Scissor lifts are used to lift workers to heights that wouldn't be accessible otherwise. A scissor lift is attached to a moving piece of equipment, and has a large work station, known as a scissor lift table, that allows users plenty of working room and a place to hold equipment. A scissor lift doesn't go as high as a boom lift; it sacrifices height for a larger work station.

When more height is needed, a boom lift can be used. There are a few different types of boom lifts, each appropriate for different tasks: the electric boom lift, the towable boom lift and the articulating boom lift. The electric boom lift runs on rechargeable batteries and is a commonly used in warehouses, because they can fit through tight aisles, reach over equipment and onto high shelves. Even when fully elevated, the electric boom lift can be driven and moved throughout the warehouse.

The towable boom lift can't be driven like the other models, but instead has to be towed behind a truck. The towable boom lift is powered by either a rechargeable battery or a gasoline engine and is an ideal model for rentals. Although the boom lift isn't as mobile as the other varieties, it does have a high boom that rotates 360 degrees, making it easy to reach a variety of areas once elevated.

The articulating boom lift is perhaps the most versatile of all the boom lifts. It allows users to work at significant heights, is fully movable even when extended, and is able to rotate a full 360 degrees in every direction. Most models are also narrow enough to be used in industrial settings and can be driven through narrow aisles with ease.