Choosing the right access equipment can make or break the safety, speed and success of your project. Whether you need to reach lofty heights indoors or navigate tricky outdoor obstacles, understanding the differences between scissor lifts and boom lifts is key to working safely and efficiently. At iPro Hire, we stock an impressive range of powered access solutions available for hire throughout Surrey. In this article, we’ll explore the features of the machines in our range and help you decide which option is best for your project. Explore our full range of boom lifts and scissor lifts to find the right solution for your needs.

Understanding the Basics

What is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are designed for vertical lifting, featuring a stable cross-braced structure that provides safe and reliable elevation. Their large platforms make them ideal for carrying heavy materials, tools and multiple workers, which is why they’re commonly used for indoor construction and routine maintenance tasks such as ceiling repairs, lighting installations and accessing elevated work areas in retail stores or manufacturing facilities. Outdoors, scissor lifts are well suited to jobs like glazing, cladding installations and general building maintenance. 

What is a Boom Lift?
Boom lifts offer both vertical and horizontal reach, making them more versatile than scissor lifts. They excel in environments with obstacles, such as navigating around machinery, reaching over fences or accessing hard-to-reach areas on uneven terrain. This makes them indispensable for exterior maintenance and outdoor construction projects. With articulating arms, boom lifts are commonly used in construction, tree pruning, utility work and building maintenance.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Powered Access Equipment

Whether you’re dealing with height requirements, space constraints or specific project demands, choosing the right equipment is vital. Consider these factors:
 

Height Requirements:

• Scissor lifts provide straight vertical reach, perfect for ceiling repairs, installing lighting fixtures or accessing high shelving in warehouses.
• Boom lifts offer both vertical and horizontal reach, ideal for painting building exteriors, maintaining signage or reaching over obstacles like machinery and fences.

Space Constraints:

• Scissor lifts are compact and suited to confined indoor areas.
• Boom lifts are better for larger spaces and outdoor sites with fewer restrictions.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use:

• Electric-powered scissor and boom lifts suit both indoor and outdoor environments, due to zero emissions and low noise.
• Diesel-powered lifts are only suited to outdoor use.

Project Demands:
Maintenance, construction or specialised tasks require different capabilities:

• Scissor lifts are great for working up and down building façades on projects that involve copious or bulky materials.
• Boom lifts offer more flexibility when it comes to repositioning the basket in order to work at different heights and angles.

Comparing iPro Hire’s Scissor Lifts

At iPro Hire, we offer a wide variety of scissor lifts to suit different project needs. Below is a selection of some of the popular models in our fleet, showcasing a range of features. If you require something different or more specialised, please get in touch on 08000982070 to discuss the full range of options available.
 

Youngmans X3X 5.2m Electric Scissor Lift
Compact and efficient, the Youngmans X3X offers:

• Working height: 5.2m
• Platform dimensions: 0.57m x 1.1m
• Load capacity: 240kg
• Key features: Non-marking tyres, compact enough to fit through standard doorways. Lightweight for delicate floors and tight spaces.
• Best for: Indoor maintenance tasks in offices, retail outlets and shopping centres.

Snorkel S3219E 7.8m Electric Scissor Lift
Designed for greater indoor reach, the Snorkel S3219E includes:

• Working height: 7.8m
• Platform size: 1.62m × 0.72m with 0.91m extension
• Load capacity: 250kg
• Key features: Electric powered with non-marking tyres, proportional controls, saloon door entry, safety alarms and swing-out service trays.
• Best for: Warehouses, retail environments or indoor settings needing greater reach and platform space.

Dingli JCPT 1208AC 12m Compact Scissor Lift
For tight manoeuvring at tall heights, the Dingli JCPT 1208AC offers:

• Working height: 12m indoors (platform height approx. 10m)
• Dimensions: Very narrow width of 0.83m and length around 2.48m
• Weight: About 3,150kg
• Load capacity: 250kg
• Key features: Drivable at full height, self-locking gates, one-way deck extension, non-marking tyres, two-wheel drive powered by 24V/240Ah batteries.
• Best for: Accessing tall shelving, atriums or automated warehouses where tight manoeuvring is essential.

Comparing iPro Hire’s Boom Lifts

At iPro Hire we provide an extensive selection of boom lifts designed to meet a variety of project requirements. Below are a few popular models from our fleet, highlighting key features and capabilities. If you need a specific type of lift or something more specialised, please call us on 0800 098 2070 to explore our full range of options.

Niftylift 120ME Electric 12.2m Cherry Picker
Compact and transportable, the Niftylift 120ME features:

• Working height: 12.2m
• Outreach: 6.1m
• Load capacity: 200kg
• Design: Trailer-mounted with retractable axles for a narrow 1.1m width, battery powered for quiet zero-emission operation.
• Best for: Compact outdoor sites, quieter zones or projects requiring easy transport between locations.

Niftylift HR12L 12.1m Self Propelled Lift
Built for flexibility, the Niftylift HR12L provides:

• Working height: 12.1m
• Horizontal outreach: 6.4m
• Load capacity: 200kg
• Key features:  Travel speed of 6 km/h, 25% gradeability, electric drive, telescopic upper boom, proportional multi-function controls, maintenance-free battery and SiOPS safety cage for operator protection.
• Best for: Outdoor construction, tree work and projects requiring up-and-over reach around obstacles.

Practical Scenarios: Which Lift Fits Your Needs?
Choosing the right lift often comes down to matching the equipment to your project requirements:

• Indoor maintenance in tight spaces? The Youngmans X3X is an excellent choice.
• Outdoor façade work with obstacles? Opt for the Niftylift HR12L.
• Warehouse electrical installation requiring mid-height reach? The Snorkel S3219E fits the bill.

Choosing Between Boom Lift or Scissor Lift Hire

Selecting between scissor lifts and boom lifts ultimately depends on your project’s specific needs. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:

• Need purely vertical reach in compact spaces? Choose a scissor lift.
• Require both vertical and horizontal reach for outdoor tasks? Opt for a boom lift.
• Working on uneven terrain? Boom lifts like the Niftylift HR12L are ideal.
• Tight indoor spaces with low emissions? Electric scissor lifts such as the Youngmans X3X are perfect.

For vertical reach in compact spaces, scissor lifts like the Youngmans X3X or Dingli JCPT 1208AC are unbeatable. If your project demands flexibility and outdoor capabilities, boom lifts such as the Niftylift HR12L are the way to go. At iPro Hire we offer an extensive range of powered access equipment with solutions available for projects of all types. Visit our site or call our team on 0800 098 2070 to speak with an expert today!