Quick Comparison: Best Boom Lifts in Australia 2026
- Best for Arboriculture & Tree Care: Haulotte HTA13 P – trailer-mounted, compact and designed for quick setup between jobs
- Best for Construction & Infrastructure: Haulotte HA20 RTJ PRO – 20.5 m working height, 11.9 m outreach and rough-terrain capability
- Best for Signage, Steelwork & Installation: Haulotte HT23 RTJ PRO – telescopic boom with 22.5 m working height and 18.3 m outreach
- Best for Mining: Haulotte HA41 RTJ PRO – 41.5 m working height and 20.1 m outreach
- Best for Painting & Façade Work: Haulotte SIGMA16 – electric articulated boom with 8.35 m outreach and zero tail swing
- Best for Tunnels & Indoor Facilities (data centres): Haulotte HA16 E – 16 m working height, 7.9 m outreach and all-electric operation
- Best for General Maintenance & Sporting Facilities: Haulotte HA16 RTJ PRO – 16 m working height, 8.3 m outreach and rough-terrain capability
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Updated September 2026
Choosing a boom lift is not simply about selecting the machine that reaches the highest.
The right boom lift depends on the job. Working height, horizontal outreach, up-and-over clearance, ground conditions, platform capacity, machine dimensions and power source can all affect which machine is the most practical choice.
The type of boom matters too. Articulated boom lifts can move the platform up, over and around obstacles, while telescopic boom lifts provide a more direct reach profile and can be particularly useful where long horizontal outreach is required.
A trailer-mounted boom may make more sense for an arborist moving between smaller jobs, while a rough-terrain articulated boom can be better suited to construction. A telescopic boom can be useful for direct-reach applications such as signage and steelwork, while an electric articulated boom may be more appropriate for indoor maintenance.
The right boom lift depends on the job. Working height, horizontal outreach, up-and-over clearance, ground conditions, platform capacity, machine dimensions and power source can all affect which machine is the most practical choice.
The type of boom matters too. Articulated boom lifts can move the platform up, over and around obstacles, while telescopic boom lifts provide a more direct reach profile and can be particularly useful where long horizontal outreach is required.
A trailer-mounted boom may make more sense for an arborist moving between smaller jobs, while a rough-terrain articulated boom can be better suited to construction. A telescopic boom can be useful for direct-reach applications such as signage and steelwork, while an electric articulated boom may be more appropriate for indoor maintenance.
If you're unsure which configuration suits your application, see our guides to choosing a telescopic boom lift and choosing an articulated boom lift.
So, which boom lift is best for different industries and applications in Australia?
This guide looks at the access requirements of common applications first, then identifies boom lifts that provide a suitable combination of reach, configuration and operating characteristics.
This guide looks at the access requirements of common applications first, then identifies boom lifts that provide a suitable combination of reach, configuration and operating characteristics.
| HTA13 P | HA20 RTJ PRO | HT23 RTJ PRO | HA41 RTJ PRO | SIGMA16 | HA16 E | HA16 RTJ PRO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Arboriculture | Construction | Signage & Steelwork |
Mining | Painting & Façade |
Indoor & Facilities |
Maintenance |
| Boom Type | Trailer | Articulated | Telescopic | Articulated | Articulated | Articulated | Articulated |
| Working Height | 12.73 m | 20.5 m | 22.5 m | 41.5 m | 16.1 m | 16 m | 16 m |
| Horizontal Outreach | 6.86 m | 11.9 m | 18.3 m | 20.1 m | 8.35 m | 7.9 m | 8.3 m |
| Electric/Diesel | Battery | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel | Electric | Electric | Diesel |
What should you look for when choosing a boom lift?
The right boom lift depends on the access requirements of the job, not simply the maximum working height. Before choosing a machine, consider:
Working height
Make sure the machine can safely reach the required work area, with enough height for the operator to work comfortably.
Make sure the machine can safely reach the required work area, with enough height for the operator to work comfortably.
