Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Boom Lift

Renting a boom lift should be simple — but the wrong choices can cost you time, money, and project delays. Many issues come from avoidable oversights during the booking stage.

Here are the most common mistakes people make when renting a boom lift in Edmonton, and how you can steer clear of them.

Mistake 1: Renting the Wrong Type of Boom Lift

Telescopic and articulating boom lifts are designed for different situations. Telescopic (straight) lifts provide maximum height and horizontal reach, while articulating models bend up and over obstacles.

The risk

Renting the wrong type leaves you unable to reach your target area safely or efficiently.

How to avoid it

Take a moment to map out your job site. If you need long, straight reach in an open space, go telescopic. If you need to navigate around trees, rooftops, or machinery, go articulating.

For more detail, see our Telescopic vs. Articulating guide.

Mistake 2: Underestimating Height and Reach

It’s easy to misjudge how much height or horizontal distance you actually need. Being just a few feet short can mean lost time while waiting for a different lift.

The risk

Renting a smaller model than required forces a second rental and delays your schedule.

How to avoid it

Measure the structure or area before booking and account for both vertical and horizontal reach. Share those numbers with the rental team — they’ll confirm the correct model for your project.

Read more about Choosing the Right Boom Lift.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Site Conditions.

Not every job site is flat or accessible. Slopes, soft soil, snow, or tight spaces all affect which boom lift is safe to use.

The risk

Delivering the wrong model to an unsuitable site leads to downtime and possible rescheduling.

How to avoid it

Before you book, check your site for ground stability, access width, and obstacles. Be upfront about conditions so the right machine arrives ready to work.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Delivery and Pickup Logistics

Delivery often gets left to the last minute — but not all rental companies operate on your timeline. Some add hidden prep or environmental fees, making costs unpredictable.

The risk

Delays to your project start and surprise charges on your invoice.

How to avoid it

Ask about delivery windows and confirm what’s included in your rate. At Mandel Rentals, we offer same-day delivery across Greater Edmonton when you call early, and our rates are transparent with no surprise fees.

Mistake 5: Forgetting About Safety and Insurance Requirements

Even with a rental, operators need proper training and PPE. Insurance coverage is also easy to overlook until an incident occurs.

The risk

Safety violations, fines, or liability issues if something goes wrong.

How to avoid it

Confirm your operators are certified, use proper harnesses and protective gear, and review insurance requirements for your project. Renting equipment is only part of the job — using it correctly keeps the site safe.

FAQ: Avoiding Boom Lift Rental Mistakes

What happens if I rent the wrong type of boom lift?

You’ll either waste time trying to make it work or need to swap it for a different model, which delays your project. To avoid this, confirm whether your site needs straight reach (telescopic) or up-and-over flexibility (articulating) before booking.

Can I underestimate how much reach I need?

Yes — it’s one of the most common mistakes. Being even a few feet short can mean re-renting another lift. Always measure the structure or work area carefully and allow a margin of extra height.

Why do site conditions matter when renting a boom lift?

Slopes, soft soil, snow, or narrow access points can make a lift unsafe or unusable. Not accounting for these conditions means the wrong machine might show up, wasting both time and money.

Is delivery something I need to plan for?

Definitely. If you don’t confirm delivery and pickup details in advance, you may face delays or hidden fees. Always ask for timelines and get a clear breakdown of what’s included in your rate.

Do I need to think about safety if it’s a rental?

Yes — renting equipment doesn’t remove your responsibility. Operators must be certified, and crews need proper safety gear. Failing to plan for this creates risks and potential compliance issues.

Renting Without the Headaches

Avoiding these mistakes keeps your project running on schedule and within budget. With Mandel Rentals, you’ll get:

• Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
  
  
• Same-day local delivery
  
  
• A fleet serviced and inspected between rentals
  
  

Call 780-699-9433 or explore ourboom lift rentals in Edmonton to book the right lift the first time.