How to Buy a Used Towable Boom Lift: Prices, Sizes & Top Models

Last updated: October 19, 2026

Thinking about buying a used towable boom lift? These compact, versatile machines tow behind a pickup and reach 34 to 50 ft or more, without the cost of a new unit. But buying used requires extra care: you want a reliable machine that’s safe, job-ready and priced right.

This guide covers what to look for, popular models and sizes, what you can expect to pay, and what you need to tow one safely.

Table of Contents

• Applications and Advantages
• Towable vs. Non-Towable Boom Lifts
• What to Look for When Buying Used
• Sizes
• Popular Towable Boom Lift Models
• Used Towable Boom Lift Prices
• Towing Requirements
• FAQs

Towable boom lifts, also called trailer lifts or tow-behind lifts, are compact, transportable aerial work platforms built for mobility, flexibility, and efficiency. Unlike self-propelled lifts, they can be towed by standard vehicles, making them ideal for contractors, service providers, and maintenance teams that move frequently between job sites.

These lifts combine compact transport with substantial reach, allowing teams to access elevated areas safely and efficiently — without requiring heavy-duty vehicles or permanent storage.

Key Applications for Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts are widely used in industries where height access and portability are critical:

• Construction & Renovation: Exterior repairs, siding, windows, and façade work
• Electrical & Utility Work: Servicing power lines, streetlights, and communications infrastructure
• Signage & Facility Maintenance: Installing or servicing signs, lighting, and building exteriors
• Landscaping & Tree Care: Pruning, trimming, and maintaining trees or hedges
• Industrial & Event Setup: Accessing elevated storage racks, stages, or temporary structures

Advantages of Towable Boom Lifts

Experienced operators value towable lifts for their combination of performance, portability, and cost-effectiveness:

• Portable & Towable: Easy transport with a properly rated pickup, no separate transport trailer needed
• Compact Footprint: Maneuverable in tight or restricted jobsite spaces
• Cost-Effective: Lower upfront and operating costs compared to self-propelled lifts, especially when buying used
• Quick Deployment: Set up and ready to operate in minutes

Beyond choosing the right size lift for your project, there are several other factors to keep in mind:

• Year, hours, and condition: Consider the lift’s year, total hours, and overall condition. Inspection reports from the seller can help confirm this information.
• Maintenance and inspection history: If you’re buying from a rental yard or equipment dealer, ask to see inspection reports. These show regular maintenance, past repairs, and any issues the lift has had.
• Helpful features: Look for auto-leveling outriggers, which speed up setup on uneven ground, and optional drive systems (offered on some models) that let you move the lift around the job site without a vehicle.
• Annual inspection: ANSI A92 standards require a documented annual inspection by a qualified technician. Ask for the most recent one, and check that any open manufacturer safety bulletins have been completed.
• Towing components: Check the coupler, safety chains, lights, tires and brakes (if equipped), since these wear on the road as well as on the job.

Paying attention to these factors can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure the lift performs reliably on the job.

Note: It’s entirely acceptable to ask for detailed photos of all 4 tires, control panel, meter, motor, and of any damage to the lift you’re thinking about buying. Don’t forget to compare the meter readings in the photo to the meter reading advertised. Here are some examples of photos you should expect to receive:

The size of a towable boom lift is typically described by its maximum platform height or working height. Here’s a general guide:

• 30–35 Feet: Ideal for smaller tasks, such as residential work or light commercial projects.
• 40–50 Feet: A versatile range for commercial applications, including building maintenance, tree trimming, and general construction.
• 50–70 Feet: Suited for more demanding jobs that require extended reach, like taller building maintenance or advanced construction projects.

While working height indicates how high the platform can extend, horizontal reach can vary by model. Some lifts feature a jib or articulating arm for added flexibility, making it easier to reach tricky spots.

When evaluating a lift, also consider:

• Lift capacity – the weight it can safely handle
• Stabilization options – outriggers or leveling features
• Additional features – self-propelled movement, self-leveling, or other job-specific capabilities

Choosing the right size and features ensures the lift can safely and efficiently handle the tasks you need it for.

Used towable boom lift prices depend mostly on size, year, hours, power type and condition. Here’s what common models are listed for on FleetNow:

Prices are FleetNow asking prices as of October 2026 and change daily. Low-hour, late-model and electric units sit at the top of each range. Browse used towable boom lifts for sale.

Towable boom lifts are built to be towed behind a pickup, but the right tow vehicle depends on the lift’s size and weight. Always check the lift’s operator’s manual and your vehicle’s towing specifications.

Small to Medium Lifts (34–35 ft platform height)

• Most weigh about 3,100–3,600 lb. The JLG T350 weighs about 3,600 lb, and the Genie TZ-34/20 about 3,155 lb.
• Most full-size pickups and many SUVs with a towing package can handle them. Make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity exceeds the lift’s weight.

Larger Lifts (50 ft platform height)

• These weigh about 4,400–4,800 lb. The Genie TZ-50 weighs about 4,400 lb, and the JLG T500J about 4,800 lb.
• A full-size or heavy-duty pickup with a higher tow rating is the safer choice.

Hitches, Brakes and Road Rules

• Hitch: Match your hitch to the lift’s coupler. The JLG T350 uses a 2-in ball, while Genie TZ models come with a combination coupler that fits a 2-5/16-in ball, clevis or pintle.
• Tow speed: Manufacturers rate these machines for highway towing, up to 60 mph for Genie TZ models and 65 mph for JLG towables.
• Trailer brakes: Many states require trailer brakes above a certain weight, often between 1,500 and 3,000 lb. Most towable boom lifts exceed that, so check that the lift’s brakes work and that it meets your state’s rules.
• Safety: Use safety chains, confirm all trailer lights work, and stow and secure the boom and outriggers before towing.

Here are some common pickup truck models and their towing capacity:

*Source: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/only-2-half-ton-pickup-trucks-can-tow-more-than-13000-pounds/