Telescopic Boom Lifts: Sizes, Models, Prices and Buying Guide
Last updated: November 2026
A telescopic boom lift, often called a straight boom or stick boom, raises a work platform on a single boom that extends in sections. Telescopic booms give the most height and horizontal outreach for the money, from 40 ft machines for general construction up to 185 ft super booms for refineries, stadiums and bridges.
This guide explains how telescopic boom lifts work, how they compare with articulating booms, the main size classes and models from JLG, Genie and Skyjack, what used units sell for on FleetNow, and what to check before you buy.
In this guide:
How Telescopic Boom Lifts Work
A telescopic boom lift has a turntable on a drivable chassis and a straight boom made of two or more nested sections. Hydraulic cylinders raise the boom and extend the sections in a straight line, so the platform can go straight up, straight out, or anywhere in between. Most models add a short jib at the platform for fine positioning, and many can be driven slowly with the boom raised.
Most telescopic booms are diesel, four-wheel drive rough terrain machines with foam-filled tires and oscillating axles. Older and smaller models were also offered with dual fuel (gas/propane) engines. Many larger models offer two capacity zones: a higher capacity (often 1,000 lb) in a smaller envelope and a lower capacity (500 to 660 lb) across the full height and reach.
Telescopic vs Articulating Boom Lifts
| Telescopic (straight) boom | Articulating (knuckle) boom | |
|---|---|---|
| Boom design | One straight boom that extends in sections | Two or more boom sections joined by knuckles |
| Height and outreach | More height and horizontal reach for the size and price | Less outreach for the same platform height |
| Up-and-over reach | Limited to the jib | Reaches up and over obstacles |
| Space needed | More room to set up and swing | Works in tighter spaces |
| Best for | Open sites, tall steel, facades, bridges | Congested sites, around piping and structures |
Not sure which type fits? Read our guide to boom lift types and articulating boom lift FAQs, or browse articulating boom lifts.
Telescopic Boom Lift Sizes and Prices
| Size class | Popular models | Typical jobs | Typical used price on FleetNow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 to 46 ft | Genie S-40, S-45; JLG 400S, 460SJ; Skyjack SJ40 T, SJ45 T | Framing, siding, steel and general construction | $21,000 to $45,000 |
| 60 to 66 ft | Genie S-60, S-65; JLG 600S, 660SJ; Skyjack SJ61 T, SJ66 T | Commercial and industrial construction, tilt-up, warehouses | $25,000 to $47,000 (newer XC units more) |
| 80 to 86 ft | Genie S-80, S-85; JLG 800S, 860SJ; Skyjack SJ82 T, SJ86 T | Multistory steel, glazing, stadiums | $36,000 to $70,000 |
| 120 to 135 ft | Genie S-125, SX-125 XC, SX-135 XC; JLG 1200SJP, 1350SJP | Tall steel, plants, bridges | $70,000 to $180,000 |
| 150 to 185 ft | JLG 1500SJ, 1850SJ; Genie SX-150, SX-180 | Refineries, power plants, very tall structures | $115,000 to $420,000 (few listings) |
Price ranges are the middle half of FleetNow asking prices for the listed models in October and November 2026, from our brand and model guides. Newer XC (extra capacity) units, low hours and recent annual inspections sit at the top of each range. See all telescopic boom lift listings.
Popular Telescopic Boom Lift Models and Specs
| Model | Platform height | Horizontal outreach | Capacity | Weight | Used price on FleetNow (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genie S-45 | 45 ft | 36 ft 8 in | 500 lb (XC: 1,000 / 660 lb) | 15,300 lb | $26,200 to $31,400 (guide) |
| JLG 400S | 40 ft | 33 ft 3 in | 1,000 / 600 lb | 13,650 lb | $25,300 to $38,100 (guide) |
| JLG 460SJ | 46 ft | 39 ft 7 in | 600 lb | 16,600 lb | $25,900 to $44,900 (guide) |
| Skyjack SJ45 T | 45 ft 1 in | 39 ft 8 in | 660 lb (1,000 lb restricted) | 15,780 lb | $26,000 to $33,900 |
| Genie S-65 | 65 ft | 56 ft 2 in | 500 lb (XC: 1,000 / 660 lb) | 22,400 lb | $30,600 to $40,400 (guide) |
| JLG 600S | 59 ft 8 in | 50 ft 2 in | 1,000 / 600 lb | 21,500 lb | $36,200 to $40,500 (guide) |
| JLG 660SJ | 65 ft 8 in | 57 ft 1 in | 750 / 550 lb | 25,341 lb | $25,500 to $46,900 (review) |
| Skyjack SJ66 T | 66 ft 3 in | 57 ft | 660 lb (1,000 lb restricted) | 27,745 lb | $30,500 to $35,500 |
| Genie S-85 | 85 ft | 74 ft 6 in | 500 lb (XC: 1,000 / 660 lb) | 39,500 lb | $40,100 to $55,000 (guide) |
| JLG 800S | 80 ft | 71 ft | 1,000 / 500 lb | 34,150 lb | $43,700 to $64,900 (review) |
| JLG 860SJ | 86 ft | 75 ft | 750 / 500 lb | 36,900 lb | $36,300 to $69,900 (review) |
| Skyjack SJ86 T | 86 ft | 76 ft 10 in | 500 lb (750 lb restricted) | 38,000 lb | $47,100 to $62,700 |
| JLG 1200SJP | 120 ft | 75 ft | 1,000 / 500 lb | 40,900 lb | $80,000 to $110,000 (guide) |
| JLG 1350SJP | 135 ft | 80 ft | 1,000 / 500 lb | About 45,000 lb | $93,800 to $179,900 (guide) |
Specs are for current or late-model versions from manufacturer and dealer spec sheets used in our model guides; older units and XC versions differ, so check the serial plate and decals. Prices are the middle half of FleetNow asking prices (October and November 2026). See the Genie boom lift guide, JLG boom lift guide and Skyjack boom lift guide for every model.
