Towable Boom Lifts: Models, Specs, Prices and Buying Guide
Last updated: November 2026
A towable boom lift is a boom lift built on its own trailer. You hitch it to a pickup, van or SUV, tow it to the job, set the outriggers and work from a platform 34 to about 63 ft in the air. Towables are also called trailer-mounted boom lifts, tow-behind or pull-behind lifts, trailer lifts and towable cherry pickers.
Because they need no separate trailer or truck to haul them, towable boom lifts are a favorite of roofers, painters, tree services, sign and lighting crews, property managers and rental yards. This guide covers how they work, the size classes, specs for the popular Genie, JLG, Niftylift and Haulotte models, what used towables sell for on FleetNow, and how to pick the right one.
In this guide:
How Towable Boom Lifts Work
A towable boom lift has three main parts: a single-axle trailer with a tongue and hitch coupler, four outriggers that lift and level the machine, and a boom on a turntable with a platform (basket) for one or two people.
- Towing: most popular models weigh about 3,100 to 4,800 lb, so a properly rated pickup or SUV can pull them. Larger 60+ ft models weigh much more (the Niftylift TM64 is about 7,700 lb).
- Setup: at the job you lower the outriggers, which level the machine and take its weight off the tires. Most models have interlocks that stop the boom from rising until the outriggers are set.
- Boom: most towables use an articulating boom (two or more sections joined at a knuckle) so they can reach up and over a roof edge or fence. Smaller models such as the JLG T350 and Genie TZ-34/20 combine an articulating riser with a telescoping upper boom.
- Capacity: platform capacity on the common models is 500 lb, enough for two people and hand tools.
- Power: most towables run on DC batteries, which are quiet and clean for residential and indoor work. Many models also come in bi-energy or hybrid (battery plus gas or diesel engine), AC mains or engine-only versions.
- Traction drive: some models offer a drive option that lets the operator move the unhitched machine short distances around a site without a tow vehicle.
Towable Boom Lift Sizes
Towable boom lifts are sized by platform height. Working height is usually about 6 ft more than platform height, since it assumes a person standing in the basket. Many model names give the height and outreach: the Haulotte 4527A reaches 45 ft with 27 ft of outreach.
| Size class | Platform height | Horizontal outreach | Typical weight | Popular models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 to 36 ft | 34 to 36 ft | 18 to 22 ft | 3,100 to 3,400 lb | JLG T350, Genie TZ-34/20, Niftylift TM34T, Haulotte 3522A |
| 42 to 45 ft | 42 to 45 ft | 25 to 27 ft | 3,900 to 4,200 lb | Niftylift TM42T, Haulotte 4527A |
| 50 to 55 ft | 49.5 to 55 ft | 28 to 33 ft | 4,400 to 4,800 lb | JLG T500J, Genie TZ-50, Niftylift TM50, Haulotte 5533A |
| 60+ ft | about 62 ft | about 39 ft | about 7,700 lb | Niftylift TM64 |
The 34 to 36 ft class is by far the most common: it covers two-story homes, gutters, signs and most tree work. See our infographic on how high a towable boom lift can reach.
Popular Towable Boom Lift Models and Specs
These are the towable boom lifts you will see most often on the used market. Specs are from manufacturer and dealer spec sheets.
| Model | Platform height | Working height | Horizontal outreach | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLG T350 | 35 ft | about 41 ft | 18 ft 8 in | 500 lb | 3,400 lb |
| JLG T500J | 50 ft | about 56 ft | 30 ft | 500 lb | 4,800 lb |
| Genie TZ-34/20 | 34 ft | about 40 ft | 18 to 20 ft | 500 lb | 3,155 lb |
| Genie TZ-50 | 49 ft 6 in | about 55 ft 6 in | 29 ft 2 in | 500 lb | 4,400 lb |
| Niftylift TM34T | 33 ft 6 in | 40 ft | 20 ft | 500 lb | 3,100 lb |
| Niftylift TM42T | 42 ft | 48 ft 6 in | 25 ft | 500 lb | 3,915 lb |
| Niftylift TM50 | 49 ft 6 in | 56 ft | 28 ft 6 in | 500 lb | 4,760 lb |
| Niftylift TM64 | 62 ft 6 in | 69 ft | 39 ft 6 in | 500 lb | 7,700 lb |
| Haulotte 4527A | 45 ft | 51 ft | 27 ft | 500 lb | 4,200 lb |
| Haulotte 5533A | 55 ft 3 in | 61 ft 3 in | 33 ft 5 in | 500 lb | 4,800 lb |
Weights change with the power option and model year, and sources differ on some figures (for example, Genie TZ-34/20 outreach is listed as 18 ft by some dealers and about 20 ft by others). Check the serial plate and decals on the machine for its exact ratings.
