Which Boom Lift Fits Your Job Site Best
Which Boom Lift Fits Your Job Site Best
Choosing a boom lift isn’t only about how high it goes. It’s really about how well it matches your worksite, your crew, and your daily routine.
Maybe you need it for trimming trees on uneven ground or fixing lights inside a warehouse — either way, the wrong lift wastes time and can even risk safety.
At YILU LIFT in Qingdao, China, we’ve built and exported lifting machines for years, always focusing on real-world use. Our boom lifts are now running in more than 100 countries — from factories in Germany to farms in Brazil.
Let’s find out which boom lift actually fits your site best.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Boom Lift?
Before buying, think about where you’ll use it, how high you need to reach, and how often it’ll work. These points decide the right machine for you.
Understanding Your Work Environment and Ground Conditions
Each job site is different.
If you’re working indoors — in malls, airports, or warehouses — a towable boom lift fits perfectly. It’s lightweight, easy to park, and simple to tow behind a car or small truck.
But if you work outdoors on rough or soft ground, you’ll need something tougher. A crawler boom lift is built for this. The rubber tracks hold steady even on mud or gravel. Some YILU crawler lifts can climb slopes up to 25°, staying stable where wheeled lifts would struggle.
Estimating the Required Working Height and Reach
Many buyers get confused by “working height.”
If you must reach 18 meters, that doesn’t mean you need an 18-meter lift. Working height includes both platform height and your reach. YILU’s towable boom lifts reach 10–24 meters, while the crawler models go up to 22 meters. This range covers most repair, cleaning, and installation jobs.
Knowing Power Sources and Mobility Requirements
If you move from site to site often, portability matters more than size.
Towable boom lifts can travel up to 100 km/h, perfect for service crews and rental companies. But if you stay on one project for weeks, such as bridge repair or construction work, the crawler lift is better. It runs on diesel power, moves by itself, and saves time since there’s no towing.
How Do Towable Boom Lifts Benefit Light and Flexible Work Sites?
When you want a lift that travels fast, sets up quickly, and stays safe, the YILU Towable Boom Lift is a smart choice.
Compact Design with High Lifting Range
Though small in size, it has real power. YILU’s towable models reach 10 to 24 meters with a 220–300 kg load — enough for two people plus tools.
The telescopic boom moves smoothly up, down, and out, so you don’t need to shift the base often. The arm can also rotate 360 degrees, giving full access around the job.
Easy Transportation and Fast Setup
One big reason people pick towable lifts is simple handling.
You can tow it using a regular 50 mm hitch ball and set it up in minutes. Hydraulic outriggers drop down to balance the lift on uneven ground. When the green light shows, it’s level and ready. No manual adjusting needed.
Ideal Applications in Construction and Maintenance
Towable lifts work in many industries — tree care, window cleaning, sign repair, or lighting installation.
A Spanish customer uses a 16-meter model for roof solar panel work. Another in Australia rents out 20-meter lifts for weekend maintenance projects. Because they’re easy to move and store, they stay busy all year.

Why Are Crawler Boom Lifts Ideal for Rough or Uneven Terrain?
When conditions are harsh or the soil is soft, the crawler type stands out. YILU’s crawler boom lifts are designed for strength, control, and outdoor reliability.
Strong Traction and Stable Chassis
The rubber tracks give better grip than tires. On gravel or wet ground, they keep the lift from sliding. The self-leveling system keeps the platform flat while you work at height.
You can also switch between diesel and AC power, depending on your job site. The sturdy frame reduces shaking, making operation smoother and more comfortable.
Higher Safety and Working Efficiency
The control system reacts gently to every move. The proportional joystick lets you lift or turn slowly and precisely, even at 20 meters.
A 360° rotation, anti-tilt alarm, and emergency lowering valve help avoid risks. Workers who once needed scaffolds for an hour can now finish similar jobs in 20 minutes.
Best Scenarios for Crawler Boom Lifts
These models work best in places where normal trucks can’t reach — construction sites, farms, bridges, or mountainous areas.
One YILU customer in Russia used a 22-meter crawler boom lift for telecom tower repair in icy weather. The tracks handled the frozen soil easily and kept the operator safe the whole time.
How Does YILU LIFT Build Safety and Reliability Into Every Boom Lift?
No matter which model you choose, YILU builds safety into every detail from design to testing.
Advanced Hydraulic System and Balance Valves
All YILU lifts use anti-burst valves, overload limiters, and emergency descent systems.
Even if power suddenly cuts out, you can still lower the platform safely. The balance valve keeps oil pressure steady, avoiding sudden drops.
International Certification and Quality Standards
Each unit meets CE and ISO standards and includes top-quality parts — from hydraulic cylinders to control switches. Every machine is tested under full load before shipping. That’s why European and American clients trust our quality.
Smart Control System for Smooth Operation
The user panel is simple and clear, available in multiple languages. Operators can pick manual joystick or proportional remote control types.
Every feature is made for real workers — not just lab demonstrations.
What Are the Key Differences Between Towable and Crawler Boom Lifts?
If you’re not sure which type to choose, here’s how they differ in the field.
Portability vs Terrain Adaptability
The towable boom lift is built for easy moving between jobs.
The crawler lift is heavier but stronger on rough ground. It’s the choice for long-term or off-road projects.
Power Options and Operation Modes
Towable models can run on AC, diesel, or battery power. Crawlers usually use diesel or a dual system, offering better torque and slope performance.
Cost, Maintenance, and Rental Suitability
Towable lifts cost less and need little upkeep, making them ideal for small businesses and equipment rentals.
Crawler lifts are pricier but pay off with high productivity and stability on construction sites.
How Can You Customize a Boom Lift for Your Project?
Every work site is different, and YILU offers plenty of ways to adjust your lift.
Basket Size and Load Options
You can select a 220 kg single-person basket or a 300 kg double-operator basket. The basket automatically levels itself during work for steady footing.
Control and Power Configuration
Need to handle work remotely? Choose the proportional valve remote for smoother control.
Need lower fuel use? Go with dual power (AC + diesel), so you can switch sources when parked indoors.
Color, Branding, and Regional Standards
YILU offers custom paint colors, logo decals, and language settings for local markets.
We also provide Euro V or EPA-compliant engines for Europe and North America.
Where Can You Learn More or Request a Quote from YILU LIFT?
If you’re planning your next job, start by checking product details on our website.
Visit the Official Product Pages for Full Specs
- Towable Boom Lift (10–24 m, 220–300 kg)
- Crawler Boom Lift (10–22 m, self-propelled)
- All Boom Lift Series
Contact YILU LIFT Sales Team Directly
You can message us through our site or email. Our export team serves customers in over 100 countries, offering quick replies, shipping guidance, and after-sales support.
Explore Custom Solutions for Industrial and Construction Projects
Tell us your required height, surface type, and preferred power. Our engineers will recommend a model that fits your tasks exactly. We can also modify machines for rental fleets or local regulations.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift?
A boom lift moves both up and sideways with an extending arm, perfect for wide or hard-to-reach areas. A scissor lift only goes straight up, mainly for indoor flat floors.
Q2: How often should a boom lift be maintained?
You should check hydraulic oil, hoses, and safety switches monthly or every 150 working hours. If used daily or rented out often, do a full inspection every six months.
Q3: Can YILU make lifts for extreme climates?
Yes. Our machines have worked in –25°C winters in Russia and 50°C summers in Saudi Arabia. We adjust oil types, seals, and engines for local weather.
