There are many good reasons to rent a genie lift. The first reason is that you might not have the ability to store a heavy lift. Another good reason to rent a genie lift instead of purchasing one is for short-term projects.

If you find you will need a lift for longer than one month or for multiple times a year, it may be more affordable to purchase. Some contractors even opt to rent a genie lift only for the duration of a construction project to save on purchasing price and overall storage cost.

If you plan to rent a genie lift, you need to know prices vary depending on the capabilities of the lift you rent. You want to ensure that you are getting what you need and not overspending for what you do not. 

The average cost of a genie lift rental is $400 per day. However, you can rent these machines by the hour, day, week, or even month. If you plan to rent by the hour, most companies will ask for a minimum of 4 hours, with the average rental ranging from $189 to $689 for one day.

Smaller scissor lifts or towable boom lifts can run from $41 per hour. Though do not expect to rent any lift that reaches over 30 feet at this price. Lifts ranging from 30 to 80 feet will cost you closer to $60 per hour. If you need the lift for multiple days, lift rental has an average cost of around $384 per day. Still, it can reach as high as $800 per day, depending on the capabilities of your lift. Renting a lift by the month can be more affordable and averages $800 per month. 

What Effects Cost?

The main thing that affects the cost of your genie lift rental is the lift itself. There are many different types of lifts out there, each with its own capabilities. These varying capabilities affect the overall cost of the rental.

Renting a lift can be complicated, so the first thing you need to know is what do you need your lift to do? 

Location can also have a significant impact on how expensive your lift is. Availability and competition factor into these things along with the general cost of living. 

Factors Affecting Cost of Genie Rental Lift

Type of lift 

You can expect to pay for aerial lifts and boom lifts. These generally run on fuel and must be used outside, but they also can have larger work areas. Scissor lifts and material lifts can be more affordable as they have smaller options. Still, they can also be as expensive or even more when you get into larger work areas and taller reaches.

Power of lift 

Lifts come in diesel or battery-powered, with varying ranges of performance within their classification. These changes will affect the rental price of the equipment. In addition, they will affect external costs, such as the need to include a generator or fuel for the operation of the machine. 

Working height 

The height requirement of your project would dictate the type of equipment you need to rent. The more reach the lift has, the more expensive it can be. 

Max load-carrying ability 

The amount of weight you need to lift for the project also determines your lift type to get the job done. Each type of lift has its own abilities.

While any lift can technically get the job done for you, there will be a lift best suited for your needs. For example, scissor lifts typically can handle larger weight requirements while also allowing large work areas. 

Model 

As time goes by, newer models emerge. Usually, these newer models will have new technology that enhances the functionalities of older models. This, of course, affects the genie lift rental rates.

Size 

Size does matter when it comes to lifting rental. The bigger the machine, the more expensive it will be. Depending on the scope of the project, sometimes the need for bigger lifts are necessary. But, of course, convenience has an equivalent cost.

Types of lifts 

Classification	Estimated Cost
Articulating Boom lifts   Also known as knuckle or z lifts	$428 to $649 per day
Telescopic boom lifts   Also known as Straight boom lifts	$412 to $533 per day
Bucket Truck	$650 $1950 per day
Electrical scissor lift	$144 to $228 per day
Rough terrain scissor lifts	$330 to $558 per day

Gas or Electric? 

Some jobs demand you use an electric lift. This can sometimes be great, as electric charges are often more affordable than gas-powered alternatives; however, they are often limited in length and weight. 

Electric Scissor lifts and man lifts (also known as personnel lifts) can only go up and down but are the most affordable option for renting a lift.

Scissor lifts usually have larger workspaces and can carry cumbersome loads. Electrical scissor lifts are easily the most versatile option. 

Man lifts are the most affordable option and can be rented for only a fraction of the other options. However, they have fewer capabilities. They can only move one person up and down.

They cannot move from side to side, and most are push-powered. Although if working inside on simple projects they may be all the height you need! For only 12 feet, you can rent a man lift for under $50 per day! 

