Used Boom Lifts for Sale: Your 2025 Buying Guide

When you’re looking for used boom lifts for sale, you’re not just shopping for a piece of equipment you’re investing in uptime, safety, and jobsite productivity. Whether you’re in construction, maintenance, tree trimming, or utilities, boom lifts help you reach areas ladders and scaffolding simply can’t.

When it comes to construction projects, selecting the right machinery is crucial for efficiency and safety. Among the most commonly used equipment are telehandlers and cranes, each with its unique advantages and applications. This blog will compare these two machines to help you determine which one best suits your construction needs.

Articulating vs. Straight Boom Lifts – Choosing the Right Boom Lift for Your Needs
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2024 Genie Z30/20NRJ
$59,900.00 For Sale

$59,900.00

Articulating vs. Straight Boom Lifts – Choosing the Right Boom Lift for Your Needs
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2024 JLG E400AJPN
$74,950.00 For Sale

$74,950.00

Scissor Lift vs Boom Lift – Best Aerial Lift for Construction Projects
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2019 Genie Z34/22N
$17,950.00 For Sale

$17,950.00

Scissor Lift vs Boom Lift – Best Aerial Lift for Construction Projects
nleq.com
2019 Genie Z34/22N
$17,950.00 For Sale

$17,950.00

What Is a Boom Lift?

A boom lift is a type of aerial work platform (AWP) that elevates workers and tools to elevated, hard-to-reach areas. They offer better reach, flexibility, and safety than ladders or scissor lifts.

Key Features:

Extendable Arm (Boom): The arm can be telescopic (straight) or articulating (with jointed sections) to allow for vertical and horizontal reach.
Basket or Platform: A small work platform at the end of the boom holds the worker(s) and equipment.
Mobility: Some boom lifts are self-propelled, others are towable or mounted on trucks.

Types of Boom Lifts

Articulating Boom Lift (Knuckle Boom)

A straight boom lift, also known as a telescopic boom, extends in a straight line. These are the go-to lifts for jobs that require maximum vertical and horizontal reach.

Why It Works:

  1. Unmatched height and outreach.
  2. Faster elevation and smoother extension.
  3. Ideal for outdoor, large-scale jobs.

Best-Selling Articulating Boom Lifts:

Engine: Deutz Diesel Engine – Powerful and efficient.
Drive System: 4WD Drive System – Excellent traction/control.
Tires: Foam-Filled Tires – Durable, stable grip.
Jib Arm: Flexible reach for hard-to-access work areas.
Engine: Deutz Diesel Engine – Powerful, efficient.
Drive System: 4WD System – Excellent traction on all terrains.
Tires: Foam-Filled Tires – Durable, flat-resistant stability.
Jib Arm: Flexible reach for working around obstacles.
Engine: Deutz Turbo Diesel – Powerful and efficient.
Drive System: 4WD Drive System – Superior traction/control.
Tires: Rough Terrain Tires – Enhanced stability and mobility.
Jib Arm: Articulating jib for precise positioning.

Best for:

Construction
Oil and gas fields
Exterior painting or signage
Tree trimming in wide-open spaces

Straight Boom Lift (Telescopic Boom)

An articulating boom lift features multiple joints (articulations) that allow the boom to bend, twist, and reach over or around obstacles. It’s ideal for tight workspaces or jobs that require maneuverability i confined or obstructed areas.

Why It Works:

  1. Superior up-and-over reach.
  2. Easier positioning in narrow or obstructed zones.
  3. Available in diesel, electric, and hybrid

Best-Selling Straight Boom Lift:

Engine: Deutz diesel – Strong and dependable.
Drive System: 4WD – Great mobility off-road.
Platform Height: 60 ft – Built for high access.
Operating Hours: 2110 – Moderate use, fully serviced.
Engine: Deutz diesel – Powerful and durable.
Drive System: 4WD – Stable on uneven ground.
Platform Height: 60 ft – Suited for elevated work.
Operating Hours: 1468 – Low hours, excellent condition.
Engine: Deutz diesel – Reliable and efficient.
Drive System: 4WD – Strong traction on rough terrain.
Platform Height: 66 ft – Ideal for high-reach tasks.
Operating Hours: 3284 – High use, well maintained.

Best for:

Indoor facility maintenance
Electrical and HVAC work
Tree trimming around structures
Urban utility repairs

Towable Boom Lift (Trailer-Mounted)

Towable boom lifts are mounted on a trailer chassis and can be hauled with a pickup. These lightweight machines are perfect for occasional use, offering flexibility without permanent fleet investment.

Why It Works:

  1. No CDL required to move.
  2. Set up and break down in minutes.
  3. Affordable and compact.

Best-Selling Towable Boom Lift:

Power Type: Electric – Eco-friendly and cost-efficient operation.
Lift Design: Articulating – Flexible reach for precise positioning.
System: Hydraulic – Smooth, powerful, and reliable performance.
Operating Hours: 340 – Low use; excellent condition and well maintained.
Power Type: Honda Gas + AC – Dual fuel flexibility for varied job sites.
Stabilization: Hydraulic outriggers – Adds safety and load stability.
Platform Height: 35 ft – Reaches elevated work zones with ease.
Operating Hours: 68 – Very low use; excellent overall condition.
Power: Electric + Hydraulic – Efficient and eco-friendly.
Design: Articulating Boom – Flexible reach.
Platform Height: 45 ft – Mid-to-high access.
Operating Hours: Brand new – Never used, with full factory warranty.

