FAQs About Boom Lift Hire
Boom lifts are elevating work platforms with an extending arm that lifts workers up and outward to reach heights and positions that scissor lifts and ladders can't. They're used for facade work, steel erection, plant maintenance and any job that needs reach over an obstacle or into a hard-to-access spot. The right boom depends on the working height, the horizontal outreach required, the ground conditions, and whether you need diesel, electric, hybrid or track-mounted drive. Learn more about boom lift hire in our FAQ section below.
Knuckle booms, also called articulating booms, bend at multiple points so the platform can reach up and over obstacles or into recessed positions. They suit congested sites and detailed work where the platform needs to manoeuvre around structures. Straight booms, also called telescopic booms, extend in a single line for maximum height and horizontal outreach, suiting open sites where you need to reach high or far in a straight shot. The choice depends on whether you need to navigate obstacles or maximise reach.
Yes. Boom-type elevating work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more require a high-risk work licence (class WP) in Australia. Smaller boom lifts under 11 metres don't legally require the licence, but most commercial sites require operators to hold a verification of competency or recognised EWP training card regardless of machine size. Always check both the legal requirement and your site's induction rules before operating a boom lift.
United Rentals offers pickup from our branches or on-site delivery. Smaller boom lifts can travel on tilt trays, while larger telescopic and articulating booms typically need a low loader. Delivery rates depend on the machine size and the distance to your site. Let us know your jobsite address when you request a quote and we'll include transport in the price.