Telescopic Boom Lift Brands on FleetNow
Genie, JLG and Skyjack make up most of the used telescopic boom lifts on FleetNow, with smaller numbers from MEC, Snorkel, LGMG and Haulotte. In November 2026 FleetNow had about 1,900 telescopic boom lifts listed.
- Genie telescopic boom lifts: the largest share, led by the S-45, S-65 and S-40.
- JLG telescopic boom lifts: the 460SJ, 660SJ and 860SJ are the most common, plus the 1200SJP and 1350SJP super booms.
- Skyjack telescopic boom lifts: SJ45 T, SJ66 T and SJ86 T models, often at lower prices.
- MEC, Snorkel, LGMG and Haulotte: fewer listings, sometimes newer units.
How to Choose a Telescopic Boom Lift
- Height: working height is about 6 ft more than platform height. Pick a platform height that reaches the work without full extension at the edge of the envelope.
- Outreach: check horizontal outreach at the capacity you need. Many booms reach farther with 500 lb than with 1,000 lb.
- Capacity: standard models carry 500 to 600 lb; XC and dual-capacity models carry up to 1,000 lb for crews with materials.
- Transport: 40 to 66 ft booms weigh about 14,000 to 28,000 lb; 80 ft and larger booms weigh 34,000 lb or more and may need permits. 120 ft and larger booms need heavy-haul trailers.
- Ground conditions: look for four-wheel drive, gradeability and foam-filled tires on rough sites, or non-marking tires for finished slabs.
- Ownership costs: annual inspections, tires, batteries and Tier 4 Final emissions parts add up on larger machines.
Common Uses for Telescopic Boom Lifts
- Structural steel erection and connecting
- Glazing, cladding and facade work
- Electrical, HVAC and sprinkler work on large buildings
- Bridge inspection and repair
- Industrial and plant maintenance, inspections and painting
- Sign, lighting and tree work where there is room to set up
Used Telescopic Boom Lift Buying Checklist
- Annual inspection and records: ask for the last annual inspection, service history and any boom repairs.
- Boom sections and wear pads: look for dents, cracked welds, scoring, worn pads and drift with the boom raised.
- Hydraulics: check hoses, cylinders and the hose carrier for leaks and chafing.
- Turntable: rotate a full 360° and check the swing bearing and drive for play and noise.
- Engine and emissions: cold start, check for smoke, leaks and fault codes, and review hours.
- Drive, steering and axles: test four-wheel drive, all steering modes, brakes, oscillating axles and any extendable axles.
- Safety systems: test the load sensing or envelope limits, tilt alarm, emergency stops and auxiliary descent.
- Platform and jib: check the jib, platform rotator, gate, lanyard anchors and controls.
Our boom lift inspection checklist and the FleetNow inspection app help you document condition before you buy.
Telescopic Boom Lift Video Review
This independent review from Lift and Access covers the 185 ft JLG 1850SJ. It does not replace operator training or the manufacturer’s operation and safety manual.
Shop Telescopic Boom Lifts With FleetNow
Browse all used telescopic boom lifts, or narrow it down by brand with Genie, JLG and Skyjack. You can also compare all boom lifts.
Cannot find the right unit? Contact the FleetNow team or call 1-216-973-5124. Have equipment to sell? List your equipment on FleetNow.
Telescopic Boom Lift FAQs
A telescopic boom lift is an aerial work platform with a straight boom that extends in sections. It raises workers and tools straight up or out to the side and gives more height and horizontal outreach than an articulating boom of similar size.
A telescopic (straight) boom has one boom that extends in a straight line for maximum reach. An articulating (knuckle) boom has jointed sections that reach up and over obstacles and work in tighter spaces, but with less outreach.
Common models range from 40 ft to 86 ft of platform height. Super booms such as the JLG 1500SJ and 1850SJ and the Genie SX-150 and SX-180 reach 150 to 185 ft.
On FleetNow in late 2026, typical asking prices were about $21,000 to $45,000 for 40 to 46 ft booms, $25,000 to $47,000 for 60 to 66 ft booms, $36,000 to $70,000 for 80 to 86 ft booms, and $70,000 to $180,000 for 120 to 135 ft booms.
Most standard telescopic booms carry 500 to 600 lb. Extra capacity (XC) and dual-capacity models carry up to 1,000 lb in a restricted envelope, with 500 to 660 lb across the full height and reach.
JLG, Genie and Skyjack make most of the telescopic boom lifts in North American fleets. Snorkel, MEC, Haulotte, LGMG and Sinoboom also build them.
Most telescopic boom lifts can be driven slowly with the boom raised, within limits set by the control system. Always follow the operator manual and the machine decals.
