Top 5 Boom Lift Brands That Contractors Actually Trust

When it comes to boom lifts, there’s no shortage of choices.
Every brand claims their machines are “reliable,” “rugged,” and “ready for anything.”
But when you’re 100 feet in the air with a power drill in one hand and a steel beam in the other, you only trust the brands that prove it on the job site.

So, who makes the boom lifts that contractors actually swear by?
Let’s dive into the real MVPs of the lift world.

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🥇 1. Genie: The Household Name in Blue

If boom lifts had celebrity status, Genie would be walking the red carpet.

• Founded in 1966

• Famous for the S-Series (straight booms) and Z-Series (articulating booms)

• Known for smooth proportional controls, rock-solid reliability, and whisper-quiet electric models

Whether it’s the Genie Z-45/25J RT working a stadium build, or the Genie S-85 XC reaching ridiculous heights outdoors, Genie’s machines are everywhere—and for good reason.

✅ Trusted for:

• Smooth operation

• Indoor/outdoor versatility

• Strong global service support

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🥈 2. JLG: The Orange Powerhouse

You know you’re serious about lifts when you call your machines “Ultra Booms.”
And that’s exactly what JLG does.

• Founded in 1969

• One of the world’s largest aerial work platform manufacturers

• Legendary for machines like the JLG 1350SJP and JLG 800AJ

JLG lifts are brutally tough, with exceptional outreach and platform capacities that make big jobs easier.
If Genie is the everyday hero, JLG is the heavy-metal warrior showing up to fight rain, mud, and gravity.

✅ Trusted for:

• Massive working heights

• Rugged off-road capabilities

• Innovative hybrid and electric models

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🥉 3. Skyjack: The Red Underdog That Delivers

Skyjack may not make the loudest marketing noise, but in the contractor world, they are quiet legends.

• Founded in 1985

• Proudly simple, mechanical, and easy to service

• Loved for boom lifts like the SJ86 T and SJ63 AJ

Skyjack focuses on what matters most: easy repairs, sturdy designs, and value that stretches every dollar.

Their machines aren’t loaded with flashy tech—but that’s kind of the point.
Less complexity = less downtime.

✅ Trusted for:

• Operator-friendly simplicity

• Lower lifetime costs

• Good parts availability

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🏅 4. Dingli: The Rising Global Contender

Dingli might not have the decades of history of some Western brands, but don’t let that fool you—they’re taking over job sites fast.

• Founded in 2005 (China)

• Aggressively innovating electric and modular boom lift designs

• Manufacturer behind many OEM partnerships (yes, even for some brands on this list!)

Machines like the Dingli BT44ERT and BA28ERT are changing how contractors think about cost, flexibility, and sustainability.

✅ Trusted for:

• Heavy-duty electric models

• Modular platform designs

• Great value for the performance

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🎖️ 5. Haulotte: The European Efficiency Experts

Born in France, Haulotte brings a certain… je ne sais quoi to the lift game.

• Founded in 1881 (but focused on aerials since the ‘80s)

• Famous for their HA20 LE PRO electric boom lift and HT67 RTJ PRO diesel monsters

Haulotte machines are built lean, efficient, and smart, with a heavy emphasis on electric and hybrid technology to meet modern emissions standards.

✅ Trusted for:

• Strong electric and hybrid offerings

• Excellent ergonomics and platform comfort

• European quality and design

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📊 Quick Recap: Contractor Favorites

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🏁 Final Thoughts

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to boom lifts.
But there is a shortlist of brands that consistently earn trust where it counts—on muddy jobsites, windy towers, and tight project timelines.

Whether you’re lifting indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between, choosing a trusted brand means fewer breakdowns, better support, and happier crews.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t just want to lift high—you want to lift smart.