Aerial Lifts Buyers Guide
Aerial lift pricing
Table of Contents
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. See what other BuyerZone users have paid for new and used aerial lifts.
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’re 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 central to 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, providing you a lift that's safe and ready to work. If something breaks down, which can happen on long-term rentals, your rental rate should include all required maintenance and repairs.
Aerial lift prices
A standard new 19-foot scissor lift typically costs between $10,000 and $15,000, with 20- and 30-foot models ranging up to $50,000.
Prices for used lifts can be 60% or less than new prices. The same 19-foot scissor lift that costs $11,000 new can be found for $3,500 to $6,000 used, depending on condition and extras. In the same way, a used 30-foot model can cost between $7,500 and $15,000.
Boom lifts are somewhat more expensive. New 30- to 40-foot booms can go for $30,000 to $75,000 on the lower end. Used models range from $17,000 to $40,000. Deluxe 110-foot boom lifts cost well over $100,000 and are often closer to $250,000 depending on the extras. Even used machines in this range run around $80,000.
Vertical personnel lifts are the least expensive and can be purchased new for about $8,500. 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. Expect to pay a $5,000 to $8,000 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 with a 19- to 30-foot platform height can cost between $90 and $150 per day, $320 to $500 per week and around $600 to $750 per month, with the larger lifts falling on the higher end of the range.
Boom lift rentals are more expensive. A 40-foot boom might rent for $280 to $350 per day or $750 to $800 per week, and $2,000 to $2,250 per month. A 65-foot boom could rent for $400 to $450 per day, $1,000 per week or $3,000 per month.
And finally, 30-foot single-person vertical lifts are the least expensive to rent and can be found for $75 per day or $200 per week.
Warranties
You can expect a basic manufacturer's warranty on new aerial lifts. As with cars, you may get longer warranties on some subsystems, two or three years on the powertrain for example. Used lifts will rarely come with anything more than a 30-day guarantee – and low-end used lifts are often sold "as-is."
