
Key Takeaways
- Articulating boom lifts offer greater versatility for confined work areas and sites with multiple obstacles.
- Telescopic boom lifts provide maximum vertical reach and straight-line extension.
- The right boom lift depends on the ground, working position, and project scope. Everstar’s models balance safety, efficiency, and eco-conscious design for sustainable operations.
- Choosing between electric and diesel models ensures optimal performance for indoor or outdoor jobs.
What Defines Boom Lifts?
A boom lift is an aerial work platform engineered to help workers reach higher points safely and efficiently. These machines combine hydraulic systems with extendable booms, offering controlled access to elevated work areas.
They play a vital role in construction, maintenance, and infrastructure repair, allowing operators to handle tools, materials, and delicate tasks with stability.
Everstar brand designs these lifts with a focus on maneuverability, energy efficiency, and operator comfort — key traits that set professional-grade equipment.
Types of Boom Lifts: Articulating and Telescopic
There are two types of high-reach lift mechanisms: articulating and telescopic.
An articulating boom lift uses multiple pivot points to bend and twist around obstacles. These references are the best choice for enclosed work areas or sites where barriers prevent easy access to the job.
Meanwhile, a telescopic boom lift extends in a straight line, offering greater vertical reach and less horizontal outreach. These booms are suited for exterior environments where operators need to access overhead work at considerable heights.
Assessing Articulating Boom Lifts for Jobs
An articulating boom lift is designed to perform where precision and greater versatility are needed. In tight or complex sites, these booms allow operators to access overhead work while maintaining stability and control.
They’re commonly used in maintenance tasks, painting projects, and urban construction where obstacles prevent close access. Their adaptability also makes them ideal for indoor applications, especially when fitted with electric boom systems that produce zero emissions and low noise.
Features and Benefits of Articulating Boom Lifts
Everstar’s articulating boom lifts come with electric or diesel engines, offering heights from moderate to high reach (39 ft to 154 ft).
The electric boom variants are suitable for indoor or eco-sensitive environments, while diesel models excel on rough terrain and on open sites that require steady torque.
Their boom sections articulate smoothly, providing job positions that help operators navigate barriers and maintain productivity in confined work areas.
Each lift equipment offers reliable load capacity to support workers and tools during detailed operations.
Telescopic Boom Lifts: Strengths and Use Cases

A telescopic boom is the go-to equipment when jobs require long, straight-line reach and minimal repositioning. These machines can extend linearly to reach higher elevations without needing frequent platform adjustments.
They are superior for exterior tasks such as bridge inspection, structural framing, and installation work where the job site is open and stable. Everstar telescopic boom lift range provides consistent, strong load capacity, making it efficient for heavy material handling and construction support.
Key Specifications of Telescopic Boom Lifts
Everstar’s telescopic booms feature rugged construction and precise hydraulic systems for smooth extension and retraction. Depending on the model, they can extend up to 206 ft while maintaining platform balance and safety.
Whether the lift equipment is zero-emission or diesel-powered, they are engineered to handle substantial weight loads over 1,000 lbs, ensuring safe working height performance. The telescopic mechanism includes intuitive control panels and reinforced booms to enhance operator confidence.
Articulating vs. Telescopic: Side-by-Side Comparison

When comparing articulating boom lifts and telescopic booms, the choice depends on how the task environment interacts with the machine.
| Articulating boom lift | Telescopic boom lift | |
| Reach access | Excels in situations with barriers and limited access | Provides straight outreach and consistent elevation |
| Site conditions | Suited for utility, painting, and indoor applications where space is limited. | Ideal for outdoor or jobs requiring stable ground |
| Versatility | Flexible boom sections that can bend around structures | Enables operators to reach higher with fewer movements |
Selecting the Best Lift for Your Project
Choosing the right boom lift depends on the environment and task type. If obstacles prevent close access and require horizontal outreach, an articulating boom lift delivers the advantage of flexible positioning. For bigger outdoor jobs, a telescopic boom lift offers dependable height, load handling, and distance.
Always match the machine’s range and capacity to your project requirements, and consider energy efficiency. Electric models work best for indoor or regulated spaces, while diesel models support rough-terrain performance.
Consulting OSHA standards or environmental references from EIA and FSC can guide responsible operations and sustainable equipment selection.
FAQs – Telescopic vs. Articulating Boom Lifts
Do you need a permit for a boom lift?
Yes, a permit is typically required when operating a boom lift in public or construction areas. Most regions follow OSHA safety standards that require operators to be adequately trained and certified. Always verify local regulations before starting the job to maintain compliance and safety.
How much weight can a telescopic boom lift hold?
Everstar’s telescopic boom lifts support loads of 500-1,000 lbs, depending on the model. Always check the capacity label on your specific equipment and refer to manufacturer data for safe operation, especially during overhead work.
What is the difference between a boom lift and a manlift?
A boom lift provides greater reach and flexibility with articulated or telescopic boom sections, while a manlift (or vertical lift) operates on a fixed mast. Boom lifts offer wider operational positions and are better suited for complex sites or utility jobs.
Conclusion: Finalizing Your Boom Lift Decision
Selecting between an articulating boom lift and a telescopic boom lift comes down to reach, worksite, and task complexity.
If your project involves maneuvering around obstacles, select an articulating lift. For steady elevation on open ground, choose telescopic booms.
By focusing on working position, access limitations, and machine range, contractors can confidently invest in Everstar’s reliable equipment that prioritizes efficiency and safety in every operation.
Connect with Everstar Machinery Experts Today
Looking for the ideal boom lift to match your task needs?
Contact the Everstar Machinery experts for customized guidance, detailed spec sheets, and model comparisons.
Explore our catalog to find an example of the articulating or telescopic boom lift that helps your team work efficiently and safely on every job.