A boom lift is a type of aerial lift or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), commonly referred to as a “man lift” or “cherry picker,” that uses a hydraulic boom to elevate workers, tools, and materials to heights of 180 feet (55 meters) or higher.

2025 JLG 600AJ Articulating Boom Lift
You’ll find boom lifts at work on construction, commercial property, residential, forestry, oil and gas, and other jobsites. Common uses include cleaning, decorating, installation, maintenance, building, painting, tree trimming, and many other tasks.
What To Know About Boom Lifts
Here are some of the standout features of boom lifts for sale on LiftsToday.com.
- Wheels and tracks - Boom lifts are manufactured with wheels or tracks. Wheel boom lifts are available in two-wheel drive (2WD), four-wheel drive (4WD), and all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Power sources - They are powered by electric motors, diesel or gas engines, or hybrid power sources. Battery-electric boom lifts offer emission-free and low-noise operation, making them suitable for indoor use or areas with strict emissions or noise regulations. Diesel and gas engines tend to offer more powerful performance.
- Attachments – Some boom lifts support the use of accessories and attachments such as board carriers, crane jibs, pipe racks, tool trays, and tube carriers.
Common boom lift features and capabilities include:
- Outriggers and stabilizers
- Automatic self-leveling systems
- Rotating platforms
- Remote control functionality
- Air and water lines to the platform
- All-wheel and crab steering options
You’ll find boom lifts on LiftsToday.com equipped with four-wheel drive, automatic slope compensation, and the ability to move with their platforms extended. The popular Skyjack SJ86T features Axldrive, a true mechanical four-wheel-drive system with oscillating steer axle that Skyjack says provides unmatched traction and up to 50% gradeability.
A Brief Look At Different Boom Lift Types
LiftsToday.com organizes for-sale listings for new and used boom lifts into three subcategories: articulating, telescopic, and towable boom lifts.
Articulating boom lifts use multiple hinged boom sections to reach tight spots above and underneath obstacles. For example, they excel in reaching through unfinished structures to install wiring or piping in hard-to-access spots, or are useful in painting high ceilings, clearing gutters, or repairing street lights.
The JLG 600AJ, for instance, has a 60.6-ft (18.5-m) platform height and a 130-degree rotating jib. The lift has a horizontal reach of 39.75 ft (12 m).
Also known as “stick booms,” telescopic boom lifts are generally well-suited for use on jobsites with rougher terrain and for jobs that require extensive horizontal outreach. These lifts are ideal for accessing sides or undersides of bridges, where direct vertical access is not possible. They can also be used to hang banners, lighting, or other decorations over wide open spaces, such as stadiums or arenas, where significant horizontal reach is required.
The Genie S65 XC and S65 TraX models, for example, provide 54 ft 2 in (16.51 m) of horizontal reach to go with its 71 ft (21.81 m) of working height and 8 ft 8 in (2.65 m) of below-ground reach.
Also called “trailer-mounted boom lifts,” towable boom lifts are available in articulating and telescopic versions with electric, internal combustion, or hybrid power sources. They offer many of the same features and capabilities as self-propelled models but are often easier to transport between sites and cheaper to buy and maintain which can be beneficial for smaller operations.
The popular articulating Haulotte 5533 A is towable using a standard half-ton pickup truck without the need for a commercial driver’s license. It has a 61.3-ft (18.7-m) work height, a 55.3-ft (16.9-m) platform height, and a 33.5-ft (10.2-m) horizontal outreach to go with its 500-pound (227-kilogram) lift capacity.
Where To Buy & Finance Boom Lifts
Explore LiftsToday.com in the U.S. and worldwide to find new and used boom lifts for sale, including articulating, telescopic, and towable boom lifts. You’ll find models from leading manufacturers such as Genie, Haulotte, JLG, Manitou, Niftylift, Skyjack, Snorkel, and Teupen.
Once you find the right model, explore your boom lift financing options. CurrencyFinance helps buyers get funding for the lifting equipment they need.