Hire a knuckle (articulating) boom to reach up and over obstacles, a stick (telescopic) boom for maximum outreach, a spider lift for delicate floors and tight access, or a truck-mounted EWP for roadside work. A 45 ft knuckle boom typically hires for $350–$600 per day. Operating a boom-type EWP with a boom of 11 m or more requires a WP High Risk Work Licence.
Knuckle, stick, spider or truck-mounted?
Knuckle booms articulate in the middle, so the basket can rise, reach over a parapet or awning and drop down on the other side. They are the most versatile general-purpose boom.
Stick or telescopic booms have a straight boom that reaches further horizontally, which suits long outreach over landscaping, water or plant. Spider lifts are tracked, light and fold narrow enough for doorways, with outriggers that spread their load—ideal for atriums, churches, tree work and fragile surfaces. Truck-mounted EWPs drive to the job on the road and set up quickly for signage, lighting, street trees and utilities.
Height and outreach
Like scissor lifts, booms are named by platform height in feet, and working height is roughly platform height plus 2 m. What catches people out is outreach: a machine may reach 16 m straight up but only a fraction of that when reaching horizontally over an obstacle.
Sketch the job with the obstacle height, the distance from where the machine can stand to the work, and the working height needed. The supplier can check that against the model's working-envelope chart.
Ground, wind and power lines
Booms concentrate heavy loads through wheels or outriggers. On soft ground, kerbs, pits and slabs of unknown capacity, ask for outrigger pads or a spider lift. Outdoors, every boom has a maximum rated wind speed—stop work above it.
Overhead power lines are the leading cause of serious EWP incidents. Keep the approach distances set by your state's electrical safety rules and use a spotter when working near lines.
Licensing
A WP High Risk Work Licence is required to operate a boom-type EWP where the boom is 11 m or longer. Booms under 11 m, including many small spider lifts and trailer-mounted units, need training and competency rather than a licence, and many sites ask for the EWPA Yellow Card.
Operators should wear a harness attached to the basket anchor point on boom lifts, and the site needs a rescue plan for retrieving a stranded operator.
| Type | Typical platform height | Best for | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer-mounted boom | 9 – 15 m | Home maintenance, gutters, small trees | WP if boom ≥ 11 m |
| Knuckle boom | 10 – 20 m (34 – 60 ft) | Up-and-over access, facades, roofs | WP if boom ≥ 11 m |
| Stick (telescopic) boom | 12 – 40 m (40 – 135 ft) | Long horizontal outreach, large structures | WP |
| Spider lift | 13 – 30 m | Delicate floors, narrow access, atriums, trees | WP if boom ≥ 11 m |
| Truck-mounted EWP | 12 – 22 m | Roadside, street lighting, signage | WP if boom ≥ 11 m; truck licence to drive |
Approximate ranges; specifications vary by model. A 45 ft knuckle boom typically hires for about $350–$600 per day in metro areas, ex GST and delivery.
Find scissor lift & boom lift hire suppliers
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Common questions
Do I need a licence to operate a cherry picker?
If the boom is 11 m or longer, yes—a WP High Risk Work Licence. For smaller booms you need training and competency, and many sites require the EWPA Yellow Card.
How much does it cost to hire a boom lift?
A 45 ft knuckle boom typically hires for about $350–$600 per day in metropolitan areas, with larger stick booms and spider lifts costing more. Delivery is extra and often needs a larger truck than a scissor lift.
What is the difference between a knuckle boom and a stick boom?
A knuckle boom bends in the middle to reach up and over obstacles. A stick boom is straight and telescopic, giving more horizontal outreach but less ability to work over things.
Can a boom lift be used on grass?
Rough-terrain booms can travel on firm grass, but soft ground, slopes and hidden pits are a tipping risk. Ask the supplier about ground bearing pressure and use outrigger pads or a tracked spider lift where the ground is uncertain.