Aerial Lifts for Every Job: Choosing Between Scissor Lifts and Boom Lifts for Maximum Productivity
When your project requires safe and efficient work at height, selecting the right aerial lift is essential. At Arvada Rent-Alls, we offer one of the most comprehensive aerial equipment fleets in Colorado, including scissor lifts, boom lifts, towable lifts, and vertical mast lifts. Each machine is designed for specific job types, reach requirements, weight capacities, and terrain conditions.
This guide breaks down the differences between scissor lifts and boom lifts, highlights popular models in our fleet, and helps you determine which lift will maximize productivity on your next project.
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Scissor Lifts: Safe, Stable, and Ideal for Vertical Access
Scissor lifts are best suited for tasks that require straight-up vertical reach with a wide, stable platform. These lifts are commonly used for indoor construction, warehouse maintenance, lighting, electrical work, drywall, and HVAC installations. Their larger platforms make them ideal for teams and tools.
19' Scissor Lift
A compact lift designed for tight indoor spaces, warehouses, and facilities with limited floor area.
26' Scissor Lift
Provides additional height while maintaining maneuverability. A strong choice for indoor and light outdoor use.
32' Scissor Lift
Offers elevated reach for higher ceilings and larger commercial projects that still need stable, direct vertical access.
Vertical Mast Lift: Lightweight Precision for Indoor Work
AWP 30' Aerial Work Platform
A vertical mast lift is ideal when you need height without the size of a scissor lift. Its small footprint works well in gyms, auditoriums, retail stores, and other tight indoor areas.
Boom Lifts: Maximum Height, Outreach, and Flexibility
Boom lifts are built for height and horizontal reach. They are ideal for outdoor work, construction sites, large-scale repairs, tree trimming, signage installation, and projects requiring access up, out, and over obstacles.
Straight (Telescopic) Boom Lifts
Straight booms deliver the longest horizontal outreach, making them a top choice when you cannot position equipment directly under the work zone.
40' Straight Boom Lift
A versatile mid-range boom suited for exterior maintenance and construction tasks.
60' Straight Boom Lift
A balanced combination of height and outreach for commercial and industrial job sites.
65' Straight Boom Lift
Additional reach for higher structures, signage installs, and elevated repairs.
80' Straight Boom Lift
A high-reach option for large commercial buildings, roof access, and heavy-duty industrial applications.
Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulating booms are designed for “up-and-over” access, allowing operators to navigate around obstacles such as roofs, trees, or equipment.
45' Articulating Boom Lift
A flexible lift for construction, maintenance, and landscape work requiring diverse angles.
60' Articulating Boom Lift
A higher-articulating option for complex outdoor job sites requiring height and maneuverability.
Towable Boom Lifts: Portable and Convenient
Towable lifts provide the reach of a boom lift with the convenience of easy transportation. They are ideal for residential contractors, property managers, electricians, and arborists.
34' Towable Boom Lift
Lightweight, portable, and perfect for tree trimming, home repairs, and lighting installs.
55' Towable Boom Lift
Provides higher reach while remaining easy to transport and position.
How to Choose the Right Aerial Lift for Your Project
When selecting between scissor lifts, boom lifts, towable lifts, or vertical mast lifts, consider the following:
1. Height and Outreach Requirements
Need only vertical reach: Choose a 19'–32' scissor lift or AWP 30'
Need up-and-over access: Select a 45' or 60' articulating boom lift.
Need long horizontal reach: Choose a 40'–80' straight boom lift.
2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Indoors: 19' scissor, 26' scissor, 32' scissor, AWP 30'.
Outdoors or uneven surfaces: Boom lifts and towable lifts.
3. Platform Size and Capacity
Need more workspace or multiple workers: Scissor lifts.
Need precision or access to tight areas: Vertical mast or boom lifts.
4. Transport and Setup
Need easy towing behind a truck or SUV: 34' or 55' towable boom lifts.
Rent the Right Aerial Lift from Arvada Rent-Alls
Arvada Rent-Alls provides reliable, well-maintained aerial lifts backed by decades of rental expertise. Our team helps contractors, facility managers, and homeowners select the right equipment to maximize productivity and safety.