Horizontal outreach
Consider how far the platform needs to reach from the machine. This can be particularly important when access from directly below the work area is restricted.
Consider how far the platform needs to reach from the machine. This can be particularly important when access from directly below the work area is restricted.
Up and over clearance
If the work area is behind a roof edge, wall or other obstacle, check the machine’s up and over capability as well as its maximum height and outreach.
If the work area is behind a roof edge, wall or other obstacle, check the machine’s up and over capability as well as its maximum height and outreach.
Articulated or telescopic
Articulated booms provide greater flexibility when positioning around obstacles, while telescopic booms provide a more direct reach profile and can be advantageous where long horizontal outreach is required.
Articulated booms provide greater flexibility when positioning around obstacles, while telescopic booms provide a more direct reach profile and can be advantageous where long horizontal outreach is required.
Power source and ground conditions
Electric booms can be well suited to indoor, low emission or noise sensitive environments, while diesel rough terrain machines are generally better suited to demanding outdoor conditions.
Electric booms can be well suited to indoor, low emission or noise sensitive environments, while diesel rough terrain machines are generally better suited to demanding outdoor conditions.
For a more detailed look at choosing the right configuration, see our guides to choosing a telescopic boom lift and choosing an articulated boom lift.
Best boom lift for arboriculture and tree care
Tree work can require height and outreach, but arborists often face another practical consideration: moving equipment between multiple jobs.
For these applications, transportability and setup time can be just as important as maximum working height.
For these applications, transportability and setup time can be just as important as maximum working height.
What to look for
• Easy transport between sites
• Fast setup
• Sufficient working height
• Useful horizontal outreach
• Ability to operate on uneven ground
• Compact transport dimensions
• Platform capacity for operators and tools
• Easy transport between sites
• Fast setup
• Sufficient working height
• Useful horizontal outreach
• Ability to operate on uneven ground
• Compact transport dimensions
• Platform capacity for operators and tools
A strong fit: Haulotte HTA13 P
The HTA13 P is a trailer-mounted boom designed for applications where the machine needs to be transported from site to site.
It provides a 12.73 m working height, 6.86 m horizontal outreach and 227 kg platform capacity. All in a towable package under 11m platform height, so need for licence.
Its hydraulic outriggers and automatic levelling system allow the machine to be set up quickly, while the trailer-mounted configuration reduces the transport requirements associated with a larger self-propelled boom.
For arboriculture, the advantage is therefore not simply its reach. It is the combination of access height, outreach, transportability and setup.
Best suited to: arborists, tree-care contractors, landscaping, signage and other mobile maintenance applications where transportability is a priority.
The HTA13 P is a trailer-mounted boom designed for applications where the machine needs to be transported from site to site.
It provides a 12.73 m working height, 6.86 m horizontal outreach and 227 kg platform capacity. All in a towable package under 11m platform height, so need for licence.
Its hydraulic outriggers and automatic levelling system allow the machine to be set up quickly, while the trailer-mounted configuration reduces the transport requirements associated with a larger self-propelled boom.
For arboriculture, the advantage is therefore not simply its reach. It is the combination of access height, outreach, transportability and setup.
Best suited to: arborists, tree-care contractors, landscaping, signage and other mobile maintenance applications where transportability is a priority.
Best boom lift for construction and infrastructure
Construction and infrastructure projects can place several demands on an access platform at the same time. The machine may need to travel across uneven ground, reach over structures, carry operators and tools, and provide enough working height for installation, structural work or finishing. For these applications, the combination of reach and terrain capability can be more important than simply selecting the machine with the greatest working height.