Best for:

Light facility or residential maintenance
Tree trimming
Sign installation
Contractors with multiple mobile jobs

Quick Comparison: Boom Lift Types

Comparison FactorPlatform
Height
Best UsePower SourceTransport
Articulating30–85 ftTight or obstructed
spaces
Diesel, electric,
hybrid
Truck/trailer
Straight40–150 ftWide-open, high reach tasksDieselFlatbed or heavy
trailer
Towable30–50 ftMobile, occasional
jobs
Electric or gasPickup truck
Comparison FactorPlatform
Height
Best UsePower SourceTransport
Articulating30–85 ftTight or obstructed
spaces
Diesel, electric,
hybrid
Truck/trailer
Straight40–150 ftWide-open, high reach tasksDieselFlatbed or heavy
trailer
Towable30–50 ftMobile, occasional
jobs
Electric or gasPickup truck
Articulating vs. Straight Boom Lifts – Choosing the Right Boom Lift for Your Needs

Why Buy a Used Boom Lift?

There’s no denying the value in used aerial lifts. Instead of absorbing the steep depreciation of new equipment, you can buy a low-hour, well-maintained machine for 30–60% less, and put your money where it matters in performance and uptime

Top Reasons to Buy Used:

Lower upfront costs
Immediate availability
Slower depreciation curve
Wider model selection
Pre-tested reliability

What Boom Lift Size Do You Need?

Choosing the right boom lift depends on your job requirements, not just height. Consider the vertical and horizontal reach, lift capacity, terrain type, and power source needed. Here are five tips to help you determine the right boom lift size:

Measure the Required Working Height
Evaluate Horizontal Reach Needs
Factor in Lift Capacity
Account for Jobsite Space Constraints
Choose the Smallest Size That Meets All Needs
SpecificationWhy It MattersTypical Range
Platform HeightMax vertical reach30–150 ft
StraightOperator’s reach+6 ft above platform
TowableSideways reach capability20–80+ ft
Lift CapacityWeight limit (workers + tools)500–1,000 lbs
Power TypeDiesel, electric, hybridJobsite dependent
Drive Type2WD, 4WD, towableTerrain-specific

Electric vs. Diesel vs. Towable Power

Electric Boom Lifts

Quiet, zero-emission
Great for indoor or urban zones
Lower maintenance and fuel cost

Diesel Boom Lifts

Built for tough, outdoor job sites
Longer duty cycles and more torque
Often comes with 4WD and outriggers

Towable Lifts

Plug-in or gas-powered
Light-duty, quick deployment
Tow with a regular truck, no commercial license needed
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How Much Do Used Boom Lifts Cost?

Used boom lift pricing varies based on brand, year, condition, hours, and type of boom.

Smart Buying Tips:

Fewer hours = less wear.
Check service records for maintenance history.
Stick with reputable brands like JLG or Genie.
Buy only the size you need.
Look for inspected units or warranties.
Lift TypeHeightPrice Range
Towable Boom30–50 ft$8,000–$18,000
Electric Articulating30–45 ft$12,000–$25,000
Diesel Articulating60–80 ft$30,000–$50,000
Telescopic Boom80–125 ft$45,000–$90,000

For the best value, buy from a trusted reseller like NLEQ — with verified service history, inspected equipment, and honest pricing.

Where to Buy Used Boom Lifts

There are three places you’ll typically find used lifts:

Auctions – Lowest upfront cost, but high risk
Rental companies – Decent condition, high hours
Specialized dealers – Best balance of value, condition, and trust

At NLEQ, we inspect, recondition, and support every lift we sell no surprises.

We don’t move mystery machines. Every lift is tested, documented, and ready to wor

Towable boom lift for sale with Hyster S25A Space Saver model

How to Inspect a Used Boom Lift Before Buying

A proper inspection can save you thousands in repairs. Here’s our pre-sale checklist:

Best for:

Inspect boom welds and pivot points
Test lift/lower and full extension cycles
Check hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks
Examine tires, treads, and drive motors
Review maintenance logs and engine hours
Test platform controls and emergency shut-off
Confirm basket capacity and safety decals
Verify that serial numbers match paperwork

Why Choose NLEQ for Used Boom Lifts?

We’ve been helping contractors, municipalities, and jobsite managers get the right machine for over 35 years. We know the market, the equipment, and most importantly the reality of getting the job done right.

NLEQ Advantage:

Hand-inspected inventory
Honest condition reports
Nationwide freight support
SEO-optimized listings (for resellers)
Ongoing support after the sale

Browse Our Inventory

JLG 450AJ (Articulating)
Genie S-65 (Telescopic)
Skyjack SJ46AJ
Genie TZ-34/20 (Towable)
JLG T350 (Towable)

Used Boom Lift FAQ

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