Scissor, Boom, or Podium Lift? How to Choose the Right One
Choosing the right access equipment depends on the task, height, site layout, and environment.
FESS Hire supplies electric and diesel scissor lifts, boom lifts, podiums and push-around platforms — all LOLER-certified and delivered nationwide.
Whether you’re working in tight indoor spaces or across complex outdoor sites, we’ll help you quickly and safely match the right kit to the job.
📘 View all specs in the new FESS Hire Equipment Brochure.
Because when you’ve got the right lift on-site, the work gets done faster, safer, and without disruption.
Start by Asking the Right Questions:
✅ What height do I need to reach?
✅ Is horizontal reach required (e.g. over obstacles)?
✅ Will I be working indoors or outdoors — or both?
✅ How tight is the access? Are doorways or lifts involved?
✅ Do I need a zero-emission or low-noise solution?
✅ What’s the site surface — flat, uneven, or rough terrain?
✅ How many operatives need to work at height?
Common Equipment Types & When to Use Them
🔹 Electric Scissor Lifts
Best for: Indoor access, maintenance, warehouses, retail fit-outs
- Zero-emission, quiet operation
- Compact width for narrow aisles
- Up to 12m working height
🔹 Diesel Scissor Lifts
Best for: Outdoor sites and rough terrain
- High capacity for heavier tools/materials
- Stabilisers for safe platform use
- Up to 18m working height
🔹 Boom Lifts (Articulating & Telescopic)
Best for: Working up, out and over obstacles
- Great for steelwork, M&E, and cladding
- Indoor electric or outdoor diesel options
- Up to 20m+ reach with 360° movement
🔹 Push-Around Platforms & Podiums
Best for: Low-level indoor tasks
- No licence required
- Ideal for quick jobs in schools, hospitals, or fit-outs
- Safer and more stable than ladders
📘 Compare working heights, specs and footprints in the new FESS Hire Equipment Brochure
Top Tip: Don’t Overspec
We regularly help clients avoid overspending by recommending:
- A push-around platform instead of a powered unit for low-level installs
- An electric scissor instead of a diesel lift for indoor sites
- A compact lift that fits through doors and reduces delays
With FESS Hire, you’re not just getting kit, you’re getting practical advice backed by decades of hands-on site experience.
Why FESS Makes Access Easy
Whether you need a single scissor lift or multiple boom platforms across sites, FESS Hire gives you:
✅ Honest advice from real engineers
✅ Nationwide access to trusted equipment brands
✅ Same-day and next-day delivery
✅ Live availability and tracking
✅ LOLER certification and H&S compliance included
✅ Bundle options across access, tools, skips and welfare
Backed by FESS Group, we also provide integrated lift planning, method statements, and full project mobilisation support where needed.
“FESS helped us replace six units with just three better-matched machines — it saved us 30% and simplified the entire lift plan.”
– Logistics Lead, National Contractor
❓FAQs: Choosing the Right Access Equipment
1. What’s the difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift?
Scissor lifts move straight up and are ideal for vertical-only tasks. Boom lifts can extend both up and out, giving access to rooftops, steelwork, and awkward positions, especially over obstructions.
2. Can I use electric lifts on construction sites?
Electric lifts, including fit-outs, shopping centres, and warehouses, are ideal for indoor or low-emission zones. They’re quiet, clean, and often compact enough for doorways or lifts.
3. How do I know if I’ve over-specified equipment?
You may be overpaying if your task doesn’t require power, height, or reach. FESS Hire helps clients avoid this by recommending simpler, safer options like podium steps or push-around platforms for low-level jobs.
4. Do I need training or a licence to operate access equipment?
Powered access, such as boom and scissor lifts, usually requires an IPAF licence. However, push-arounds and podiums do not, making them an excellent option for short tasks in low-risk environments.
5. What if I need multiple platforms across different sites?
FESS Hire offers bundle packages and coordinated delivery nationwide. We also provide lift planning and integration with your site logistics, so you can scale access hire without the headaches.
Make the Smart Choice — Every Time
📥 Checkout the New FESS Hire Brochure
📞 Call 0345 257 2007 for instant access hire advice
📧 Or request a callback at Contact Us