What to look for:
• Working height appropriate to the project
• Horizontal outreach
• Up-and-over clearance
• Rough-terrain performance
• Four-wheel drive and steering
• Platform capacity
• Ground clearance and gradeability
• Manoeuvrability around other equipment
• Working height appropriate to the project
• Horizontal outreach
• Up-and-over clearance
• Rough-terrain performance
• Four-wheel drive and steering
• Platform capacity
• Ground clearance and gradeability
• Manoeuvrability around other equipment
A strong fit: Haulotte HA20 RTJ PRO
The HA20 RTJ PRO provides a 20.5 m working height, 11.9 m horizontal outreach and 8.5 m up-and-over clearance. For outdoor construction, its rough-terrain configuration is particularly relevant. The machine has four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, an oscillating axle and 45% gradeability. The standard platform capacity is 250 kg, with a 350 kg option available. This combination makes it a useful option where the machine needs to move around an active site while also providing enough outreach to work beyond the machine's footprint. The diesel powertrain also suits applications where the machine will primarily operate outdoors.
The HA20 RTJ PRO provides a 20.5 m working height, 11.9 m horizontal outreach and 8.5 m up-and-over clearance. For outdoor construction, its rough-terrain configuration is particularly relevant. The machine has four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, an oscillating axle and 45% gradeability. The standard platform capacity is 250 kg, with a 350 kg option available. This combination makes it a useful option where the machine needs to move around an active site while also providing enough outreach to work beyond the machine's footprint. The diesel powertrain also suits applications where the machine will primarily operate outdoors.
Best suited to: construction, infrastructure, building works, structural installation, finishing and outdoor projects where reach and terrain capability are both important.
Best boom lift for signage, steelwork and installation
Some access jobs do not require the boom to work around obstacles. Instead, the priority may be to position the machine in front of the work area and reach directly up and out. This is where a telescopic boom can have an advantage. The straight boom provides a direct reach profile, making this configuration useful for applications such as signage installation, steelwork, structural installation and construction on relatively open sites.
What to look for
• Long horizontal outreach
• Working height
• Platform capacity
• Rough-terrain capability
• Gradeability
• Ground clearance
• Ability to position directly in front of the work area
• Long horizontal outreach
• Working height
• Platform capacity
• Rough-terrain capability
• Gradeability
• Ground clearance
• Ability to position directly in front of the work area
A strong fit: Haulotte HT23 RTJ PRO
The HT23 RTJ PRO is a telescopic boom providing a 22.5 m working height and 18.3 m horizontal outreach. It combines the direct reach of a telescopic boom with four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and an oscillating axle for uneven terrain. The machine has a 230 kg standard platform capacity, with a 450 kg option for up to three people. Its long outreach is particularly relevant where the work area is a substantial distance from the machine and there is no need to manoeuvre the platform over a significant obstacle.
Best suited to: signage installation, steelwork, structural installation, cladding, warehouse construction and other outdoor applications where direct reach and long outreach are priorities.
The HT23 RTJ PRO is a telescopic boom providing a 22.5 m working height and 18.3 m horizontal outreach. It combines the direct reach of a telescopic boom with four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and an oscillating axle for uneven terrain. The machine has a 230 kg standard platform capacity, with a 450 kg option for up to three people. Its long outreach is particularly relevant where the work area is a substantial distance from the machine and there is no need to manoeuvre the platform over a significant obstacle.
Best suited to: signage installation, steelwork, structural installation, cladding, warehouse construction and other outdoor applications where direct reach and long outreach are priorities.
Best boom lift for mining
Mining applications can involve some of the largest access challenges in the equipment sector. The work may involve significant working heights, large structures, difficult ground conditions and long horizontal distances between the machine and the work area. In this environment, the overall working envelope becomes particularly important.
What to look for
• Maximum working height
• Long horizontal outreach
• Up-and-over capability
• Ground clearance
• Gradeability
• Stability on uneven terrain
• Platform capacity
• Suitable transport and site logistics
• Maximum working height
• Long horizontal outreach
• Up-and-over capability
• Ground clearance
• Gradeability
• Stability on uneven terrain
• Platform capacity
• Suitable transport and site logistics
A strong fit: Haulotte HA41 RTJ PRO
The HA41 RTJ PRO provides a 41.5 m working height, 20.1 m horizontal outreach and 17.5 m up-and-over clearance. It has 40% gradeability, high ground clearance, an oscillating axle and four-wheel steering, with a 230 kg platform capacity. This is not a machine selected for portability or small-site access. Its value is in providing a large working envelope where smaller access equipment cannot reach the work area.
