The Best Articulating Boom Lifts: Picking The Right Brand to Rent
The two types of boom lifts are telescopic boom lifts, sometimes called straight boom lifts, and articulating boom lifts. Very common on construction projects, both boom lifts are great for their horizontal and vertical reach. Articulating boom lifts are different than straight boom lifts in the sense that they have much more flexibility in how they move.
Telescopic boom lifts essentially work like a telescope with arms extending out from each other. Articulating boom lifts, on the other hand, have multiple joints, making them much more maneuverable. Sometimes they are called up-and-over lifts or knuckle booms because of these joints. Another name is cherry pickers because they're common for fruit picking.
Articulating boom lifts are better for job sites that are crowded with machinery or that are working on buildings with different shapes as they can reach high and far but also angle themselves around obstacles much easier. There are both electric and diesel-powered articulating machines as well as ones made for outdoor and indoor terrain.
There are several articulating boom lift manufacturers in North America. Most of them have a wide variety of products that serve different markets. We aim to go over the largest ones to help determine which brand might be the best articulating boom lift to rent or own.
The Best Articulating Boom Lift Brands
Genie
One of the most common aerial lift brands, Genie has a wide selection of articulating boom lifts with 18 models to choose from. They have 11 electric boom lifts in the product portfolio, the Z-30/20 N, Z-33/18 N, Z-34/22 N, Z-34/22 DC, Z-40/23 N, Z-40/23 N RJ, Z-45/25J DC, Z-45 DC, Z-45 FE, Z-60 FE, and Z-60 C. Technically, the Z-45 FE and Z-60 FE are both hybrid models but they have "all-electric" modes. In the all-electric mode, both machines can work all day on one charge. In their hybrid mode, they can last a week on a single tank of diesel. The electric articulating boom lifts range from working heights of 36 feet and platform capacity of 500 lbs to just under 66 feet and lift capacities of 500 lbs.
On top of their electric models, Genie also manufactures seven diesel-powered articulating boom lifts, the Z-30/20 N RJ, Z-34/22 IC, Z-45 XC, Z-45 HF, Z-62/40, Z-80/60, and ZX-135/70. These diesel-powered models offer more power and range than their electric models. The smallest model, the Z-30/20 N RJ, has a working height of 35 feet and a platform capacity of 500 lbs whereas the largest model, the ZX-135/70 has a working height of 141 feet and a platform capacity of 600 lbs. However, their Z-45 XC model is the first model with a design that allows for two different platform capacities: 660 lbs unrestricted and 1,000 lbs restricted.
To view all of their models, you can view the Genie articulated boom lift page or search DOZR Marketplace for the size of articulating boom lift you're looking to rent.
JLG
Another commonly seen articulating boom lift brand, JLG manufactures many types of aerial lifts. In their articulating boom lift portfolio, they also have a wide variety of electric and non-electric models. For their electric and hybrid models, they have four versions: the H340AJ hybrid, E300 Series, E400 Series, and E450 AJ. These models have platform heights from just over 29 feet to 45 feet. Their platform capacities all have unrestricted capacities of 500 lbs.
For their engine-powered boom lifts, JLG has 6 models: the 340AJ, 450 Series, 600 Series, 800 Series, 1250AJP, and 1500AJP. Platform heights range from just under 34 feet to 150 feet while the platform capacities start at 500 lbs at the smallest model, the 340 AJ, and 600 lbs at the largest model, the 1500 AJP.
All JLG models are designed to work in tricky areas where there are up-and-over requirements. Many of the models also tight turning bases that allow them to maneuver and adjust easily in compact spaces. The smaller ones are specially designed to work in restricted areas where space is a concern. To compare all their models, visit the JLG articulating boom lift page or use DOZR Marketplace to rent the right JLG articulating boom lift model for your next job.
NiftyLift
NiftyLift is another globally known brand in the articulating boom lift and man lift space. They choose to market their products under the name cherry picker, another common way articulating boom lifts are referred.
Under their electric versions, NiftyLift manufactures 7 models in North America: the SP34L, SP34NE, SP45N, SP45E, SP50N, SP50E, and SP64E. These machines have platform heights ranging from 33 feet to 62 feet with platform capacities ranging from 440 lbs to 550 lbs. All of these models are self-propelled. Many of the electric models have incredibly small chassis that make them great for maneuvering in tight spaces both indoors and outdoors.
NiftyLift also manufactures 6 hybrid models of articulating boom lifts: the SP45N, SP45 4x4, SP50N, SP50 4x4, SP64 4x4, and SP85 4x4. The models have platform heights ranging from 44 feet to 85 feet and platform capacities ranging from 500 lbs to 620 lbs.
Lastly, NiftyLift has four diesel-powered boom lifts that are also self-propelled. Their models are the SP34 4x4, SP45 4x4, SP50 4x4, and SP64 4x4. The working heights of these articulating boom lifts range from 33 feet to 62 feet. The platform capacities range from 500 lbs to 550 lbs.
