Boom Lifts vs Scissor Lifts: Which Elevated Work Platform is Right for Your Project?

Selecting the right elevated work platform (EWP) can have a significant impact on productivity, safety and project costs. While boom lifts and scissor lifts are both designed to provide safe access to work at height, they are built for very different applications.

Understanding the strengths of each machine will help ensure you choose the most efficient solution for your project.

What is a Boom Lift?

Boom lifts are highly versatile elevated work platforms that use an extending boom to provide both vertical and horizontal reach. Unlike scissor lifts, which only travel straight up and down, boom lifts allow operators to reach over obstacles and access difficult work areas.

There are two main types of boom lifts:

• Straight Boom Lifts (Telescopic Boom Lifts) – Designed for maximum horizontal outreach and working height, making them ideal for large construction projects, infrastructure works and industrial maintenance.
• Knuckle Boom Lifts (Articulating Boom Lifts) – Feature multiple pivot points that allow the boom to bend around obstacles, providing exceptional flexibility when working in confined spaces or around structures.

Boom lifts are commonly used for:

• Structural steel installation
• Building construction
• Bridge maintenance
• Industrial shutdowns
• Telecommunications
• Tree maintenance
• Signage installation
• Mining and infrastructure projects

What is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts provide a stable working platform that raises vertically using a criss-cross lifting mechanism. They offer a much larger platform than boom lifts, allowing operators to work comfortably with tools, materials and multiple personnel.

Because they only move vertically, scissor lifts are best suited to applications where the work area is directly overhead.

Typical uses include:

• Electrical installations
• Ceiling works
• Warehouse maintenance
• Painting
• Mechanical services
• Shopping centre maintenance
• Factory maintenance
• Fit-outs and renovations

Reach and Accessibility

One of the biggest differences between boom lifts and scissor lifts is how they access the work area.

A boom lift allows operators to reach both upwards and outwards, making it possible to work over buildings, machinery, fencing or other obstacles.

A scissor lift travels vertically only, meaning it must be positioned directly beneath the work area.

Choose a boom lift if:

• You need horizontal outreach.
• You need to work around obstacles.
• Access is restricted.
• The work area cannot be reached from directly below.

Choose a scissor lift if:

• The work area is directly overhead.
• Maximum platform space is required.
• Multiple workers need to be on the platform.
• Large quantities of tools or materials need to be carried.

Platform Capacity

Scissor lifts typically offer significantly higher platform capacities than boom lifts.

Their larger platforms allow operators to safely carry additional materials, equipment and personnel, making them ideal for installation and maintenance work where productivity depends on having everything required on the platform.

Boom lifts generally accommodate fewer occupants and lower platform loads but provide far greater access flexibility.

Indoor vs Outdoor Applications

Both machine types are available in electric and diesel models.

Electric Boom and Scissor Lifts

Electric machines produce zero emissions and operate quietly, making them ideal for:

• Warehouses
• Shopping centres
• Factories
• Hospitals
• Airports
• Commercial buildings

Diesel Boom and Scissor Lifts

Diesel-powered machines are designed for demanding outdoor environments and typically feature four-wheel drive and rough terrain capabilities.

These are ideal for:

• Construction sites
• Civil infrastructure
• Mining
• Industrial facilities
• Large outdoor maintenance projects

Terrain Capability

If your project involves uneven ground, rough terrain or unsealed surfaces, boom lifts generally provide greater mobility.

Many diesel boom lifts feature:

• Four-wheel drive
• Oscillating axles
• High ground clearance
• Excellent gradeability

While rough terrain scissor lifts are available, they remain best suited to relatively level work areas.

Which Machine is Right for Your Project?

Choose a Boom Lift if you need:

• Maximum working height
• Horizontal outreach
• Access around obstacles
• Outdoor performance
• Flexibility across multiple work locations

Choose a Scissor Lift if you need:

• A large working platform
• Higher platform capacity
• Multiple operators on the platform
• Vertical access only
• Efficient indoor maintenance or installation work

Need Help Choosing the Right EWP?

Every project is different, and selecting the right elevated work platform can improve productivity, reduce hire costs and create a safer work environment.

At AAH, we offer one of Australia’s largest ranges of boom lifts and scissor lifts, including electric, hybrid and diesel models suitable for construction, mining, infrastructure, industrial maintenance and commercial projects.

Our experienced team can help you select the most suitable machine based on your required working height, site conditions, access restrictions and lifting requirements, ensuring you have the right equipment to complete the job safely and efficiently.