Best suited to: mining, major infrastructure, large industrial facilities and other applications requiring substantial working height and outreach.
Best boom lift for painting and façade work
Painting, cladding, façade maintenance and building refurbishment can require the operator to work around the outside of a structure rather than simply directly above the machine. In these applications, outreach and the ability to position the platform around obstacles can reduce the amount of repositioning required.
What to look for
• Horizontal outreach
• Up-and-over clearance
• Precise positioning
• Compact dimensions
• Platform capacity
• Ability to work close to walls and structures
• Horizontal outreach
• Up-and-over clearance
• Precise positioning
• Compact dimensions
• Platform capacity
• Ability to work close to walls and structures
A strong fit: Haulotte SIGMA16
The SIGMA16 is an electric articulated boom with a 16.1 m working height, 8.35 m horizontal outreach and 7.4 m up-and-over clearance. Its zero tail swing and 1.75 m overall width make it useful where space around the machine is restricted. It also uses non-marking tyres, making it suitable for applications where floor protection is a consideration. The articulated boom and jib allow the platform to be positioned around obstacles rather than relying solely on straight-line reach.
Best suited to: painting, façade work, refurbishment, finishing, industrial maintenance and other work on firm, relatively even surfaces.
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Best boom lift for indoor, tunnels and facilities
Indoor and enclosed environments introduce requirements that are less important on a conventional outdoor construction site. Exhaust emissions and operating noise can become significant considerations, while the machine still needs enough reach to access elevated work areas. This can apply to facilities maintenance, refurbishment, warehouses, commercial buildings, data centres and some enclosed infrastructure applications.
What to look for
• Electric operation
• Low operating noise
• Zero emissions at the point of use
• Sufficient working height and outreach
• Rough-terrain capability where required
• Compact dimensions
• Platform capacity
• Floor-friendly options where appropriate
• Electric operation
• Low operating noise
• Zero emissions at the point of use
• Sufficient working height and outreach
• Rough-terrain capability where required
• Compact dimensions
• Platform capacity
• Floor-friendly options where appropriate
A strong fit: Haulotte HA16 E PRO
The HA16 E PRO is an all-electric articulated boom providing a 16 m working height, 7.9 m horizontal outreach and 7.9 m up-and-over clearance. It has a 300 kg platform capacity and is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications. Unlike a compact electric boom intended primarily for firm indoor floors, the HA16 E PRO combines electric operation with rough-terrain capability making it perfect for contruction and miantenance of facilities. The machine has four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and an oscillating axle. The electric powertrain eliminates exhaust emissions at the point of use and allows quieter operation, making it relevant to projects where conventional diesel equipment may be less suitable.
Best suited to: indoor construction, refurbishment, facilities maintenance, warehouses, commercial buildings, data centres and selected enclosed infrastructure applications.
The HA16 E PRO is an all-electric articulated boom providing a 16 m working height, 7.9 m horizontal outreach and 7.9 m up-and-over clearance. It has a 300 kg platform capacity and is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications. Unlike a compact electric boom intended primarily for firm indoor floors, the HA16 E PRO combines electric operation with rough-terrain capability making it perfect for contruction and miantenance of facilities. The machine has four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and an oscillating axle. The electric powertrain eliminates exhaust emissions at the point of use and allows quieter operation, making it relevant to projects where conventional diesel equipment may be less suitable.
Best suited to: indoor construction, refurbishment, facilities maintenance, warehouses, commercial buildings, data centres and selected enclosed infrastructure applications.
Best boom lift for general maintenance and sporting facilities
Not every boom lift spends its life on a major construction project. Sports clubs, stadiums, schools, councils, commercial properties and facilities teams regularly require temporary access for lighting, building maintenance, painting, signage, repairs and other work at height. For these applications, maximum working height is not necessarily the most important consideration. A machine that can manoeuvre into position, work around existing structures and travel across outdoor surfaces may be more useful than a much larger boom.