While NiftyLift doesn't have as much range and variety in the articulating boom lifts that reach higher than 85 feet, they have great options in the electric and hybrid versions and can still get the job done if working on smaller or size-restricted jobs. To view the rest of their products, visit the NiftyLift website.
Haulotte
Next on the articulating boom lift brands is Haulotte, a company founded in 1881 that makes articulating boom lifts ranging from 33 feet to 130 feet. Haulotte has 14 models of articulating boom lifts with 6 being electric models and 8 being engine-powered.
The 6 electric Haulotte models are the HA32 CJ, HA32 CJ+, SIGMA 46, SIGMA 46 PRO, HA61 LE, and HA61 LE PRO. Both the HA32 models are ideal for indoor uses while the other four models can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments. The HA32 models have platform heights of around 32 feet and platform capacities of 550 lbs. The HA61 LE models have platform heights of around 61 feet and lift capacities of up to 770 lbs with certain adjustments.
Under their engine-powered models, Haulotte manufactures the HA46 RTJ PRO, HA46 RTJ O, HA61 RTJ O, HA61 RTJ PRO, HA80 RTJ O, HA80 RTJ PRO, HA100 RTJ PRO, and HA130 RTJ PRO. The smallest diesel model, the HA46 RTJ PRO has rapid lifting speed, platform heights of 46 feet, and lift capacities of 500 lbs. The largest model, the HA130 RTJ PRO, has a platform height of 130 feet, 4-wheel drive, and a lift capacity of 500 lbs.
Haulotte articulating boom lifts are designed to have maximum outreach while limiting their tail swing allowing them to work in small, confined spaces. To compare all of their articulating boom lifts, you can visit the Haulotte website. You can also search the DOZR website for articulating boom lifts according to height.
Skyjack
A Canadian manufacturer, Skyjack is a worldwide man lift brand known for its quality and reliability. They are also well-respected as a company for the lifecycle of their products. Skyjack articulating boom lifts have tight turning radiuses that make them great for maneuvering in small spaces.
With only five products in their portfolio, they have the least amount of options of all brands so far. Of these five products, one is electric while two are eco-friendly. The electric model is the SJ30 ARJE which has a platform height of 30 feet and a loading capacity of 500 lbs. The two eco-friendly models are the SJ45 AJ+ and the SJ60 AJ+ which have platform heights of 45 and 60 feet, respectively, and load capacities of 660 lbs each. Their engine-powered models, the SJ46 AJ and SJ85 AJ, have platform heights of 46 feet and 85 feet, and load capacities of 500 lbs each.
Skyjack articulating boom lifts have features like EasyDrive™ which makes the orientation of the driving controls easy to understand. They also have SpeedReach™ which allows the operator to lower just the main boom to ground level to restock materials easily. To review all Skyjack articulating boom lifts you can visit their site or search the DOZR Marketplace to rent a Skyjack articulating boom lift near you.
Snorkel
Having locations across the world, Snorkel is another popular man lift brand in the construction and contracting industries. They have two electric articulating boom lifts and six engine-powered knuckle booms that deliver improved reach.
Their two electric models are the A38E and the A46JE. The A38E has a platform height of just under 38 feet and a platform capacity of 475 lbs. The A46JE has a platform height of almost 47 feet and a load capacity of 500 lbs.
The engine-powered models are the A46JRT, AB60J, A62JRT, AB80J, AB85J, and 600AJN. The smallest model, the A46JRT has a platform height of 46 feet and a load capacity of 500 lbs. The largest model, the AB85J has a platform height of 85 feet and a load capacity of 500 lbs as well. Their newest model is the 600AJN which is designed to have zero tailspin and better maneuverability. It also has a higher load capacity than their other models at 600 lbs.
To compare all of their models, visit the Snorkel product page as they continue to update their selection.
MEC
The last articulating boom lift brand to highlight is MEC. However, MEC only has one articulating boom lift in its portfolio: the 45-AJ. The platform of this articulating boom lift can reach up to 45 feet and has a platform capacity of 500 lbs.
Because they only have one option, MEC isn't a commonly used articulating boom lift compared to the rest on this list. However, they have expertise in telescopic lifts and scissor lifts, so they are a trusted brand. We recommend checking out all their man lifts on their site.
What is the Best Articulating Boom Lift?
Most people in the industry choose between Genie and JLG articulating boom lifts as they are the most common, but as we've shown, there are many other great brands to choose from too. At the end of the day, while you may have a preference for a certain brand, most contractors are looking for a machine to get the job done. That's why it's often more important to look at the size, engine capabilities, and load capacity of an articulating boom lift when looking to rent rather than the brand.
Sure, features like speed to maximum height and ease of use are important but are rarely the end-all-be-all. Maneuverability around small areas and being able to lift the necessary distance in both vertical and horizontal planes are far more crucial, especially when you're in a time crunch and looking to get a job done.
To rent the right size articulating boom lift, search the DOZR Marketplace and get transparent pricing today. You'll find models ranging from 30 feet to 150 feet that are available for rent at locations near you.
