Here at All Star Access Hire & Scaffold, we're your local access hire specialists.
When the job calls for high access, there are two main boom lifts to consider – articulating and telescopic.
Think of telescopic boom lifts as having one straight arm that extends out – perfect when you need to reach high, wide, and far. Articulating boom lifts have a jointed design and are more like a flexible arm that can bend and reach around obstacles.
Let’s further break down the differences between articulating and telescopic boom lifts and why they matter for your next project.
A telescopic boom lift, or a straight boom lift, has a straight stick arm that can extend to its maximum reach. Powered by hydraulics, the arm can be raised and lowered vertically as well as extended horizontally to reach very high, difficult-to-access areas.
If you’re working on big outdoor projects, telescopic booms are the way to go. They can reach up to 125 feet, making them perfect for:
The best part? They’re quick to set up and get you where you need to be. While they work best on flat ground, many models can handle rough terrain pretty well. Just remember – they’re not great at weaving around obstacles.
Ever tried reaching behind your couch? That simple action demonstrates the key advantage of an articulating boom. Unlike their straight counterparts, articulating boom lifts are divided into multiple sections connected by joints – much like a human arm.
These joints allow the boom to bend and pivot, giving operators the flexibility to navigate around obstacles and access hard-to-reach spaces safely and efficiently.
They’re built for jobs where you need to manoeuvre around tight corners or existing structures, such as:
Need to work indoors? The electric versions are quiet and emission-free – perfect for warehouse work or any indoor job where you need to get up and over.
When you’re deciding which boom lift fits your project, ask yourself:
Both types are stable and safe when used properly, and both come with four-wheel drive options for better grip. Just keep in mind that even the toughest boom lift needs relatively level ground to operate safely.
Bottom line? If you need to reach straight out and up, go telescopic. If you’re dealing with obstacles or tight spaces, articulating is your best bet.
From Melbourne to Geelong, All Star is home to the best articulating and telescopic boom lift rentals out there.
Want to explore what might work best for your specific project? We’ve helped countless businesses pick the right equipment for their needs. Let’s figure out together what will work best for you. Simply get in touch with the All Star team today.