What to look for
• Manoeuvrability
• Compact dimensions
• Useful outreach
• Up-and-over capability
• Rough-terrain performance
• Platform capacity
• Options suited to maintenance work
• Manoeuvrability
• Compact dimensions
• Useful outreach
• Up-and-over capability
• Rough-terrain performance
• Platform capacity
• Options suited to maintenance work
A strong fit: Haulotte HA16 RTJ PRO
The HA16 RTJ PRO provides a 16 m working height, 8.3 m horizontal outreach and 7.65 m up-and-over clearance. Its 10 cm tail swing, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and oscillating axle make it suited to positioning around outdoor facilities and uneven surfaces. It also has 40% gradeability and a 230 kg platform capacity. For facilities work, this provides a useful balance between reach and manoeuvrability without stepping up to a much larger machine when additional height is not required.
Best suited to: sporting clubs, stadiums, schools, councils, commercial property maintenance, signage, building maintenance and general outdoor contractors.
The HA16 RTJ PRO provides a 16 m working height, 8.3 m horizontal outreach and 7.65 m up-and-over clearance. Its 10 cm tail swing, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and oscillating axle make it suited to positioning around outdoor facilities and uneven surfaces. It also has 40% gradeability and a 230 kg platform capacity. For facilities work, this provides a useful balance between reach and manoeuvrability without stepping up to a much larger machine when additional height is not required.
Best suited to: sporting clubs, stadiums, schools, councils, commercial property maintenance, signage, building maintenance and general outdoor contractors.
Summary: Which boom is best?
The best boom lift depends on the application, access requirements and working environment. A trailer mounted boom can provide a practical solution for arboriculture, while telescopic booms suit applications requiring direct reach and long outreach. Articulated booms offer greater flexibility around obstacles, with electric models providing advantages for indoor and noise or emission sensitive work.
By matching the machine’s working height, outreach, boom configuration and power source to the job, you can choose a boom lift that provides the reach and capability you need without selecting more machine than the application requires.
A: The best machine depends on the project requirements. For many outdoor construction and infrastructure applications, a rough-terrain articulated boom such as the HA20 RTJ PRO provides a useful combination of working height, outreach, platform capacity and terrain capability.
A: An articulated boom has multiple boom sections that allow the platform to move up, over and around obstacles. A telescopic boom uses a straight extending boom and is generally better suited to applications where direct horizontal reach is the priority.
A: For signage and other applications where the machine can be positioned relatively directly in front of the work area, a telescopic boom can provide useful horizontal reach. The HT23 RTJ PRO provides 22.5 m working height and 18.3 m horizontal outreach.
A: For arboriculture and tree-care contractors who regularly move between sites, a trailer-mounted boom such as the HTA13 P can be practical because it combines useful working height and outreach with a trailer-mounted configuration.
A: Yes. Electric rough-terrain boom lifts can be suitable for construction, particularly where projects have restrictions on exhaust emissions or noise. The appropriate choice depends on ground conditions, required working envelope and duty cycle.
Haulotte's articulated boom range extends to 41 m, while its telescopic boom range extends to 43 m. The HA41 RTJ PRO provides a 41.5 m working height, while the HT43 RTJ PRO reaches 43 m.
Start with the work envelope: required working height, horizontal outreach and up-and-over clearance. Then consider ground conditions, platform capacity, machine dimensions, power source, transport requirements and the environment in which the machine will operate.
Hiring can make sense when access equipment is required for a specific project or relatively infrequently. Purchasing may be more appropriate when a machine will be used regularly and utilisation is high. For hire businesses, fleet utilisation and the range of customer applications are important considerations.
Whether you are buying or hiring, it is also worth checking that the supplier is a member of the Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia (EWPA). EWPA membership supports industry standards, safety awareness and professional development across the elevating work platform industry, providing an additional consideration when choosing an access equipment supplier.
For more information about the EWPA and its role in the Australian access equipment industry, visit the Elevating Work Platform Association of Australia.
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