- JLG T350: the most common towable in the US and on FleetNow. A compact 35 ft lift with a telescoping upper boom, light enough for most pickups to tow.
- JLG T500J: JLG’s 50 ft Tow-Pro model with an articulating jib, 30 ft of outreach and a 500 lb platform.
- Genie TZ-34/20 and TZ-50: Genie’s two towables. The TZ-50 adds up-and-over reach with about 29 ft of outreach.
- Niftylift TM series: trailer-mounted booms from 34 to 64 ft with battery, mains, engine and bi-energy options; traction drive is available on several models.
- Haulotte (formerly Bil-Jax): the 3522A, 4527A and 5533A articulating towables and the 3632T telescopic model; many older units carry the Bil-Jax name.
Used Towable Boom Lift Prices
Prices below are asking prices for the 257 towable boom lifts listed on FleetNow in November 2026. The middle half shows where most listings fall, without the cheapest and most expensive quarter.
| Model | FleetNow listings | Price range | Middle half of listings | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLG T350 | 132 | $16,800 to $39,900 | $19,600 to $20,000 | 2011 to 2024 |
| JLG T500J | 39 | $19,950 to $59,950 | $28,000 to $33,000 | 2016 to 2024 |
| Genie TZ-50 | 31 | $23,800 to $59,950 | $28,400 to $33,000 | 2013 to 2026 |
| Haulotte 4527A | 9 | $28,850 to $41,950 | $38,900 to $40,200 | 2015 to 2026 |
| Haulotte 5533A | 7 | $48,950 to $62,750 | $49,700 to $56,300 | 2019 to 2026 |
| Haulotte 3632T | 6 | $20,100 to $35,950 | $26,200 to $31,600 | 2021 to 2026 |
| Genie TZ-34/20 | 5 | $17,850 to $35,950 | $21,000 to $24,900 | 2009 to 2026 |
| Niftylift TM34T | 4 | $34,450 to $39,450 | Not enough listings | 2026 |
| Niftylift TM42T | 4 | $52,400 to $57,450 | Not enough listings | 2026 |
| All towable boom lifts | 257 | $16,800 to $99,850 | $20,000 to $31,800 | 2009 to 2026 |
A used 35 ft towable such as a JLG T350 typically lists for about $20,000, while 50 to 55 ft models run about $28,000 to $56,000. Year, hours, battery condition, and whether the unit is DC or bi-energy move the price the most. For a step-by-step buying checklist, towing tips and inspection points, read our guide to buying a used towable boom lift.
Towable vs Self-Propelled Boom Lifts
| Towable boom lift | Self-propelled boom lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Tows behind a pickup, van or SUV | Needs a trailer or truck to haul it |
| Setup | Outriggers must be set at each work position | Drives to the spot and works right away |
| Platform height | About 34 to 63 ft | About 30 ft up to 185 ft |
| Moving on site | Re-hitch and tow, or traction drive on some models | Drives while stowed, and often at height |
| Weight and footprint | Light, with outriggers that spread the load (use pads on lawns and pavers) | Heavier; rough-terrain models are built for mud and grades |
| Best for | Contractors moving between many small jobs | Large sites where the lift moves all day |
If you need more height or will reposition the lift many times a day, look at articulating boom lifts or a telescopic boom lift. Our guide to types of boom lifts compares all of them.
