,000
JLG 400S HC340'46'33' 6"7' 7"24' 10"600 / 750 / 1,000
JLG 460SC45' 6"51' 6"39'7' 7"29' 3"600
JLG 460SJ46'52'39'7' 7"29' 3"600
JLG 460SJ HC346'52'39'7' 7"29' 3"660 / 750 / 1,000
JLG 600S59' 8"65' 8"50' 2"8' 2"28' 7"600 / 1,000
JLG 600S HC359' 8"65' 8"50' 2"8' 2"28' 7"660 / 750 / 1,000
JLG 660SJC65' 7"71' 7"57' 1"8' 2"35' 5"550 / 750
JLG 660SJ65' 8"71' 8"57' 1"8' 2"35' 5"550 / 750
JLG 660SJC HC365' 8"71' 8"57' 1"8' 2"35' 5"660 / 750 / 1,000
JLG 670SJ66' 10"72' 10"57' 1"8' 2"35' 1"550 / 750
JLG 800S80'86'71'8' 2"37' 3"500 / 1,000
JLG 800S HC380'86'71'8' 2"37' 3"500 / 750 / 1,000
JLG 860SJ86'92'75'8' 2"40'500 / 750
JLG 1200SJP120'126'75'8' 2"44' 10"500 / 1,000
JLG 1350SJP135'141'80'8' 2"48' 10"500 / 1,000
JLG 1500SJP150'156'80'8' 2"61' 9"500 / 1,000
JLG 1850SJP185' 7"191' 7"80'8' 2"63' 10"500 / 1,000

MEC

MEC offers six telescoping boom models, which are tough, dependable, and include multiple operational features. However, these models are limited in platform height as their largest model reaches a peak height of only 65'.

Find Your Next Equipment Rental on DOZR
Straight Boom Lift, 60 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
Straight Boom Lift, 80 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
Straight Boom Lift, 120 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel

Despite their size, MEC straight boom lifts have some of the largest platform capacities amongst other brands. MEC's two Titan models, the 60-S and 40-S, can lift 3000 and 4000 lbs of weight, respectively, giving the best platform capacity of all telescopic boom lifts currently. Their other four boom lifts come with a jib, which is helpful on projects where you need additional reach.

MEC Telescopic Boom Lift Specs

MEC Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Specs
  
ModelPlatform HeightWork HeightHorizontal ReachMachine WidthMachine LengthMax Platform Capacity (lbs)
MEC 34-J34'40'26'7' 8"20'500
MEC Titan 40-S40'46'NA8'22'4,000
MEC 45-J45'51'38'8'28'600
MEC 60-J60'66'42' 8"8'30' 6"600
MEC Titan 60-S60'66'NA7' 7"23'3,0
MEC 65-J65'71'47'7' 6"30'600

Snorkel

Snorkel specializes in all things lifts. They offer 11 straight boom lift models in the mid-sized range. Snorkel's newest models, the 600S All Terrain and 660S All Terrain, are tracked straight boom lifts that are perfect for soft surfaces and climbing gradients up to 45%.

The majority of Snorkel's telescopic boom lifts are suitable for mid-sized projects with their 40', 46', 66', and 86' models. However, their larger lifts reach some of the highest elevations among their competitors. The 2100 SJ is currently the tallest straight boom lift on the market, with a platform height of 210'

Snorkel Telescopic Boom Lift Specs

Snorkel Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Specs
  
ModelPlatform HeightWork HeightHorizontal ReachMachine WidthMachine LengthMax Platform Capacity (lbs)
Snorkel 400S40'46'35'7' 7"24' 10"600 / 1,000
Snorkel 460SJ46'52'42'7' 7"29' 3"600 / 1,000
Snorkel 600S60'66'52' 6"8' 1"30' 2"600 / 1,000
Snorkel 660SJ66'72'58'8' 1"33' 1"600 / 1,000
Snorkel TB8080' 7"86' 7"71' 2"8' 6"38' 9"500
Snorkel TB86J86' 6"92' 6"78' 5"8' 6"42' 4"500
Snorkel TB120120' 7"126' 7"62'8' 6"42' 4"500
Snorkel TB126 SJ126' 6"132' 6"63'8' 6"44' 8"500
Snorkel 2100SJ210' 6"216' 6"114' 10"8' 2"75' 6"770 / 1,000

Haulotte Straight Boom Lift Specs

You can use a Haulotte straight boom lift for many applications, including railway and shipyard construction, tree scaping, window washing, and more. However, their models span fewer sizes with only 46', 67', 85', and 132' platform options. Despite their seven models being slightly smaller than other brands, they have surprising lift capacity for their size. Four of seven models have platform capacities above 770 lbs.

Haulotte's models are also equipped with some cool features, including their lighting system, enhanced fuel efficiency, and safety shield bars.

Haulotte Telescopic Boom Lift Specs

Haulotte Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Specs
  
ModelPlatform HeightWork HeightHorizontal ReachMachine WidthMachine LengthMax Platform Capacity (lbs)
Haulotte HT64 RTJ46' 3"52' 3"42' 8"7' 6"30' 1"500 / 770
Haulotte HT67 RTJ67'73'60' 5"8' 1"34' 3"500 / 1,000
Haulotte HT85 RTJ85'91'78' 3"8' 2"42' 1"500 / 770
Haulotte HT132 RTJ132'138'66' 3"8' 2"48' 7"500 / 990

Rent a Straight Boom Lift

Whether it's scaffolding, heavy construction, or fruit picking, each straight boom lift manufacturer has a model that'll meet your needs. If you're looking to reach new heights, consider renting a straight boom lift from DOZR's equipment rental marketplace!

Find Your Next Equipment Rental on DOZR
Straight Boom Lift, 60 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
Straight Boom Lift, 80 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
Straight Boom Lift, 120 ft, Dual Fuel image
40 ft - 180 ft
Electric, Dual Fuel
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Kevin Forestell headshot
Kevin Forestell
Kevin Forestell is CEO of DOZR and one of the co-founders. Kevin first got started as an entrepreneur when he founded Forestell Landscaping right after graduating from University. His love and passion for the industry and desire to help solve an equipment problem that contractors faced every day is what brought the founding team to start DOZR. Kevin is proud of the level of efficiency brought to the industry through DOZR and hopes that DOZR will help change the standard way equipment is rented.
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