Pricing

Depending on how often you'll need an aerial lift, you can buy a new lift, buy a used lift, or simply rent one for a short time.

Businesses with dedicated maintenance departments and substantial facilities to operate are the most likely to purchase a new lift. The increased dependability and lifespan make it a worthwhile investment.

Buying used is a great way to save money on the purchase, but as with any used vehicle, you are taking a greater chance on the machine eventually breaking down. A good service plan can help offset this risk, and if the lift won't be a central piece of your day-to-day operations, a day or two of downtime won't be a major problem. Buy from a reputable dealer and you'll have even less chance of running into problems.

For annual inventory, occasional maintenance work, and other part-time use, renting a lift is the best choice. In addition to saving money, renting a lift removes the burden of maintenance and inspection. The rental firm is responsible for all necessary lubrication and repairs, and you get a lift that's safe and ready to work.

Aerial lift prices

A standard new 19' scissor lift might have a list price of $16,000, but that's not the price you'd pay on the street. Dealer prices are closer to $11,000 or $12,000. A new 30' scissor lift will set you back around $21,000.

Prices for used lifts can be 60% or less than new prices. That same 19' scissor lift that costs $11,000 new can be found for $3,000 to $6,000, depending on condition and extras, while a 30' model may cost $14,000 or $15,000.

Boom lifts are somewhat more expensive. New 30' to 40' booms can go for $25,000 to $45,000, and used models range from $10,000 to $30,000.

The largest lifts are much more expensive: 110' boom lifts are well over $100,000, and even used ones can be around $80,000.

Vertical personnel lifts are the least expensive, and can be purchased new for well under $10,000. For the most budget-minded companies, "push-around" models with no propulsion can cost as little as $2,000.

Among the options that have the greatest impact on pricing, 4-wheel drive is one of the biggest: you can expect to pay a $4,000 to $5,000 premium to get a 4-wheel drive machine. Also, rough terrain lifts are generally more expensive than their slab counterparts.

Rental prices

Rental prices for standard scissor lifts in the 19' to 30' platform height range can be between $100 and $150 per day, or $350 to $500 per week, with the larger lifts falling on the higher end of that range.

Boom lift rentals are more expensive. A 40' boom might rent for $300 to $350 per day or $1,000 to $1,400 per week, and a 65' boom could go for $350 to $400 per day or $1,300 to $1,800 per week.

30' single-person vertical lifts are the least expensive to rent and can be found for $75 per day or $200 per week.