Scissor lift vs boom lift: up or out?

When a project requires work at height, contractors and equipment managers often face a choice: scissor lift or boom lift. Both are classified as aerial work platforms (AWPs) but serve very different roles depending on height, reach, and site conditions. 

Choosing the wrong type can slow down work, increase costs, or compromise safety. This article breaks down the technical differences, use cases, and model-specific insights to help professionals make the right decision.

What is a scissor lift?

A scissor lift is an aerial platform that moves vertically using crisscrossing supports. Its defining feature is the ability to provide a stable, vertical rise with a large working platform. Unlike boom lifts, scissor lifts cannot extend forward or sideways, which makes them ideal for applications that require vertical access in confined or indoor spaces.

Technical characteristics

• Lift mechanism: Cross-braced supports that extend upward hydraulically or electrically.

• Typical working height: 6–18 meters, though compact models like the Sinoboom 0608N electric scissor lift provide smaller ranges ideal for indoor use.

• Platform capacity: Generally higher than boom lifts, with some models supporting more than 500 kg.

• Power source: Electric for indoor, diesel for outdoor.

Best use cases

• Indoor construction, maintenance, and warehouse work.

• Tasks requiring multiple workers or tools at height.

• Environments with flat, stable flooring.

What is a boom lift?

A boom lift, also called a cherry picker or man lift, is designed for vertical and horizontal reach. Unlike scissor lifts, boom lifts use an articulated or telescopic arm to access hard-to-reach areas.

Technical characteristics

• Lift mechanism: Hydraulic arms with telescopic or articulated extension.

• Typical working height: Can exceed 40 meters, with models like the JLG 1250AJP articulated boom lift offering 40.3 m reach.

• Platform capacity: Lower than scissor lifts, often 230–450 kg.

• Reach advantage: Horizontal outreach up to 24 m depending on model.

Best use cases

• Outdoor construction, industrial sites, and maintenance in difficult-to-access areas.

• Projects requiring both vertical and horizontal access.

• Situations where maneuverability around obstacles is critical.

How to decide between scissor lift and boom lift?

To make the right choice, equipment managers should evaluate three core factors: height, outreach, and site conditions.

1. Height requirement

• If the task is strictly vertical, a scissor lift is more efficient.

• If the job requires horizontal extension, a boom lift is the only option.

2. Platform load

• Scissor lifts provide greater load capacity for multiple workers and heavy tools.

• Boom lifts are more suited for one or two workers with light tools.

3. Ground conditions

• Indoor smooth floors favor electric scissor lifts.

• Uneven outdoor terrain often requires rough-terrain boom lifts with 4WD.

Which lift is safer: scissor or boom?

Safety is determined less by the type of lift and more by its correct application. However, key distinctions exist:

• Stability: Scissor lifts are inherently more stable because of their wide base and vertical rise.

• Fall risk: Boom lifts involve higher risk due to lateral reach, requiring stricter harness and lanyard use.

• Wind sensitivity: Boom lifts at full extension can sway under high winds, while low-rise scissor lifts are less exposed.

Concise answer for snippet:

• Scissor lifts are safer for low-height indoor work.

• Boom lifts are safe when used outdoors with proper fall protection.

Straight lift or outreach: when to use each?

Choose scissor lifts when:

• Maximum height needed is under 18 m.

• Jobsite has limited space but requires wide working platforms.

• Tasks involve installing HVAC systems, warehouse racking, or electrical wiring indoors.

Choose boom lifts when:

• Tasks require reaching over obstacles like machinery or structures.

• Work involves building exteriors, high-rise facades, or bridge maintenance.

• Extreme heights over 20 m are required.

Real-world examples from makana.com

• The Sinoboom 0608N electric scissor lift is ideal for indoor maintenance, offering quiet operation and zero emissions.

• The JLG 1250AJP articulated boom lift suits outdoor projects needing over 40 m reach, such as facade installation or industrial plant maintenance.

• Contractors often pair both: using scissor lifts for bulk indoor installation and boom lifts for exterior finishing on the same project.

This shows that the debate is not about which is better overall, but which is better for a specific stage of construction.

Cost comparison: scissor vs boom lift

Key insight: If the work involves primarily vertical access and heavy platform loads, scissor lifts deliver better value. For outreach and extreme height tasks, boom lifts justify their higher cost.

Can scissor lifts replace boom lifts?

No, because each solves a distinct problem. A scissor lift cannot reach over an obstacle, and a boom lift cannot provide the wide, stable work platform of a scissor lift. On many projects, both are required in combination.

For contractors seeking to evaluate specific models like the Sinoboom 0608N or JLG 1250AJP, platforms such as makana.com provide detailed specifications, inspection reports, and virtual tours to support informed decisions without guesswork.