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When you’re working at height, the kit you choose isn’t just about reach, it’s about how well it suits the job. Maybe you’re cladding the side of a warehouse, running cable trays in a factory unit, replacing signage, or repairing roofline guttering on a retail unit. Whatever it is, you need something safe, steady, and that keeps you working efficiently.
A question we get a lot at Smiths Hire is: “Should we go with scaffold towers or hire a boom?” And the truth is, it depends. If you’re spending a week pointing brickwork on a four-storey block, you might need something very different than if you’re changing external lighting on a business park in one afternoon.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting businesses across the UK with reliable, expert-led tool hire services. So, if you’re weighing up whether to get a scaffold or swing a boom into position, here’s a no-nonsense breakdown of our non-powered and powered access hire equipment
What kind of access does the job need?
Access isn’t always as straightforward as going directly upwards. If you’re dealing with awkward layouts, fenced compounds, parked vehicles, roof overhangs, or plant machinery in the way, you’ll need more flexibility than a scaffold tower can offer. In these cases, a boom lift gives you the option to go up, across, and over with minimal disruption to the site. Articulated booms, in particular, are useful when access is restricted at ground level but you still need to reach a certain height safely.
If you’ve got clear and flat ground in front of the area you’re working on, like a tidy slab, an obstacle-free façade or an indoor fit-out, then a scaffold tower could be all you need. It won’t reach the same heights as a boom, but it gives you a solid and spacious platform to work from, which is ideal for jobs that need a steady hand or lots of time in one place. The choice really comes down to how high you need to go, what obstacles are in your way, and how much moving around you want to avoid while getting the job done.
What are the ground conditions like?
The surface you’re working on plays a big role in deciding which access method to choose. If you’re indoors on a solid concrete floor, on level tarmac, or on well-compacted slabs, scaffold towers can be used safely with minimal adjustment. You’ll be able to level the base, build up your platform, and crack on without worrying about ground movement. However, if the ground is uneven, sloped, or prone to shifting, such as soft gravel, loose fill, or compacted Type 1 in a yard, then powered access is usually the safer and more stable option.
Boom lifts are designed for tougher surfaces and provide a steady base, even when the terrain isn’t ideal. This is especially important if the job involves a lot of movement or heavier lifting at height, which can become a risk when towers are placed on unstable ground. It’s not just about getting off the ground; it’s about making sure what’s underneath you is reliable enough to support you and your kit.
How fast do you need to get working?
If you’re working to tight turnaround times, such as completing scheduled maintenance across multiple buildings or delivering repairs between tenant handovers, a boom lift lets you get started almost straight away. There’s no need to build anything or wait for site clearance. You position the machine, raise the platform, and start the job. It’s ideal for reactive work or short access windows where time is a major factor.
Scaffold towers, on the other hand, take time to erect and dismantle safely. That might not be an issue if the job itself takes days, like when plastering tall interior walls or doing repeat tasks in one section of a building. But if setup and takedown time eats into your working day, then powered access might give you the edge. Your choice should depend on how soon you need to be in position and how long you’ll be staying there once you are.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve been working with tradespeople and contractors for over 50 years, so we know how important it is to have the right kit for the job, especially when you’re working at height. Whether you’re lining up scaffold towers for a week-long job or you need a boom that can get you around the site quickly, we’ll help you figure out what works best.
We’ve got the stock, the reach, and the know-how to get you what you need, when you need it. With 18 conveniently located Hire It Centres across the North West and Yorkshire, we make it easy to get hold of the right access equipment for your site. We own over £16 million worth of gear, so whether you’re after scaffold towers for a long-term build or a boom lift to get straight to work, we’ve got the kit ready to go. If you’re not sure what you need, just give us a ring on 0330 822 3992 or take a look at our access hire page, and we’ll talk it through and help you get sorted.
