The articulated boom lift is the most flexible type of lift. The arm has joints that bend up and over obstacles, so you can get to places where a straight arm stops. A working height of 16–22 metres covers the vast majority of jobs.
An articulated boom lift (also known as a knuckle boom) has several joints in the arm. It can go up, bend over a roof, and come down again on the other side — something neither a scissor lift nor a straight boom lift can do.
That makes it the first choice when access is tight: over a hedge, inside scaffolding, behind a building, or in under an overhang. You can position the machine where there is room and let the arm find its way.
With 16–22 metres of working height it covers the vast majority of jobs on commercial buildings, blocks of flats and industrial sites. If you need to go higher, a boom lift of 22–43 metres is the next step up.
Expect NOK 1,000–3,000 per day, depending on height and how long you hire it for. As with all lifts, the hire period is a strong price driver — the daily rate falls markedly when you move from daily hire to weekly and monthly.
It costs less than a large boom lift, both to hire and to transport, because the machine is smaller and lighter. If 16–22 metres is enough, you save money by choosing an articulated boom rather than booking something “slightly too big, just to be safe”.
The prices are a guide — ask for a firm quote from a hire company in your county.
Façade cleaning and painting on commercial buildings. Installing signs, cameras and lighting. Window work where scaffolding would be too expensive for a short job. Gutters and flashings on buildings with overhangs. Tree felling and pruning close to buildings.
The common denominator is that you need to get round or over something. If there is a clear path straight up, a scissor lift does the job more cheaply and with a larger platform.
Articulated boom lifts come both as compact electric models for tarmac and hard surfaces, and as rough-terrain diesel machines with four-wheel drive. Electric is right in residential areas and where there are noise requirements; diesel with 4x4 is right on building sites.
Tell the hire company about the ground when you book — it is the most common reason the wrong machine turns up.
An articulated boom lift has joints in the arm and can bend over obstacles, with 16–22 metres of working height. A boom lift has a straight telescopic arm and reaches 22–43 metres, but cannot get round anything. Choose according to whether you need height or flexibility.
Typical models give 16–22 metres of working height. That is enough for most commercial buildings and blocks of flats of up to five or six storeys.
Yes, if it is an electric model and the floor can take the weight. Diesel should not be used indoors without good ventilation. Mention indoor use when you book.
You must have documented training on the equipment before use. Several hire companies offer courses — ask when you book.
We list 33 rental companies offering articulated boom lift across 13 counties. Choose your county and send a request.
The list is based on what the rental companies state on their own websites, so it is not complete — many have equipment they have not listed.