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A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker, basket crane, or hydraladder, is designed to lift people and equipment for aerial work. Originally used for fruit pickers to reach high elevations in the trees, boom lifts are now a necessity in a variety of industries. Telephone and electrical workers use them to reach power lines. They're widely used for tree removal or maintenance, window washing, in factories and warehouses, and for many types of construction work.
Boom lifts are vehicles that consist of a bucket or platform to transport the passenger and arms that move the platform up and down to various heights. There are two main types. Telescopic boom lifts (also called stick booms) have a long, stationary arm that can be angled to reach heights of up to 120 feet with the largest machines. Articulating boom lifts (or knuckle booms) have hinged arms that can be bent to move around obstacles such as tree branches or power lines.
Boom lifts for indoor use are electric-powered with smaller tires built for flat surfaces. Outdoor-use booms are usually diesel powered, 4-wheel drive vehicles meant for all-terrain use. Dual-use lifts are suitable for both indoor and outdoor work. You can alternate running them on liquid propane for inside work and an internal combustion engine for outside jobs.
Rental rates for boom lifts vary depending on the type of machine and length of the rental. Most companies offer daily, weekly and monthly rates. It's a good idea to figure out, in advance, how long you'll need the lift. For longer-term use, weekly and monthly rates are generally a better deal. Some companies, but not many, offer hourly or half-day rates.
Generally, boom lift rentals run $250-$400 per day, or $1,000 to $1,500 per week. However, the largest models - those that extend 100 feet or more in the air - will cost significantly more.
Don't forget to factor in delivery and pickup fees, which usually add $100 to $150 to the total bill.
There are several advantages to renting a boom lift instead of buying one - particularly if you only need the machine from time to time or for a single project. Buying a boom lift requires a major capital investment. Small- to mid-sized models cost $25,000 to $50,000, while the largest top $100,000. Even used lifts begin at about $10,000 and run upwards of $75,000 for the models with a range of 100 feet or more.
Renting a boom lift means spending less upfront to get a job started, never having to worry about footing the bill for repairs, and always have access to modern equipment.