Telescopic boom lifts can help when working around different angles on crowded job sites. They are best for projects that need extended horizontal and vertical outreach. Telescopic lifts are designed to take their operator straight to their work area. Telescopic boom lifts are available in a range of sizes to provide optimal height and capacity for the job. This Telescopic Boom Lift Guide will show  you how they are used, who makes them, and what models are available to purchase.


Watch this video reviewing the JLG 1850SJ Telescopic Boom Lift:

Telescopic boom lifts are one of the two types of boom lifts available for industrial, landscaping, and construction jobs. They differ from articulating boom lifts since they do not have the same lift arm with multiple sections separated by joints that can move the work platform over and around obstacles. 

Depending on the make and model, telescopic boom lifts can lift personnel or equipment up to 185 feet.

Telescopic Boom Lift Uses

Telescopic boom lifts are best used for projects requiring a high reach, such as working on multistory buildings, or reaching far out at a lower level, such as under bridges. Roofers or workers that need to lift equipment to higher places for stacking may use a telescopic boom lift.

Telescopic boom lifts can be used for a variety of industrial, landscaping, aviation, and construction jobs including:

  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Electrical Work
  • Painting
  • Glazing
  • Bridge Work
  • Industrial inspections
  • Tree Trimming 
  • Any task that requires access to a multi-story building

How do telescopic boom lifts work?

A telescopic boom lift has a mast that extends in a straight line by using one or more telescoping boom sections. It can be used for a vertical or horizontal reach needed to access an overhead task. The telescoping boom extends quickly, and the lift can be driven with the boom fully extended in some positions.

These models do not offer up-and-over capabilites, and this type of boom lift requires more space to operate than articulating booms. Operators have to be sure to include ample room around the machine’s chassis to make turns and other movements. 

They can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the project. They can be powered with either diesel, gas, electricity or a mix with hybrid power.

How many hours will a telescopic boom lift work?

A boom lift can last up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.

Who makes telescopic boom lifts?

The top manufacturers of telescopic boom lifts are JLG, Genie, Skyjack, Snorkel, and Haulotte

Other brands include Cela, Dino, Terex, and Teupen.

Telescopic boom lift Makes & Models

Genie: S-125, S-40, S-45, S-45XC, S-60, S-60X, S-65, S-65XC, S-80, S-80X, S-85, S-85D, S-85XC, S80J TRAX

Haulotte: HB 135 JRT, HB 40, HB 44 J, HB 62, HB 68 J, HB 76 J, HB 86 TJ+, HT132 RTJ PRO, HT67 RTJ O, HT67 RTJ PRO, HT80 RT O, HT85 RTJ O, HT85 RTJ PRO

JLG: 40H 2WD, 40H 4WD, 400A, 400S, 460SJ, 400SC, 460SJC, 600S, 600S 2WD, 600S 4WD, 600SC, 600SJ, 600SJ 2WD, 600SJ 4WD, 660SJ, 660SJC, 800S, 860SJ, 1200SJP, 1350SJP, 1500SJ, M600J, M600JP

Skyjack: SJ40 T, SJ45 T, SJ61 T, SJ66 T, SJ82 T, SJ86 T

Snorkel: PRO 100, PRO 126, PRO 66, SP17, SP18, SP20, SP22, TB100J, TB120, TB126, TB126J, TB37, TB42, TB420, TB42J, TB47J, TB50, TB60, TB66J, TB80, TB80FA, TB85J, TB85JFA

Terex: B60, S-100, S-105, S-120, S-125, S-40, S-45, S-60, S-65, S-80, S-85, TB100, TB110, TB42, TB44, TB50, TB60, TB66, TB85, TS100RT, TS15, TS19, TS20, TS25RT, TS26, TS30, TS30RT, TS54RT, TS64RT

Teupen: LEO 25T PLUS, LEO 30H, LEO 30T, LEO 36T, TC110SJ, TL92SJ