About Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulating boom lifts, also known as “articulated tree service lifts,” are essential pieces of equipment for arborists, landscapers, and other tree care professionals. These manlifts have multiple hinged boom sections that allow operators to maneuver the attached work platform into a wide range of positions as dictated by jobsite conditions. They work well, for example, for tree service work in backyards with little space, or for landscaping maintenance in congested urban areas.
2025 JLG 340AJ Articulating Boom Lift
Most articulating boom lifts are equipped either with wheels or with tracks and outriggers; the latter are commonly referred to as “spider lifts.” Articulating boom lifts can be powered by diesel engines, electric motors, or a hybrid configuration. Diesel spider lifts are typically used outdoors and on rough terrain, while electric lifts are ideal for indoor jobs and any jobsite where strict noise or emissions requirements are in effect.
You’ll find articulating boom lifts on TreeTrader.com with a wide range of boom lengths, maximum working heights and horizontal outreach, rotation capabilities, and overall size. Simply use our smart filters to find the types of articulating tree service lifts that best suit your needs.
What’s The Difference Between Spider Lifts & Wheeled Articulating Boom Lifts?
There are several key differences between articulating boom lifts with wheels and those equipped with tracks, a category that includes spider lifts.
Spider lifts derive their name from their outriggers, or “legs,” which are used for stabilization and give the machine a spider-like appearance. Although most articulating boom lifts with tracks are not considered spider lifts, spider lifts constitute a large number of listings on TreeTrader.com because their relatively compact size makes them ideal for tree care and landscaping work.
Tracked articulating boom lift benefits include:
- Superior traction on soft, uneven, or muddy terrain
- Higher gradeability for working on slopes and rough terrain
- Less damaging to turf, soft ground, and other delicate surfaces
Spider lift benefits include:
- Greater stability on even ground, thanks to hydraulic outriggers that can be adjusted to keep the machine level
- Compact size for easier access to tight, confined spaces and urban environments
- Ideal for soft ground, making them an excellent choice for landscaping and tree care professionals
Wheeled articulating boom lift benefits include:
- Longer horizontal reach than tracked models
- Faster and therefore ideal for moving quickly between jobsites
- Time-efficient option for working on relatively level ground
Why Choose Articulating Boom Lifts For Your Tree Care Projects?
Although other lift options, such as telescopic boom lifts, may provide greater horizontal outreach than an articulated tree lift, they usually require more space and can’t always be used on inclines or uneven terrain.
By contrast, articulating boom lifts and spider lifts generally work well in smaller workspaces. They offer greater versatility with their multi-jointed booms and can navigate around obstacles without having to reposition the entire lift.
Articulating manlifts offer multiple angles and extended reach, allowing you to access overhead work with ease. They are ideal for safely and quickly moving people, tools, and materials around obstacles into different positions. Models like the JLG 800AJ, for instance, offer a generous maximum platform height of 80 ft (24.3 m) and an up-and-over height of 32 ft (9.7 m). It combines electrical and internal combustion to provide operators with several options for use and can navigate rough terrain.
Where To Buy & Finance Articulating Boom Lifts
Explore TreeTrader.com to find new and used articulated boom lifts for sale for all of your tree care and landscaping needs. You’ll find models from industry-leading brands such as Cela, CMC, Easy Lift, JLG, Leguan, Niftylift, Platform Basket, Teupen, and others.
Once you find the right boom lift for your operation, visit CurrencyFinance to explore your tree care equipment financing options. Currency helps buyers in the U.S. and Canada find favorable terms and rates, even with less-than-perfect credit.
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