If you’ve ever worked a job where you need to reach something 10, 20, or even 40 feet off the ground, chances are you’ve seen—or used—a Genie lift. But for those just getting into the field or trying to make sense of the different equipment types, a common question comes up:
“What type of lift is a Genie lift?”
Let’s break it down in plain, jobsite-friendly terms.
First Things First: Genie Makes Aerial Lifts
At its core, Genie is all about aerial lift equipment. That means machines designed to safely raise people, tools, and materials off the ground so they can work at height—whether that’s changing lights in a stadium, installing HVAC units on a rooftop, or doing maintenance on a warehouse ceiling.
Genie’s equipment falls under the broad category of aerial work platforms (AWPs) or MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms). These machines are built to help you get up there and get the job done safely.
A Quick Look Back: Since 1966, and Still Going Strong
Genie isn’t some new name that just popped up overnight. The company has been in the business since 1966, and over the decades, it has become one of the most trusted brands in the access equipment game. What started with a pneumatic material lift powered by compressed air (which seemed like magic back then—hence the name “Genie”) has grown into a global line of lifts used on construction sites, in factories, warehouses, airports, and beyond.
Whether you’re buying new or used, chances are you’ve come across Genie scissor lifts and boom lifts in just about every part of the world.
Types of Genie Lifts You’ll See Out in the Field
Now let’s get to the good part—what types of lifts does Genie actually make? Here’s a breakdown:
🔹 Scissor Lifts
These are your straight-up, vertical lifting machines. Great for indoor work like:
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Installing electrical or ductwork
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Painting or drywall in commercial spaces
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Warehouse inventory tasks
Genie’s GS series scissor lifts are compact, stable, and perfect when you need to go up, but not out.
They come in two main types:
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Slab Scissor Lifts – Best for smooth, indoor surfaces
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Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts – Built with bigger tires and more power to handle outdoor job sites
🔹 Boom Lifts
When you need more reach or need to go up and over something, boom lifts are your answer. Genie makes a few different kinds:
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Telescopic Boom Lifts (S® Series) – Extend straight out like a crane, offering excellent horizontal reach
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Articulating Boom Lifts (Z® Series) – Feature jointed arms that can bend and flex around obstacles
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Trailer-Mounted Boom Lifts (TZ™ Series) – Easy to tow and ideal for jobs that move from site to site
These machines are ideal for:
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High-rise building maintenance
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Tree trimming
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Sign installation
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Exterior lighting work
No matter the terrain or access challenge, Genie likely has a boom lift that fits the bill.
Indoor or Outdoor? Genie’s Got You Covered
One of the best things about Genie lifts is their flexibility. Many models are available in electric versions that are perfect for indoor use—quiet, zero emissions, and compact enough to maneuver in tight spaces. If you’re working outside, Genie offers diesel and hybrid models built for tougher environments and longer duty cycles.
So whether you’re inside a stadium or out on a construction site, Genie’s got something that fits.
Safety and Efficiency: Not Just About the Lift
Of course, getting to height is just one part of the story. Genie equipment is also built with a focus on:
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Operator safety (guardrails, harness points, emergency stops)
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Ease of use (intuitive controls and smart systems)
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Serviceability (easy maintenance access and diagnostics)
That means less downtime and more productivity for your crew.
Where Can You Find Genie Lifts?
In short—almost everywhere. From local equipment dealers to certified resellers like Cisolift, you can find both brand-new and certified pre-owned Genie lifts. A lot of companies also choose to rent Genie equipment for short-term projects, especially if they only need lifts for a few weeks or months.
No matter how you get one, Genie lifts are trusted across industries like:
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Construction
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Facility management
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Manufacturing
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Airports and logistics
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Events and stadium operations
So, What Type of Lift Is a Genie Lift? Final Word
A Genie lift is a type of aerial lift, plain and simple. Whether it’s a scissor lift that takes you straight up, or a boom lift that reaches over obstacles, Genie makes machines that help people work safely and efficiently at height.
With a reputation built over half a century and a product range that covers just about every job site need, Genie has earned its place in tool fleets around the world.
So the next time someone asks, “What kind of lift is that blue machine?” you’ll know exactly what to say:
“That’s a Genie—and it’s built to lift you right.”