Scissor Lift vs Boom Lift: Which One Do You Need?

Scissor lifts and boom lifts are both mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), but they solve different problems. Picking the right one saves money and makes the job easier.

Scissor lifts: straight up, lots of space

A scissor lift raises its platform vertically. That makes it ideal when you need to work directly above the machine.

• Large platform – room for two people, tools and materials.
• Very stable – great for ceiling work, installing services, signage and warehouse maintenance.
• Compact – narrow models fit through standard doorways.
• Lower cost – usually cheaper to buy and maintain than a boom of similar height.

The trade-off: no outreach. If there's an obstacle between the machine and where you need to work, a scissor lift can't get over it.

Boom lifts (cherry pickers): up and over

A boom lift has an arm that extends up and out. Articulated booms can bend over obstacles, while telescopic booms give maximum straight reach.

• Outreach – work over machinery, roofs, canopies or uneven ground.
• Flexible positioning – get the basket exactly where you need it.
• Trailer-mounted options – compact self-propelled and trailer models like the Nifty range are easy to move between sites.

The trade-off: smaller baskets and generally higher prices.

Quick guide

• Working directly overhead, indoors or on a flat slab → scissor lift
• Need to reach over something, or work at awkward angles → boom lift
• Rough terrain → choose a rough-terrain scissor or boom
• Low-level work up to around 5m → consider a personnel lift or low-level scissor

Still not sure?

Tell us the job, the working height and the ground conditions, and we'll point you to the right machine from our stock. Browse refurbished MEWPs or call 07508 843258.