Telescopic vs. Articulating Boom Lifts in Edmonton: Which is Best?

If your project involves working at height, your boom lift choice can make or break your efficiency.

Two main types dominate the market — telescopic and articulating — and while they both get you up there, they work in different ways.

Here’s a breakdown of some Edmonton job scenarios and the best lift type for each situation, plus a side-by-side comparison to help you decide quickly.



Which boom lift is best for wide-open job sites?

If you’re working in a clear, open area and need maximum reach, a telescopic boom lift is usually your best bet.

Example project: Installing stadium lights at Clarke Field or siding a large warehouse in Nisku.

Why telescopic works here:

• Straight boom gives maximum horizontal reach without obstacles in the way.
  
  
• Less repositioning means faster progress.
  
  

Mandel Rentals models:

• Genie S-65 – 71 ft working height, 56 ft horizontal reach.
  
  
• Genie S-85 – 91 ft working height, 76 ft horizontal reach.
  
  

Which boom lift is best for tight spaces with obstacles?

If you need to reach up, over, and around barriers like rooftops, trees, or machinery, an articulating boom lift is the way to go.

Example project: Replacing an HVAC unit on a downtown rooftop or repairing building facades in Old Strathcona.

Why articulating works here:

• Multiple pivot points let you navigate around obstructions.
  
  
• Can position the platform exactly where you need it without moving the base as often.
  
  

Mandel Rentals model:

• Genie Z-60/34 – 66 ft working height, 36 ft reach, 27 ft up-and-over clearance.
  
  

Can you use a boom lift to work over equipment indoors?

Yes — and in this case, articulating boom lifts are usually the safest and most efficient choice.

Example project: Maintenance inside a large Edmonton manufacturing plant or Fort Saskatchewan facility.

Why articulating works here:

• Positions away from sensitive equipment while still reaching the target area.
  
  
• Precise platform control in tighter indoor spaces.
  
  

Which boom lift is best for long, straight runs along a site?

For projects where you move down a straight path doing repetitive work, telescopic lifts save time.

Example project: Installing or maintaining parking lot lights along Anthony Henday Drive.

Why telescopic works here:

• Drive alongside the work zone, extend, complete the task, retract, move to the next.
  
  
• Quick setup and repositioning speeds up linear projects.
  
  

Telescopic vs. articulating boom lifts: Key differences at a glance



How do I choose between a telescopic and articulating boom lift?

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• If you can drive right up to the work area and need maximum reach → Telescopic.
  
  
• If you need to work around something to get to the job → Articulating.
  
  

Still unsure? Our team can match you to the best lift for your height, reach, and site layout needs.

Rent the right boom lift for your next Edmonton project

Choosing the wrong lift can waste time — choosing the right one can save days.

Call 780-699-9433 or explore our full boom lift rentals in Edmonton to get the machine that’s built for your job.