Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift: Choosing the Right Aerial Lift for Your Job

By the team at Beehive Rental & Sales — Serving Southern Utah's contractors and homeowners since 1994.

Scissor lifts and boom lifts both get you off the ground, but choosing the wrong one can turn a one-day job into a three-day headache. The difference isn't just height — it's how you access the work area, what surface you're standing on, how much weight the platform holds, and whether you need to reach out horizontally or just go straight up. This guide cuts through the confusion so you rent the right aerial lift the first time.

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Quick Answer: Scissor lifts go straight up and are best for indoor work, painting, and jobs requiring a large platform with multiple workers. Boom lifts extend outward and upward, reaching over obstacles for exterior building work, tree trimming, and uneven terrain. BeeHive Rental & Sales in St. George carries both types — call (435) 628-6663 for job-specific recommendations.

Key Takeaways

• •Scissor lifts are cheaper and simpler — ideal for indoor work, warehouse tasks, painting, and any job where you need straight-up vertical access with a large, stable platform
• •Boom lifts provide horizontal reach — essential when you need to extend over obstacles, reach exterior walls, or access points that aren't directly above the machine's base
• •Articulating boom lifts bend around obstacles while telescopic boom lifts reach the farthest in a straight line — choose based on whether you need to navigate around structures
• •Safety training is not optional — OSHA requires documented training for all aerial lift operators; ask your rental provider about training resources
• •Browse aerial lift options at BeeHive Rental & Sales or call (435) 628-6663 to get matched with the right lift for your project

What Each Machine Does (And Doesn't Do)

Understanding the fundamental design difference between these two machines eliminates most of the confusion.

Scissor Lifts: Straight Up

A scissor lift raises its platform vertically using a crisscrossing ("scissor") mechanism. The platform goes straight up from the base — no lateral movement, no boom arm, no reaching out.

Think of it as: An elevator that you can drive around a job site.

Key characteristics:

• •Platform stays directly above the base at all times
• •Large platform size (typically 4-6 feet wide by 8-12 feet long)
• •High weight capacity (500-1,500 lbs on platform)
• •Multiple workers can stand on the platform simultaneously
• •Relatively slow travel speed
• •Must be positioned directly below the work area

Boom Lifts: Up and Out

A boom lift extends a hydraulic arm (boom) outward and upward from the base, with a small personnel bucket at the end. The operator rides in the bucket and controls the boom's position.

Think of it as: A cherry picker that lets you reach places you couldn't otherwise access.

Key characteristics:

• •Bucket can extend horizontally away from the base
• •Reaches over obstacles (fences, walls, equipment, landscaping)
• •Smaller bucket (typically fits 1-2 workers)
• •Lower weight capacity (300-500 lbs in the bucket)
• •More complex controls
• •Can work on rougher terrain (especially towable and 4WD models)

Head-to-Head Comparison

When to Choose a Scissor Lift

Scissor lifts are the right choice for a specific set of conditions. If most of these apply to your project, you want a scissor lift.

Indoor Work

Electric scissor lifts are designed for indoor use. They produce zero emissions, operate quietly, fit through standard doorways, and won't mark up finished floors (with non-marking tires).

Common indoor applications:

• •Warehouse inventory management and racking work
• •HVAC duct installation and repair
• •Electrical work on ceilings and high walls
• •Sprinkler system installation and maintenance
• •Hanging signage, banners, and displays
• •Lighting installation and replacement
• •Drywall finishing on high ceilings

Straight-Up Access

When the work area is directly above where you can position the machine, a scissor lift is simpler, cheaper, and provides a better platform than a boom lift.

Why the platform matters: A scissor lift's large, flat platform lets you:

• •Spread out tools and materials without making multiple trips
• •Have two or three workers on the platform simultaneously
• •Move laterally across the platform without repositioning the machine
• •Set up a workstation (paint cans, fastener trays, toolboxes) right where you need it

Painting and Finishing

For painting walls, staining, or applying finishes at height, scissor lifts outperform boom lifts:

• •The stable, level platform prevents fatigue during long painting sessions
• •The platform's width lets you cover more linear footage before repositioning
• •Multiple paint supplies can ride on the platform
• •The platform's railing provides security for repetitive reaching motions

Budget-Conscious Projects

At $150-$350/day versus $300-$800/day for boom lifts, scissor lifts save significant money when they can do the job. If you don't need horizontal reach, don't pay for it.

When to Choose a Boom Lift

Boom lifts earn their higher rental cost when the job requires reach — either to get over obstacles or to access points that aren't directly above a clear staging area.

Exterior Building Work

When working on the outside of a building, you often can't position equipment directly against the wall due to landscaping, sidewalks, other structures, or uneven terrain. Boom lifts solve this by reaching horizontally.

Common exterior applications:

• •Stucco repair and application (extremely common in St. George)
• •Exterior painting on multi-story buildings
• •Window installation and replacement on upper floors
• •Fascia, soffit, and trim work
• •Gutter installation on tall buildings
• •Masonry repair and repointing
• •Exterior lighting installation

Tree Work

Boom lifts provide safe, stable access to tree canopies for:

• •Trimming and pruning at height
• •Dead branch removal
• •Storm damage cleanup
• •Crown thinning and shaping

Important: Tree work with a boom lift is significantly safer than ladders or climbing, but proper positioning is critical. The boom must not contact branches under load.

Over-Obstacle Access

Boom lifts reach over objects that would block a scissor lift:

• •Fences and walls
• •Parked vehicles and equipment
• •Landscaping features
• •Roof overhangs and awnings
• •Loading docks and raised platforms

Uneven or Rough Terrain

Many boom lifts feature four-wheel drive, oscillating axles, and foam-filled tires designed for construction sites and unpaved surfaces. Scissor lifts generally require level, firm surfaces.