Common Uses for Towable Boom Lifts
- Roofing, gutters, chimneys and skylights
- Tree trimming and removal
- Painting, siding and exterior repairs
- Sign, parking lot light and security camera work
- Window cleaning and facade maintenance
- Holiday lighting and event setups
- Facility maintenance for schools, churches and warehouses
- Fruit picking (the reason for the “cherry picker” nickname)
How to Choose a Towable Boom Lift
- Height: pick a working height a few feet above the highest point you need to reach. Remember working height is about 6 ft above platform height.
- Outreach: if you must set up back from a building, behind a fence or over a flower bed, horizontal outreach matters as much as height. Articulating models such as the JLG T500J, Genie TZ-50 and Haulotte 4527A reach up and over obstacles.
- Tow vehicle: compare the lift’s weight (plus anything else you tow) with your vehicle’s towing rating and hitch class, and check the coupler size and wiring on the tongue. Brake and registration rules for trailers vary by state.
- Power: DC battery models are quiet and emission-free for homes, schools and indoor work. Choose bi-energy or engine power if you work long days away from an outlet.
- Site access: check the stowed width and the outrigger footprint against gates, driveways and side yards. Traction drive helps when you cannot get the tow vehicle close.
- Condition: on a used unit, look at battery age, the outriggers and their interlocks, boom pins and wear pads, tires, lights and brakes, and the annual inspection record. Our boom lift inspection checklist covers what to check.
Always read the operator’s manual and get proper training before using any aerial lift. More answers are in our towable boom lift FAQs.
Below is a JLG T350 review from a maintenance contractor. Videos do not replace operator training or the manufacturer’s manual.
Shop Towable Boom Lifts on FleetNow
FleetNow lists used towable boom lifts from dealers and owners across the US. Browse by brand:
- JLG towable boom lifts
- Genie towable boom lifts
- Haulotte towable boom lifts
- Niftylift towable boom lifts
You can also see all used towable boom lifts or every boom lift for sale.
Cannot find the right unit? Contact the FleetNow team or call 1-216-973-5124. Have equipment to sell? List your equipment on FleetNow.
Towable Boom Lift FAQs
A towable boom lift is an aerial work platform built on its own single-axle trailer. It is towed behind a pickup, van or SUV, then set up on four outriggers at the job. Popular models reach platform heights of 34 to about 63 ft and carry 500 lb, enough for two workers and their tools. They are also called trailer-mounted, tow-behind or pull-behind boom lifts and towable cherry pickers.
Most towable boom lifts have platform heights of 34 to 55 ft, which is about 40 to 61 ft of working height. The largest common model, the Niftylift TM64, reaches 62 ft 6 in at the platform and 69 ft of working height. The 34 to 36 ft class, led by the JLG T350 and Genie TZ-34/20, is the most popular.
In November 2026, the 257 towable boom lifts listed on FleetNow ranged from $16,800 to $99,850, and the middle half were priced between $20,000 and $31,800. A used JLG T350 typically lists for about $20,000, and 50 to 55 ft models such as the JLG T500J, Genie TZ-50 and Haulotte 5533A run about $28,000 to $56,000.
You need a vehicle and hitch rated for the lift weight, which is about 3,100 to 4,800 lb for most models and about 7,700 lb for the 64 ft Niftylift TM64. Check the coupler size, safety chains and light wiring on the tongue, and follow your state rules for trailer brakes and registration. Our guide to buying a used towable boom lift covers towing in more detail.
The JLG T350 is the most common towable boom lift on the used market. It accounted for 132 of the 257 towable boom lifts listed on FleetNow in November 2026. Its 35 ft platform height, 500 lb capacity and 3,400 lb weight make it a popular choice for contractors and rental fleets.
Most towable boom lifts run on DC batteries charged from a standard outlet, which makes them quiet and emission-free for residential and indoor work. Many models are also available as bi-energy or hybrid units that add a gas or diesel engine, and some come in engine-only or AC mains versions.
