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Both boom lifts and scissor lifts get you up off the ground safely, but they’re built for very different jobs. Boom lifts move horizontally and vertically. Scissor lifts are limited to moving up and down. While boom lifts achieve a greater vertical reach, scissor lifts have roomier platforms with higher weight capacities.
If you’re still scratching your head over which one you need for the job at hand, here’s a plain-English breakdown of the main differences.
Not quite. While both are types of elevated work platforms, they work differently, reach different heights, and suit very different jobs on-site. It’s worth knowing which one does what before you book one in. Here’s a quick look at both.
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Because a scissor lift moves straight up and down, it’s ideal for jobs that require stable, vertical access directly above the machine. For instance, ceiling and lighting work, indoor painting and plastering, and warehouse picking and stocktaking.
Find out more about what scissor lifts are used for and the benefits of hiring one.
A boom lift uses an extendable arm to reach horizontally as well as vertically, so it makes sense for accessing areas that aren’t directly above you. For example, working on a building facade where you need to reach out and over rather than straight up.
Read our full boom lift guide for a closer look at the different types and common uses.
Although it’s a big one, the difference between these two machines goes a lot further than which direction they move. Here’s more:
| Boom Lift | Scissor Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Vertically and horizontally | Vertically |
| Working Height | Up to 55m | Up to 22m |
| Platform size | Small to medium | Medium to large |
| Weight capacity | 200 to 450 kg | 500 kg+ |
| Fuel Type | Electric, hybrid, or diesel | Electric or diesel |
| Terrain | Rough terrain and uneven ground | Flat, stable surfaces |
| Size | Bigger overall | More compact |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
Boom lifts generally reach higher, ranging from around 9 metres for compact electric models, right up to 55 metres for large diesel machines. They also offer significant horizontal outreach, with some models (like our trusty 80’ spider boom) extending 20 metres or more from the base.
Scissor lifts’ working height typically caps at around 22 metres, but what they give up in height, they make up for in platform size and stability. Take our 43′ 94 Rough terrain scissor lift – it’s got a platform width of nearly 4m!
Scissor lifts have a larger platform. They can carry multiple workers and heavy loads of materials at once, with weight capacities often exceeding 500 kg. This makes them the better pick when you need both people and gear elevated together.
Boom lift platforms are smaller and generally rated for one to two people, with capacities typically between 200 and 450 kg, depending on the model.
Scissor lifts have a compact, square footprint that works well in flat, structured environments like warehouses. They’re straightforward to position and easy to move around on flat, stable ground.
Boom lifts are larger and heavier overall, but incredibly flexible. Articulating (knuckle) models can bend around obstacles, and most boom lift bases can rotate 360 degrees, allowing operators to reposition the platform without moving the machine.
Scissor lifts are generally the more stable of the two. Their wide platform, low centre of gravity, and vertical-only movement mean the machine stays balanced throughout the lift. This is part of why they’re trusted for jobs that involve multiple workers or heavy materials at height.
Boom lifts, by nature of how they work, are more exposed to stability risks. The further the arm extends, the higher the tipping point. This doesn’t make them unsafe, but it does mean operators need to be more mindful of ground conditions, load limits, and wind exposure when working at full extension. Outriggers and stabilisers on larger models help manage this, but it’s worth factoring in when choosing between the two.
Scissor lifts, particularly electric ones, are a natural fit indoors with quiet, zero emissions, and easy to navigate on flat surfaces. That said, don’t assume a scissor lift is only useful on flat ground. Rough terrain models are available and can handle uneven outdoor surfaces just as well.
Electric boom lifts work well indoors, too, while larger diesel-powered boom lifts are built for outdoor construction sites and more demanding ground conditions. As a general rule, boom lifts handle rougher terrain better than scissor lifts thanks to their heavier build and tyre tread.
See how electric and hybrid boom lifts compare.
If you’re working on flat ground, indoors, and need to carry multiple workers or materials to a moderate height, a scissor lift is the right call. If you need to reach over obstacles, work at serious heights, or access areas you can’t get directly under, go with a boom lift.
Still unsure? You can get in touch with the All Star team, and we’ll arrange a free on-site assessment to help you make the right call.