What To Look For RentIng an Articulating Boom Lift?

An articulating boom lift is a type of aerial boom lift that is designed to maneuver and reach around obstructions and obstacles while raising workers to elevated heights. Also referred to as a “knuckle boom lift,” their arm that extends upward and outward can bend (aka “articulate”) in a few different places. This allows the worker operating the forklift to adjust the direction of the lift for the job’s specific needs.

 

Articulating boom lifts normally have a four-wheel drive. They are most often gas-powered and used for outdoor projects, such as construction, maintenance, utility work, etc. Additionally, at 30-150+ ft. lift heights, they offer some of the highest lift maximums out of all the forklift options on the market. This makes them often sought-after, as well as one of the pricier forklifts to rent.

 

Factors that influence articulating boom lift‘s rental cost

There is not just one cost for articulating boom lift rentals. Because there are several different types available to you, rental premiums for these types of aerial lifts depend on many different factors. Be sure to take a look at the top factors that influence rental costs:

Electric Articulating Boom Lift    
    

 

1. Rental duration

How long will you be renting the articulating boom lift? Rental costs are based on your rental contract and duration. Normally, suppliers will offer discounted daily rates when you rent the boom lift for longer periods of time.

 

2. Age and condition

Is the boom lift brand new or used? If used, how many years has it been used for, and is there any wear-and-tear or damage? Renting a brand new forklift will cost you more than renting an older forklift.

 

3. Lift height

An articulating boom lift’s height makes a big difference in rental premiums. Boom lifts that reach lower elevations (for instance, 30-50 ft.) will cost much less to rent compared to articulating boom lifts that reach maximum heights (130-150+ ft.).

 

It’s smart to determine the maximum elevated height your job will require before renting. However, we recommend airing on the side of choosing a higher lift maximum if you are unsure. You don’t want to rent the forklift only to realize it cannot reach your needed height.

 

Diesel Articulating Boom Lift

4. Weight capacity

The weight capacity of the boom lift’s work platform may impact rental premiums as well. Many articulating boom lifts have work platforms that can support 1,000 lbs. or more. Make sure to look at the specs and capacities of the particular make and model you are considering renting. You can always ask your supplier if their pricing is contingent on weight capacity!

 

5. Gas vs. electric vs. hybrid

Articulating boom lifts can have a few different power sources: gas (diesel fuel), electric (battery), or hybrid (dual-powered). The lift’s power source is going to impact your rental premiums.

 

Electric-powered lifts tend to be the most cost-efficient since their premiums tend to be lower and they don’t require “refueling” with gas on a regular basis. Gas-powered lifts usually cost more to rent, followed by hybrid lifts which tend to be the priciest option.

 

However, keep in mind that if you are working outdoors, you will usually require a gas-powered lift (whether a more affordable electric version is available or not).

 

6. Make and model

Just like other types of vehicles, forklifts vary in price depending on their make and model. It’s important to make sure you’re choosing a high-quality, reliable manufacturer. However, you can always compare a few suppliers in terms of their offerings and pricing. Take a look at a few different brands that offer articulating boom lifts.

 

7. Add-on features

If you need to add-on an attachment or accessory to your boom lift, it will likely drive up the cost of your rental. There are several different accessories that you can add to your articulating boom lift rental, depending on the supplier you go with.