Boom lift rental questions, answered

Price and billing

How is a lift rental billed? Usually by the day, the week or a four-week cycle. Houston guides describe a day as 8 hours, a week as 40 hours and a four-week month as 28 days, with extra hours billed separately. Ask each yard how it counts.

Why is the delivery charge separate? Because the truck, the driver and the trip are a cost of their own. One Houston guide lists $150 to $350 each way inside a common metro radius. More on the cost guide.

Is it cheaper to rent a scissor lift? Often, at the same height. The comparison guide shows when it will not do the job.

Choosing the machine

What does 60 foot mean? It usually means platform height. A person standing in the basket reaches about six feet higher. The height guide walks through the figures.

Can I rent an electric boom for outside work? Electric units can work outdoors on firm, flat surfaces, but diesel and dual-fuel units are the usual outdoor choice. Cost guides note that electric run time drops in summer heat.

Which has more reach, a telescopic or an articulating boom? In the large sizes, telescopic. In tight spots, articulating gets to places a straight arm cannot.

Delivery and timing

Can a lift arrive tomorrow? Sometimes. Stock and schedule decide, and a Houston cost guide notes same-day deliveries are often best effort. Say what day you need it and give a backup.

Do I need to be there? Someone should be, to meet the driver, show where the machine goes and sign the ticket. Give the yard a contact number.

What stops a delivery? Soft ground, a gate that is too narrow, an overhead line over the unloading spot, or an entry rule at a plant. The site requirements guide lists them.

Safety and paperwork

Do I need a license to run a boom lift? Federal rules talk about trained and authorized operators rather than a license, and the employer is responsible. Read the training guide.

Does the rental come with a harness? A cost guide notes fall protection is typically not included. Ask.

What wind is too much? The Genie boom manual cited here says not to raise the boom above 28 mph. Your machine's manual sets the limit that applies.

Insurance and liability

Do I need insurance to rent a lift? Many yards ask either for a certificate of insurance or for the damage waiver, which a Houston guide lists at about 10% to 15% of the rental. Requirements differ by yard, so ask before delivery.

Who pays if someone is hurt? This site cannot answer that, and neither can a rental yard in advance. The employer's insurance, the rental contract and the law decide it. Read your contract and talk to your insurer before the job, not after.

Returns and problems

What if the machine breaks down? Call the yard right away and stop using it. Ask before you book how it handles a failed machine and how fast it can swap one.

What if it rains and I cannot work? Ask about weather terms before you sign. Some contracts keep billing while a unit sits idle.

How do I end the rental? Call off-rent, note the time and ticket number, and have the machine ready for pickup. The first-time checklist covers the steps.

Common questions