The Real Cost of a Boom Lift: Buy, Rent, or Cry?

So you need a boom lift.
You’ve got a job to do—something up high, out far, or awkwardly around a rooftop corner.
You’ve narrowed it down to the right model… and then it hits you:

“Should I buy this thing? Rent it? Or just cry into the budget sheet?”

Let’s break it down—cost, value, and the best way to go vertical without going broke.

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💸 First Up: What Does a Boom Lift Actually Cost?

Boom lifts aren’t bicycles. They’re precision-engineered aerial beasts—and the price tag reflects that.

🔹 Buying a Boom Lift

Here’s the rough cost range based on size and type:

Used units? You can knock off 20%–50%, depending on age and hours.

Example:

• New Genie Z-45/25J: ~$65,000

• Used version (3–5 yrs, <2,000 hrs): ~$35,000–$45,000

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🔄 Renting: The Pay-As-You-Lift Option

If your job is short-term, or you just need the lift once or twice a year—renting is your best friend.

For larger telescopic lifts (80ft+), monthly rentals can go up to $7,000 or more.

Rental usually includes:

• Pre-check inspection

• Service coverage

• Delivery (sometimes extra)

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🧠 Buy or Rent? Ask These 5 Questions:

1. How often will I use it?

   • Daily/weekly = Buy

   • Monthly/yearly = Rent

2. Do I have storage space?

   • No yard or warehouse = Rent

   • Room to park = Buy is viable

3. Can I afford the upfront cost?

   • If not → lease or rent

   • If yes → own and control your asset

4. How complex is your jobsite?

   • If you need specialized equipment = Rent what fits

   • Standard work = Buying a mid-range boom might make sense

5. What’s your resale game?

   • High resale value on popular models (like Genie, JLG)

   • If you plan to flip after 2–3 years, buying could make you money

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🧾 Hidden Costs (a.k.a. “Surprises You Should Know”)

If You Buy:

• Maintenance & parts

• Storage

• Annual inspections

• Depreciation (though slower with brand-name models)

If You Rent:

• Delivery/pickup fees

• Overuse charges

• Damage fees (yes, even if “it was already scratched”)

• Availability—especially during peak seasons

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🤝 Leasing: The Middle Path

Can’t afford to buy? Tired of renting?
Leasing a boom lift (monthly payments with ownership at the end) might be your best bet.

It offers:

• Predictable monthly costs

• Ownership option at lease-end

• Tax advantages in some regions

Expect lease terms between 36–60 months, with rates depending on credit, lift type, and provider.

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🏗️ What the Pros Do

• Contractors with year-round work? They buy—often multiple units

• Event companies, facility managers, general contractors? They lease or own common sizes (like 45–60 ft models)

• Specialty trades, freelancers, short-term users? They rent as needed

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🧠 Final Thought

So… buy, rent, or cry?

• Buy if you use it often, want long-term control, and can maintain it

• Rent if your jobs are short, infrequent, or highly varied

• Lease if you want the best of both worlds

And cry?
Only if you didn’t think this through first.

With the right choice, a boom lift isn’t just a machine—it’s a smart business tool that pays for itself over time.

Go up wisely.