If you work in construction, infrastructure, maintenance, utility work, and similar industries, at some point you likely needed to rent an articulating boom lift. Articulating boom lifts are forklifts that are used for many different jobs on an everyday basis. Due to their versatility and the elevations they can reach, they are highly sought after forklifts. In fact, many workers would not be able to get the job done without them!
If you are looking to rent an articulating boom lift, it’s a good idea to get a sense for how much they cost beforehand. Make sure to check out this guide which includes factors that influence pricing and cost ranges to expect.
What is 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 cost:
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.
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 on 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. Read more about add-on features and accessories below.
8. Your location
Oftentimes, rental prices are impacted by geographical location. It’s common to see higher rental premiums for articulating boom lifts in big cities like New York or Los Angeles compared to more rural locations. Your supplier should be able to give you an estimate of cost depending on your specific location.
It’s also worth noting that if your jobsite location is far away from the supplier’s location, you can incur additional charges for delivery as you are requiring the supplier to tack on many additional miles. It’s smartest to choose a supplier that is in your area to save on delivery charges and mileage.
How much does it cost to rent an articulating boom lift?
Here is a breakdown of cost ranges for renting articulating boom lifts by day, week, and month. Note that these are estimates. Always check with suppliers to see their particular rental premiums.
| Per day | Per week | Per month |
| $200-$3,000 | $700-$4,000 | $2,000-$10,000 |
Cost by Maximum Lift Height
Remember that one of the most influential factors on cost is the boom lift's maximum lift height. It's always smart to estimate the maximum height you will require for the job at hand. Here is an estimated cost breakdown for rentals based on max lift height, per day, week, and month.
| 30-40 ft. | Per day: $200-$500 Per week: $700-$1,300 Per month: $2,000-$4,000+ |
| 40-60 ft. | Per day: $250-$650 Per week: $1,000-$1,500 Per month: $2,000-$4,000+ |
| 60-100 ft. | Per day: $500-$1,300 Per week: $1,500-$3,000+ Per month: $2,500-$5,000+ |
| 100+ ft. | Per day: $1,000-$3,000 Per week: $2,000-$4,000 Per month: $4,000-$10,000+ |
Accessories and add-ons to consider for articulating boom lift
As we mentioned, you can add-on accessories, or additional tools, to your articulating boom lift rental depending on your job and needs. Different suppliers will offer different types of add-ons. We’ve provided a list of the most common add-on accessories for articulating boom lifts.
| Deck extensions | Access decks add more room to the work platform on your boom lift. This is useful when the boom lift you are renting provides limited space for your job. There are also elevated deck extensions, which can allow you to reach slightly higher elevations or harder to reach areas than the lift provides on its own. |
| Tool racks | These attachments can allow workers to organize their tools and maximize space without cluttering their work platform. |
| Panel cradles | This tool allows workers to safely and efficiently bring glass and other heavy tools as they ascend to heights. |
| Auxiliary rails | Adding an auxiliary rail adds an extra level of safety and security when working at very high elevations. |
Further Reading
If you are considering renting a boom lift, make sure to also read our Forklift Renter’s guide for everything you need to know about forklift rentals.
You may also want to look into other types of aerial lifts for your job needs, such as scissor lifts, especially if you do not need to reach heights of over 50 ft. If you are looking to move materials rather than lift workers to elevated heights, make sure to consider a telehandler instead.
Ready to compare prices? We’re here to help. Our free online comparison tool matches you with the best price quotes available depending on your job needs!