How to choose between a telescopic boom and a spider lift for your project

When it comes to working at height, whether it’s for maintenance, construction, or even tree pruning, choosing the right lift for your project can make all the difference. While both telescopic booms and spider lifts offer safe and effective access to raised areas, they each come with distinct advantages that can cater to different needs and environments. So, how do you know which one is best for your specific task?

At Smiths Hire, we understand that making the right choice for your project can be confusing, especially if there are a lot of moving parts. With over 50 years of tool hire experience, our expert team is here to guide you through the decision-making process. Let’s break down the differences between telescopic booms and spider lifts to help you make an informed choice for your next project.

What’s the difference between a spider lift and a telescopic boom?

A telescopic boom lift and a spider lift may look similar, but they are designed for different types of work environments. A telescopic boom lift has a long, extendable arm that’s great for reaching high places. These lifts are perfect for uneven or rough ground because they have large wheels and a sturdy frame that help them stay stable on bumpy or sloped surfaces.

On the other hand, a spider lift (also called a tracked boom lift) is more compact and ideal for tight or narrow spaces. It has tracks instead of wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre on flat, solid ground. Spider lifts are designed for precision in places where space is limited.

Which lift is right for you?

The choice between a telescopic boom lift and a spider lift ultimately depends on the specifics of your project. If you need to reach great heights, a telescopic boom lift is likely the ideal option. Designed to handle uneven or rough terrain, these lifts provide stability even on sloped or bumpy surfaces. They are particularly well-suited for larger-scale projects such as construction, building maintenance, and industrial work. At Smiths Hire, we offer a variety of telescopic boom hire options with heights ranging from 12.1m to an impressive 58.56m.

If your project requires access to tight spaces and you have flat, solid ground at your disposal, a spider lift is your best option. At Smiths Hire, our spider lifts are available in heights from 15m to 20m and are ideal for tasks such as window cleaning, roof work, and maintenance in areas with limited access. Their compact size and tracked base not only make them perfect for navigating narrow spaces, but they also offer great manoeuvrability, allowing you to perform tasks efficiently even in challenging environments!

At Smiths Hire, we have a variety of different telescopic boom lifts and spider lifts for hire, each with different sizes, capabilities, and features. Whether you’re working on a construction site, performing building maintenance, or need access to hard-to-reach areas, we’ve got the right equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently!

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If you’re unsure about which lift is the best fit for your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. With 18 tool hire depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including in major cities like Manchester Trafford & Openshaw, Liverpool and Bradford, we’re never too far away! Just give us a call on 0333 323 2100 or visit our website to view our full range of access hire options!