Should You Rent a Lift for Your Project?⁺

Deciding on a Lift Based on the Project Type

If you have a current project on the go and are deciding whether you should rent aerial lift equipment, this article will help you decide.

Aerial lifts like boom lifts and scissor lifts are primarily used to give workers safe, stable access to elevated work areas, where the job is simply too high, too awkward or too dangerous to use a ladder.

For many jobs, workers need a stable platform above ground level, where they can still use their tools, handle materials and do so with both hands free. Along with safety, this is one of the major benefits of using aerial lift equipment.

Deciding to rent a lift depends on the nature of the job, so continue reading to see if renting one is a smart way to go and which type of equipment is the right choice.

Electrical Repairs and Lighting Installation

For electrical repairs and lighting installation, rent a scissor lift for flat indoor work and a boom lift for outdoor lights, wall packs, poles and other hard-to-reach areas. A push-around lift or vertical mast lift may also work for lighter indoor electrical jobs in tight spaces.

Electrical work often requires steady access because workers need to handle tools, wiring, fixtures and parts. This is why a lift may be the better choice when the job cannot be done safely from a ladder.

These are common electrical jobs where lift access can make the work safer and easier to control:

• Changing high light fixtures
• Installing exterior building lights
• Repairing warehouse lighting
• Accessing wall packs or parking lot lights
• Running conduit or cable at height

Recommended equipment: Scissor lift, boom lift, push-around lift or vertical mast lift.

HVAC, Ductwork and Overhead Mechanical Work

For HVAC, ductwork and overhead mechanical work, rent a scissor lift for flat indoor floors and a boom lift when you need to reach over equipment, machinery or building structures. A vertical mast lift or push-around lift may also work for smaller indoor repairs and inspections.

This type of work often happens above the normal work area where workers need to access vents, pipes, ductwork, ceiling units or rooftop equipment.

Lift equipment may be useful for mechanical work that requires steady access to overhead systems, including:

• Installing or repairing overhead ductwork
• Working on ceiling-mounted HVAC units
• Accessing vents, pipes or mechanical lines
• Inspecting high interior systems
• Reaching rooftop or upper-wall equipment

Recommended equipment: Scissor lift, boom lift, vertical mast lift or push-around lift.

Warehouse Racking, Inventory and Facility Maintenance

For warehouse work, rent an electric scissor lift when the floor is flat and the work is straight above the machine. A vertical mast lift or push-around lift can also help if there’s tighter aisles, stockrooms and light maintenance jobs.

Rent a boom lift if the work requires reach over racking or other obstacles.

Because warehouses usually have tall racks, high lights, fans, signs, overhead doors and ceiling systems, a lift will give workers a safer way to reach these areas without climbing shelves or using makeshift setups.

In a warehouse or facility, lift rentals are often used for tasks such as:

• Inspecting or repairing warehouse racking
• Checking high inventory locations
• Maintaining lights, fans or ceiling systems
• Installing signs or safety markers
• Accessing overhead doors or dock areas

Recommended equipment: Electric scissor lift, vertical mast lift, push-around lift or boom lift.

Exterior Building Repairs and Inspections

For exterior building repairs and inspections, rent a boom lift in most cases. A scissor lift may work too but you have to make sure the surface is flat, firm and close to the building.

Exterior work can be awkward because the repair area may be above landscaping, uneven ground, entrances, signs, parked vehicles or other areas with high foot traffic. A boom lift gives workers they height and reach they need to make access to these areas much easier.

For exterior building work, lift access is commonly used for jobs like:

• Inspecting upper walls or rooflines
• Repairing trim, flashing or exterior panels
• Accessing high windows
• Checking cracks, leaks or water damage
• Working around obstacles near the building

Recommended equipment: Boom lift or rough terrain scissor lift.

Painting, Siding, Cladding and Façade Work

For painting, siding, cladding and façade work, rent a boom lift for most exterior jobs. A rough terrain scissor lift may also work when the ground is firm and level, and the work is directly above the lift.

These are the kinds of jobs that require workers to be at height for long periods. A lift will give them a more stable place to work and reduces the need to climb down and move a ladder.

For exterior finishing work, a lift may be useful when the job involves:

• Painting tall exterior walls
• Installing or repairing siding
• Working on metal cladding
• Repairing fascia, soffits or trim
• Maintaining commercial façades

Recommended equipment: Boom lift or rough terrain scissor lift.

Sign Installation and Sign Maintenance

For sign installation and sign maintenance, rent a boom lift when the sign is high, wide or hard to reach. A scissor lift can work for indoor signs or storefront signs where there is flat ground to work on. A vertical mast lift or push-around lift may be a better fit for tight indoor sign or ceiling work.

Installing signage requires careful positioning and workers may need to drill, fasten, wire, clean, remove or replace sign parts while staying steady at height.

Sign crews may need a lift for work such as:

• Installing storefront signs
• Repairing illuminated signs
• Removing old signs
• Cleaning sign faces
• Accessing signs above doors, walls or parking areas

Recommended equipment: Boom lift, scissor lift, vertical mast lift or push-around lift.

Tree Access, Property Maintenance and Seasonal Work

For property maintenance and seasonal work, rent a boom lift when the job requires height and reach. A scissor lift may work on flat, stable ground around garages, barns, shops or other buildings.

A lift can help with access to eavestroughs/gutters, roof edges, exterior lights, cameras, banners, seasonal decorations and some controlled branch trimming. Tree work calls for special caution, especially near power lines or damaged limbs.

Around a property, lift equipment may help with access to areas such as:

• High gutters or roof edges
• Seasonal lighting
• Exterior cameras or fixtures
• Small branches in controlled conditions
• Barns, garages or outbuildings

Recommended equipment: Boom lift or rough terrain scissor lift.

Construction, Renovation and Restoration Projects

For construction, renovation and restoration work, rent a scissor lift for flat indoor access and rent a boom lift for exterior work. A vertical mast lift or push-around lift may also work well for tight indoor areas and light-duty finishing tasks.

Construction jobs change as the project moves forward so one stage may require overhead electrical work while another may involve exterior repairs, framing, insulation, drywall, steel or finishing work.

On construction, renovation and restoration sites, lift equipment is often used for:

• Working on high ceilings
• Accessing upper walls
• Installing panels, framing or steel components
• Completing restoration work on older buildings
• Giving trades temporary elevated access

Recommended equipment: Scissor lift, boom lift, vertical mast lift or push-around lift.

Check Before You Rent

The job should decide the lift. Before renting look at the working height, ground surface, access space, weight capacity and whether the job is indoors or outdoors. From there contact a local aerial lift company with your specs, and they’ll let you know if they have a rental in stock.

If you’re a local company in the GTA and need a lift for your next project, you can visit our aerial lift rentals to start your selection.