Everything you need to know before renting a boom lift: types of equipment, regulations, pricing and safety tips.
The boom lift is essential equipment for work at height: facade installation, roof maintenance, tree trimming, window cleaning or electrical work. Before renting one, it's crucial to choose the right type of machine and understand the legal obligations that apply in Canada.
Types of boom lifts available
Not all boom lifts are the same. The right choice depends on your work environment and the required height.
Articulated boom lift
Ideal for cluttered spaces, it can manoeuvre around obstacles thanks to its articulated arms. Perfect for urban job sites and hard-to-reach areas.
Telescopic boom lift
Offers great vertical and horizontal reach. Recommended for great heights on open terrain — building construction, forestry work, power lines.
Truck-mounted boom lift
Mounted on a truck, it provides high mobility between job sites. Useful for teams working across multiple locations in a single day.
Regulations in Canada
The use of a boom lift is governed by provincial occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. Requirements vary slightly by province, but here are the common rules:
- A certified safety harness is mandatory at all times in the platform
- The operator must have received adequate and documented training
- A visual inspection of the equipment is required before each use
- The ground must be level and stable under the outriggers
- A safety perimeter must be marked on the ground around the work area
How much does rental cost?
Rates vary depending on the type of lift and working height. Here are the ranges observed on the Canadian market:
- Small articulated boom lift (up to 40 ft): $250 to $400/day
- Telescopic boom lift (up to 65 ft): $400 to $700/day
- Large boom lift (over 65 ft): from $800/day
Via Toolsy, you access competitive rates directly from local owners, often well below the prices of large traditional rental chains.
Essential safety tips
Even with proper training, certain reflexes must be applied every time you use the equipment:
- Always check the maximum load capacity before getting in
- Never overload the platform, even by a few kilograms
- Respect the wind limits indicated by the manufacturer
- Mark off the ground work area to protect pedestrians and other workers
- Never attempt to drive the machine with the platform raised
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