Articulating vs. Telescopic Boom Lifts

If you've decided on a boom lift, you have a second choice to make. These two sub-types serve different access patterns.

Articulating Boom Lifts ("Knuckle Booms")

The boom has one or more "knuckle" joints that let it bend, creating a path around obstacles.

Choose articulating when:

• •You need to reach up and over a parapet or roof edge
• •The work area is behind or below an obstacle
• •You need to position the bucket close to a structure without the boom base being directly below
• •Indoor high-bay work requires precise positioning around structural elements

Limitations: Slightly less maximum height and horizontal reach than telescopic booms of equivalent size.

Telescopic Boom Lifts ("Stick Booms")

The boom extends in a straight line like a telescope, providing maximum height and reach.

Choose telescopic when:

• •You need maximum height (40-130+ feet)
• •You need maximum horizontal reach
• •The path between the machine and the work area is clear of obstacles
• •You're working on large, open exterior surfaces (building facades, towers, bridges)

Limitations: Cannot navigate around obstacles — the boom path must be clear from base to bucket.

Safety Requirements and Training

Aerial lifts demand respect. Falls from height are among the most common causes of construction fatalities, and OSHA has specific requirements for aerial lift operation.

OSHA Requirements

• •All operators must receive training specific to the type of lift they will use
• •Training must cover pre-operation inspection, safe operating procedures, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures
• •Operators must be trained before operating the equipment and re-trained if observed operating unsafely
• •Fall protection (harness and lanyard) is required in boom lifts; scissor lifts require the platform gate to be closed

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before every use:

• •Check hydraulic fluid levels and look for leaks
• •Inspect tires or tracks for damage
• •Test all controls at ground level before elevating
• •Check the work area for overhead obstructions (power lines are the critical concern)
• •Verify ground conditions can support the machine's weight
• •Ensure outriggers (if equipped) are properly deployed

Common Safety Mistakes

• •Working near power lines — Maintain minimum 10-foot clearance from power lines at all times. This is the number one cause of aerial lift fatalities.
• •Overloading the platform — Never exceed the rated capacity. This includes the weight of workers, tools, and materials.
• •Using the lift as a crane — Aerial lifts are not designed to lift or suspend loads from the bucket or platform.
• •Driving while elevated — Scissor lifts can be driven at reduced height; boom lifts should only be driven with the boom in travel position unless designed for otherwise.

Common Southern Utah Projects and Which Lift to Use

St. George's construction boom and architectural style create specific aerial lift needs. Here are the most common local applications.

Stucco Repair and Application

Southern Utah's stucco-heavy residential and commercial buildings require frequent maintenance. For single-story stucco work, scaffolding or ladders may suffice. For two-story and above, a boom lift provides safer, faster access to exterior walls. An articulating boom is ideal because it can reach over landscaping and rooflines common in St. George's master-planned communities.

Commercial Signage

Installing, maintaining, or replacing signs on commercial buildings along St. George Boulevard, Red Cliffs Drive, and the growing commercial zones requires boom lift access. Telescopic booms work well for large, flat-facade commercial buildings where the lift can be positioned in the parking lot.

Multi-Story Residential Construction

Washington County's ongoing residential growth means constant demand for aerial lifts on new home construction. Scissor lifts serve interior work (drywall, electrical, HVAC on upper floors), while boom lifts handle exterior finishing (siding, trim, painting).

Solar Panel Installation

Southern Utah's abundant sunshine makes solar panel installation increasingly common. Scissor lifts provide stable platforms for rooftop solar work on commercial flat-roof buildings, while boom lifts access residential rooftops where ground-level positioning is necessary.

FAQ

How high can a scissor lift reach?

Standard scissor lifts reach 20-40 feet, with some larger models extending to 50 feet. For most indoor work and moderate-height outdoor work, a 26-foot scissor lift is the most commonly rented size. Consider that the platform height is the elevation of the floor you stand on — your actual working height adds 5-6 feet (your reach) to that number.

Can I use a scissor lift outdoors?

Yes, but you need a rough-terrain or outdoor-rated model. Standard electric scissor lifts are designed for hard, flat surfaces. Outdoor models feature four-wheel drive, leveling jacks, and wider tires for unpaved surfaces. Wind restrictions also apply — most manufacturers limit operation to winds below 28 mph. Southern Utah's spring wind season (March through May) can limit outdoor scissor lift use on some days.

Do I need a license to operate an aerial lift?

No state license is required in Utah, but OSHA mandates that all aerial lift operators receive training specific to the type of lift they will use. This training must cover safe operation, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. Many rental companies can provide or direct you to appropriate training resources. Ask BeeHive Rental & Sales at (435) 628-6663 about training options.

Is a boom lift or scissor lift safer?

Both are safe when operated properly and according to training. Scissor lifts have a slight edge in platform stability because the platform stays level and directly above the base. Boom lifts require a harness and lanyard because the bucket can move in multiple axes. The most dangerous factor for either machine is proximity to power lines — maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance at all times.

How much does it cost to rent a scissor lift vs. a boom lift?

Scissor lifts typically rent for $150-$350/day or $500-$1,000/week. Boom lifts cost more at $300-$800/day or $900-$2,500/week, depending on type (articulating vs. telescopic) and reach height. Monthly rates offer the best per-day value for both. The higher boom lift cost is justified when you need horizontal reach; if straight-up access is sufficient, save money with the scissor lift.

Not sure which aerial lift your project requires? The team at BeeHive Rental & Sales has helped Southern Utah contractors and property owners choose the right aerial equipment for decades. Describe your project — what you're accessing, how high, what obstacles are in the way — and they'll match you with the right machine at the right price. Call (435) 628-6663 or view available equipment to see what's in stock.