Boom lifts are critical equipment for various construction and maintenance projects that require safe access to elevated workspaces. These operations may include painting or repairing a building’s exterior, washing windows, pruning and trimming trees, installing signage, roofing, or siding, accessing electrical and utility lines, or making structural inspections of bridges and other infrastructure.
While boom lifts may be essential for many tasks, renting a boom lift is often the most cost-effective option for completing your project on time and within budget. When it comes to boom lift rentals, Badger Contractors Rental and Supply has you covered. We’re also here to help you choose the right equipment for your needs and ensure you know how to use it safely and effectively.
In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of renting compared to purchasing, the advantages of towable versus self-propelled boom lifts, and factors to consider when choosing a boom lift for a project.
Why Boom Lift Rental is the Smart Choice
- Lower Upfront Costs
The chief benefit of renting a boom lift is the lower upfront costs compared to buying, minimizing overall project expenditure. This is especially true if you need to employ a boom lift strictly temporarily or occasionally.
- No Long-Term Repairs or Maintenance Fees
Renting avoids the expenses of routine upkeep, servicing, and replacement parts that you would be solely responsible for as an owner. When you rent from Badger, you can rest easy knowing that we handle all maintenance, regular repairs, and inspections, keeping our equipment in top-notch condition and OSHA compliance.
- No Storage Costs
Paying for a dedicated storage facility for a large piece of equipment you may only need temporarily or seasonally can be inefficient and expensive. However, you don’t need to worry about storage when you rent a boom lift from Badger
- Flexibility
With the freedom of boom lift rental, you always get the lift best suited for your project needs and flexible rental periods to meet your specific project timelines. Rental is also ideal for short-term or seasonal work and provides on-demand availability for unexpected projects.
When might buying rather than renting a boom lift make more sense? If you use boom lifts regularly enough to justify the increased purchase, maintenance, and storage costs. A good rule of thumb is if you’re using a piece of equipment less than 60% of the time, it’s better to rent than own.
Explore Badger’s boom lift rental options here.
Advantages of Towable Boom Lift Rentals vs. Self-Propelled Models
Towable or pull-behind boom lifts are chassis-mounted and can be towed behind any vehicle with a trailer hitch and suitable pulling capacity. In contrast, self-propelled lifts have an internal drive system, giving them on-site mobility. While both types have their uses, towable booms have several advantages in specific applications.
- Lower Cost
Towable boom lift rentals are generally more affordable than self-propelled models while offering similar height access.
- No Dedicated Trailer & Ease of Transport
Pull-behind boom lift rentals can be towed by most vehicles with a trailer hitch, eliminating the need for a dedicated flatbed trailer and making them easier to haul to and from job sites.
- No CDL Required
No special commercial driver’s license is needed to haul a towable lift.
- Perfect for Light to Medium-Duty Projects
Towable lifts are ideally suited for sign installation, tree trimming, utility work, painting and maintenance, and smaller construction jobs.
When would you employ a self-propelled lift over a towable model? A self-propelled option may work best for heavy-duty construction jobs requiring greater freedom of movement on-site.
Why Choose a Towable Boom Lift Rental?
- Versatility
Boom lifts are versatile equipment that contractors, construction workers, maintenance crews, and homeowners can use for various applications, such as electrical work, roofing, window cleaning, and more.
- Safety and Accessibility
Boom lifts provide greater stability and maneuverability than ladders and scaffolding for safely performing elevated operations at various heights and angles. When you rent from Badger, you can be sure that the equipment you’re using is inspected and approved for OSHA job site safety compliance.
- Convenience
Towable lifts are a cost-effective alternative to self-propelled models and can be easily transported from site to site using a standard ball hitch. The absence of a dedicated trailer or flatbed makes them more maneuverable in residential and urban areas. Once on-site, they can be quickly set up for efficient, user-friendly operation.
Explore Badger’s towable boom lift rental options here.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Boom Lift Rental for Your Project
- Know Your Boom Lift Types
While we have already gone through the distinctions between towable and self-propelled lifts, there are also different types of pull-behind lifts based on their modes of extension.
Telescoping boom lifts provide extended reach for high, open areas.
Articulating boom lifts, like those offered by Badger, provide greater ease of access for tight spaces and navigating obstacles.
- Height & Reach Requirements
Make sure that the lift you rent meets your workspace’s needs. Pay close attention to the lift’s maximum extension, platform and working height measurements, and horizontal outreach from both center and edge.
- Ball Size and Towing Capacity
Ensure that you are aware of the size of your ball hitch and the max towing capacity of the vehicle you intend to use to tow the lift and that these align with the equipment’s requirements.
- Load Capacity
Determine the load capacity for workers, tools, and other materials and ensure it corresponds to the boom’s lift capacity.
- Consider the Terrain
Evaluate the terrain you’ll be working on, whether indoors or outdoors, rough or smooth, soft or hard, the grade, etc., and ensure you have the right lift for the job.
- Project Timing and Duration
When possible, decide in advance whether you’ll need a lift daily, weekly, or monthly, as this may affect rental rates and equipment availability.
- Safety Requirements
Ensure that you are aware of the protocols, requirements, and best practices for safely operating your rental equipment.
When you rent equipment from Badger, you can always rely on our expert team to provide all necessary information and safety training and answer any questions that may arise throughout the process.
Contact Badger Today for All Your Rental Equipment Needs
Renting a boom lift for your construction, installation, or maintenance project is a practical, cost-effective, and hassle-free way to do the job safely and efficiently. Our towable boom lift rentals offer flexibility and convenience backed by Badger’s top-notch customer service and professional guidance.
Our rental agreements are transparent and straightforward, with no hidden fees or unpleasant surprises. We offer convenient delivery and pickup of equipment and dependable support if you have questions or run into any issues with your rental.
If you’re in Madison or Janesville, stop in or contact Badger today to find the perfect boom lift rental for your project.
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