When to Rent a Boom Truck vs. a Scissor Lift? Choosing the Right Aerial Equipment for Your Job

In the world of construction lift equipment rental, one of the most frequent questions project managers and site supervisors ask is: "Should I rent a boom truck or a scissor lift?"

Both are essential tools in modern construction and maintenance, but their use cases vary greatly. Choosing the right aerial lift can significantly impact the safety, cost-efficiency, and productivity of your project.

This blog breaks down the key differences between boom trucks and scissor lifts, their applications, and when it makes the most sense to rent each—especially if you're operating in Saudi Arabia's dynamic construction landscape.

Aerial Equipment Demand in KSA

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 continues to fuel rapid infrastructure development. From mega projects like NEOM and The Line to hundreds of commercial and residential builds, the need for reliable aerial equipment rentals—including boom trucks and scissor lifts—is surging across the Kingdom.

With construction timelines tightening and safety standards becoming stricter, contractors need to make smart, data-driven choices on renting aerial lifts.

Boom Truck vs. Scissor Lift: What's the Difference?

Before diving into use cases, let’s define each type of equipment.

Boom Truck (also known as a Boom Lift Truck or Truck-Mounted Boom)

A boom truck is a flatbed truck fitted with a hydraulic crane (boom) for vertical and horizontal lifting.
The boom can be telescopic (extends straight) or articulating (has joints to bend around obstacles).
Ideal for tasks that require both height and outreach.
Common in construction, maintenance, utilities, signage, and telecom work.

scissor Lift

A scissor lift raises a work platform vertically using a crisscross “X” support system.
Known for stability and high weight capacity, scissor lifts are great for straight-up access with minimal outreach.
Typically used indoors or on smooth, flat outdoor surfaces for electrical, HVAC, and warehousing tasks.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Lifting Equipment

When deciding between a boom truck rental or scissor lift rental, consider the following:

1. Height and Reach Requirements

Boom Trucks: Offer higher vertical reach (up to 185 ft or more) and extended horizontal reach, ideal for reaching across obstacles.
Scissor Lifts: Typically max out at 20–50 ft vertical height with no lateral outreach.

Rent a boom truck when you need to work on rooftops, towers, or billboard installations.

2. Worksite Conditions

Boom Trucks: Can handle uneven terrain, making them perfect for outdoor or rugged construction environments.
Scissor Lifts: Require level, stable ground—best suited for finished floors, parking lots, or warehouse interiors.

If your site has gravel, dirt, or inclines, a boom truck is your go-to.

3. Precision vs. Payload

Scissor Lifts are ideal for tasks involving multiple workers or tools, thanks to a wider platform and higher load capacity.
Boom Trucks, while precise in placement, have a smaller platform suitable for 1–2 workers.

When your project involves heavy tools or frequent material movement at height, consider a scissor lift.

4. Obstacles & Access Challenges

Boom Trucks excel at navigating around power lines, trees, or existing structures thanks to their articulating arms.
Scissor Lifts offer only vertical motion—so you need direct access below the work area.

Choose boom trucks for complex or obstructed work zones.

Cost-Efficiency: Rental vs. Ownership

Purchasing either type of lift can cost hundreds of thousands of riyals, not including storage, insurance, and maintenance.

By choosing construction lift equipment rental with Dayim Trucks, you gain:

Immediate access to modern, fully serviced equipment
Zero capital investment
Flexible short- and long-term contracts
On-demand scaling for different projects

This model is especially beneficial for contractors managing multiple sites or time-sensitive projects.

Why Rent from Dayim Trucks?

Dayim Trucks isn’t just another rental company—it’s Saudi Arabia’s only specialist in truck and commercial vehicle rental and leasing.

With a fleet of over 60,000 vehicles globally and a decade of experience in the Kingdom, Dayim is trusted by leading companies across:

Construction
Food & Beverage
Logistics
Pharmaceuticals
E-commerce and Retail

Benefits of Renting Lifting Equipment with Dayim:

✅ Wide Selection of boom trucks and lifting vehicles
✅ 24/7 Maintenance Support and replacement vehicles
✅ Flexible Rental Terms—short-term, monthly, or project-based
✅ Compliant Equipment meeting KSA’s safety regulations
✅ GPS Tracking and Operator Support (if needed)

Safety Considerations: Don’t Cut Corners

Whether you're renting a boom truck or a scissor lift, operator safety should never be compromised.

Boom Truck Safety Tips:

Ensure certified operator training
Check for overhead power lines
Confirm load capacity and boom extension before use

Scissor Lift Safety Tips:

Use only on level, stable surfaces
Never exceed platform weight limits
Always wear a safety harness when required

Dayim Trucks ensures that all rental equipment meets safety compliance standards and comes with documentation for safe use.

Final Word: Rent Smart, Work Safer, Scale Faster

When it comes to choosing lifting equipment in Saudi Arabia, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Boom trucks offer unmatched versatility and reach for complex jobs, while scissor lifts are ideal for stable, vertical work in tight spaces.

By working with a trusted partner like Dayim Trucks, you can:

Optimize costs
Access the latest fleet options
Avoid downtime
Ensure compliance and operator safety

Ready to Rent the Right Equipment for Your Next Project?

Visit Dayim Trucks today to explore boom trucks, scissor lifts, and more commercial equipment for rent in Saudi Arabia. Whether your job needs short-term reach or long-term power, Dayim Trucks has the solution to lift your operations higher.