Gas Powered Options

Atrium Lift

Atrium lifts are a type of arterial lift and are great for accessing very high levels. These lifts can reach overhead areas more than other lifts but are not great for small businesses with ample storage. These lifts are also an excellent alternative for scaffolding.

Typical uses for these lifts include cleaning windows and maintaining high overhead ceilings.

Tall building interiors or exteriors, or fixing roofs. Due to small operational budgets, limited storage, and short-term use, many companies prefer to rent these lifts over a purchase.

For example, many businesses do not need to continually use their lifts and only require them for a short period out of an entire year. In this case, renting will be best. 

Articulating Boom

Articulating booms are aerial work platforms that have more capabilities than other lifts. These machines have multiple boom sections that hinge or articulate in all directions, allowing the operator complete control of where they need to go within reach of the arm.

They come in multiple lengths and have a variety of weight tolerances. Articulating Booms can also be one of the more expensive options when renting. 

Telescopic Boom Lift

Telescopic boom lifts have a mast that extends out and up only. These booms need more room to move since they cannot compact down. One of the benefits of these types of lifts is their stability. If you are working outside and have a larger space, this would be the right lift for you. 

Rough Terrain Scissor Lift

These Scissor lifts have reinforced tiers, four-wheel drive, and a powerful diesel engine instead of batteries. They are vertical lifts and cannot move their arm from side to side.

But, these lifts can hold loads over 2,000 lbs and can have workspaces up to 10 feet. 

These lifts are best for construction, renovation, repairing damaged buildings, fixing or inspecting utilities, installing signage on a newly constructed building, finishing landscaping work, or retrieving loading and moving goods at railyards. 

Cost of Buying Vs Rental

The average cost of buying a 19 ft. scissor lift, for instance, is between $10,000 – $16,000, while larger scissor lifts may cost close to $50,000. Standard 30-40 ft. Articulated boom lifts can cost anywhere from $250,000 – $750,000 and larger models can have heftier price tags of $100,000 to $200,000, especially if they’re brand new.

This means that not all companies have the resources to buy outright. This makes equipment rentals the more affordable option for businesses in the remodeling, construction, architectural, and civil engineering industries. With rentals, you’re dealing with less paperwork, and no equipment depreciation and maintenance costs.

Electrical Options for Lyfts

Scissor lift

Scissor lifts are a type of vertical lift that many people prefer to work with due to getting such a wide range in size and power. 

These lifts can lift up to 1,000 pounds, making them very popular even though they lack horizontal movement. 

Electrical scissor lifts are perfect for indoor use due to the lack of fumes. 

Electrical scissor lifts are popular for rental for businesses interested in seasonal maintenance, projects that require heavy materials, or for limited operations budgets. 

Electric boom lift

Boom lifts are a type of aerial lift that runs on batteries inserted with fuel. This allows you to use them indoors or outside. Their compact forms make them easy to use within tight spaces. 

Electric boom lifts can move in any direction, even when raised, and are very popular for both inside and outside use. They come in a variety of sizes, though not quite as many as the scissor lift. 

Electric boom lifts are perfect for inspecting and cleaning gutters and roofs, maintaining a structure’s interior or exterior, harvesting fruit, repairing lights, signs, and other electrical work, examining the integrity of highway overpasses and bridges, and lifting film and television lighting equipment. 

There are many more reasons to use these very versatile lifts. Renting is usually best if you are a small business with limited storage or limited budgets for operational costs or have short-term period projects to utilize these lifts. 

Man Lifts

Also known as personnel lifts, these lifts are made for only one person. They hold smaller loads but are still versatile and can be all you need for your job.

These lifts can move through doorways and are typically used for electrical maintenance, interior room maintenance, storied items, and working in narrow elevated areas.

These are also the most affordable option and can read up to 16 feet. If you can get buy with one of these little guys, they only run about $30 per hour. 

Best Lift Rental Companies