The lift you need depends on three things: how high you need to go, whether you must reach out or just straight up, and what kind of ground the machine will stand on. Here are the types explained — choose the one that fits your job.
A scissor lift (6–14 m) goes straight up with a large platform — best when two people work together or materials need to go up. An articulated boom lift (16–22 m) has a jointed arm that reaches over obstacles and covers most jobs on commercial buildings. A boom lift (22–43 m) gives the greatest reach with a straight telescopic arm. A trailer lift you collect yourself with your car and save the whole transport cost. A truck-mounted lift sits on a vehicle and drives straight to the job — quick to set up when you have several sites in one day.
Not sure? Send a request to the rental companies in your county and describe the job — they will find the right machine in a minute once they know the height, the ground and what you need to do. See what the different types cost.