If you’re working on a construction site, warehouse, or outdoor maintenance job, you might need a boom lift. But not all boom lifts are the same. Two of the most common types are telescopic boom lifts and articulating boom lifts. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences to help you choose the right one.
When working at heights, choosing the right boom lift can make your job safer, faster, and easier. Two of the most common types are telescopic and articulating boom lifts. While they both help workers reach high areas, they are built for different tasks.
Let’s break down their key differences in simple terms:
Telescopic Boom Lift
Also called a straight boom lift, this type has a long, straight arm that extends outward like a telescope.
It’s best used for reaching high, straight-up or straight-out locations. Common jobs include outdoor tasks in wide, open spaces such as bridge work, roofing, or tower maintenance.
Main features of telescopic boom lifts include higher vertical and horizontal reach, a simple straight design, and faster setup and movement. However, it can’t bend or reach around obstacles.
Articulating Boom Lift
Also known as a knuckle boom, this lift has multiple arms that bend at joints—like a human arm. This allows it to move up, over, and around barriers.
It’s great for working in tight spaces or navigating over obstacles like walls, beams, or machinery. You’ll often see these lifts used indoors, for facility maintenance, or even in landscaping like tree trimming.
Articulating boom lifts offer flexible movement and are ideal for tricky, narrow job sites. But compared to telescopic lifts, they usually have a shorter reach.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you need to reach straight up or far across, go with a telescopic boom lift. If you need to go around something or work in tight spots, pick an articulating boom lift. Both are useful—you just need the right one for your specific job.
Wrap Up
Choosing between a telescopic and an articulating boom lift comes down to how you need to move. For straight, high-reaching jobs in open spaces, telescopic lifts are best. For maneuvering around barriers or working in tighter areas, articulating lifts are more suitable.
Always think about your worksite layout and safety before deciding.