Scissor lifts and boom lifts both raise workers, but they solve different problems. The quick answer: pick a scissor lift to go straight up with a big platform, and a boom lift when you have to reach out or over something.
Scissor lift: straight up, big platform
A scissor lift raises a wide platform vertically. It carries more weight and more people, and the guardrails give workers room to move. Typical uses are ceiling work, lighting, ductwork, painting and drywall. Our scissor lifts reach 19 to 53 ft, and the electric models fit through doorways.
Boom lift: reach up, out and over
A boom lift has an arm that can place a small basket in places a scissor lift cannot reach: the far side of a roof edge, past equipment, over scaffolding or a loading dock, or around a corner of a building. Most of our boom lifts are articulating, with a jib at the end of the boom for fine positioning.
| Scissor lift | Boom lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Straight up and down | Up, out and over |
| Platform | Large, room for tools and materials | Small basket, one or two people |
| Capacity | 500 to 1,500 lb on our models | 500 lb on our booms |
| Best for | Interior ceilings, wide work areas | Facades, roofs, obstacles, high outdoor reach |
| Height range (ours) | 19 to 53 ft | 40 to 125 ft |
| Fall protection | Guardrails; follow site rules | Harness attached to the basket required |
| Footprint | Narrow electric models fit through doors | Needs space for the boom to swing |
How to decide
- Can the lift stand directly under the work? If yes, a scissor lift is usually simpler and cheaper.
- Is there something in the way? A railing, a roof edge, a machine, a tree or a loading dock means you need the outreach of a boom.
- How much goes on the platform? Several workers or heavy materials point to a scissor lift.
- How high? Above about 53 ft you need a boom lift. Our JLG 600AJ reaches about 60 ft, the 800AJ about 80 ft and the 1250AJ 125 ft.
- Indoors or out? Electric versions of both work indoors; diesel and rough terrain versions are for outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
Is a boom lift or a scissor lift safer?
Both are safe when used correctly by trained operators. Boom lifts require workers to wear a harness attached to the basket. Always follow the manual and OSHA guidance on aerial lifts.
Which is better for indoor work?
Usually a scissor lift, because the platform is bigger and electric models fit through doors. An electric boom such as our Genie Z-series works when you need reach indoors.
Which goes higher?
Boom lifts. Our largest scissor lift reaches a 53 ft platform height, while our boom lifts reach 60, 80 and 125 ft.
What is up-and-over clearance?
It is the height of an obstacle the boom can reach over and still put the basket on the other side.