Using the right equipment makes all the difference in any warehouse operation. If you need to work at heights, aerial lifts are an excellent choice, but these come in a few forms, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at when you should use a scissor lift vs. a boom lift.
Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift: The Key Differences
There are three main types of aerial lifts, but scissor lifts and boom lifts are the most common. Both raise platforms above the ground to offer more stability than a ladder when working at heights, though there are a few key differences.
Scissor lifts lift platforms vertically. The working area is roughly the same size as the base, and workers will sit directly above the base when the lift is fully extended, offering greater stability.
A boom lift, by contrast, uses a telescoping or articulating arm to lift a platform up and away from the base. Out of necessity for this design, the working surface is often smaller than the base. The key advantage here is that the lift can place workers in harder-to-reach areas and extend further than a scissor lift.
Scissor Lift Applications
In general, industrial scissor lifts are the way to go if working at heights up to 20 or 30 feet or when workers need more space at heights. These options offer a larger platform, making it easier to move around, but they don’t reach as high as a boom lift.
Indoor operations are also generally better-suited to these machines. Optimal applications of an electric compact scissor lift include:
- Reaching high shelves in a warehouse
- Performing construction work at 30 feet or less
- Working indoors
- Assisting jobs requiring multiple tools or heavy payloads
Boom Lift Applications
You should use a telescopic or articulating boom lift when working above 30 feet or at hard-to-reach points. The extending arm means a smaller platform, requiring lighter loads, but it also means you can go over obstacles.
Ideal boom lift applications include:
- Working above rooflines or other obstacles
- Working at heights greater than 30 feet
- Navigating difficult outdoor terrain
- Completing one- or two-person jobs
Find Your Ideal Lift at Barclay
Regardless of which type of aerial lift best suits your operation, Barclay has the equipment you need in stock. We provide a wide variety of machinery, are committed to safety and quality and provide consistent, reliable support.
Feel free to contact our team today if you have further questions or if you’re ready to take the next step. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.
