Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview of Towable Boom Lifts
Analysis of Average Market Retail Prices
Price Comparison by Brand
OEM/ODM Price Advantages from Chinese Factories
Market Rental Price Analysis
Practical Advice: Bulk Purchasing vs. Single Purchasing
Decision Guide: Leasing vs. Buying
Market Potential and Future Trends
Conclusion and Recommendations
1. Introduction
Towable boom lifts are widely used in industries such as construction, power maintenance, advertising installation, and warehousing. Due to their flexibility, mobility, and cost-effectiveness, market demand continues to grow.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of retail prices, brand pricing, Chinese factory quotes, and rental costs, offering practical advice for bulk purchasing, single purchases, and leasing based on different needs.
2. Overview of Towable Boom Lifts
Towable boom lifts are non-self-propelled aerial work platforms typically towed by trailers or trucks. Key features include:
Working Height: 30-120 feet (9-36 meters)
Load Capacity: 200-500 lbs (90-227 kg)
Power Type: Diesel, electric, or hybrid
Applications: Outdoor construction, bridge maintenance, tree trimming, film production, etc.
Since they do not require special driving licenses (only a legal towing vehicle), their operating costs are lower than truck-mounted boom lifts.
3. Analysis of Average Market Retail Prices
Key factors affecting towable boom lift prices:
Working Height (higher = more expensive)
Brand Premium (well-known brands are 20%-50% more expensive)
Power Type (diesel models are usually cheaper than electric)
Additional Features (e.g., four-wheel drive, auto-leveling systems)
Average Market Retail Prices (2024 Data)
Working Height | Price Range (USD) | Example Models |
---|---|---|
30-50 feet | 15,000−30,000 | Genie Z-30/50, JLG 30P |
50-80 feet | 30,000−60,000 | Snorkel TB60, Haulotte TB80 |
80-120 feet | 60,000−120,000+ | Genie S-105, JLG 1200SJ |
Price Trends:
Post-2020, prices rose by ~10%-15% due to global supply chain issues.
In 2024, the market stabilized, with some Chinese brands entering at lower prices.
4. Price Comparison by Brand
(1) European & American Brands (Premium Market)
Brand | Model | Working Height | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Genie (Terex) | Z-45/60 | 45-60 feet | 35,000−70,000 |
JLG | 30P / 60P | 30-60 feet | 30,000−65,000 |
Snorkel | TB50 / TB80 | 50-80 feet | 28,000−75,000 |
Haulotte | TB65 / TB85 | 65-85 feet | 40,000−80,000 |
Features:
Reliable quality, strong after-sales support
Higher prices, suitable for long-term use
(2) Japanese & Korean Brands (Mid-Range Market)
Brand | Model | Working Height | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Aichi (Japan) | TB30 / TB50 | 30-50 feet | 25,000−50,000 |
Hyundai (Korea) | TB40 / TB60 | 40-60 feet | 22,000−55,000 |
Features:
Good balance of price and performance
Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still need reliability
(3) Chinese Brands (Budget Market)
Brand | Model | Working Height | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Tuhe Lift | TB28 / TB58 | 28-58 feet | 12,000−35,000 |
JNHC Lift | TB18 / TB50 | 18-50 feet | 10,000−30,000 |
Zoomlion | ZT20J / ZT30J | 20-30 feet | 15,000−40,000 |
Features:
Significant price advantage (30%-50% lower than Western brands)
Some models meet international standards, suitable for budget buyers
5. OEM/ODM Price Advantages from Chinese Factories
China is the world’s largest manufacturer of aerial work platforms, with many global brands (e.g., Genie, JLG) also producing there.
(1) Chinese Factory Quotes (FOB Prices)
Working Height | OEM Price (USD) | ODM Custom Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
30-50 feet | 8,000−18,000 | 10,000−25,000 |
50-80 feet | 20,000−40,000 | 25,000−50,000 |
80-120 feet | 45,000−90,000 | 50,000−110,000 |
Purchasing Tips:
OEM Purchasing: Ideal for dealers needing white-label products (MOQ: 5-10 units).
ODM Customization: Adjust specs (e.g., battery capacity, hydraulics) for special needs.
(2) Major Manufacturing Hubs in China
Zhejiang (Dingli, Sinoboom)
Guangdong (Zoomlion, Sany)
Shandong (Lingong Heavy Machinery, Tuhe Lift, JNHC Lift)
Logistics & Tariffs:
Shipping to USA: ~2,000−5,000 per container (varies by quantity)
Tariffs: ~5%-10% (varies by country)
6. Market Rental Price Analysis
Renting is cost-effective for short-term projects.
(1) U.S. Rental Market Prices
Working Height | Daily (USD) | Weekly (USD) | Monthly (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
30-50 feet | 150−300 | 500−900 | 1,200−2,500 |
50-80 feet | 300−600 | 1,000−1,800 | 2,500−5,000 |
80-120 feet | 600−1,200 | 2,000−3,500 | 5,000−10,000 |
Factors Affecting Rental Costs:
Rental duration (long-term discounts available)
Equipment condition
Insurance and transport inclusion
(2) Leasing vs. Buying: Cost Comparison
Usage Scenario | Recommended Option |
---|---|
Short-Term (<3 months) | Leasing more economical |
Long-Term (>1 year) | Buying more cost-effective |
High Usage (>200 days/year) | Buy + maintenance plan |
7. Practical Advice: Bulk Purchasing vs. Single Purchasing
(1) Bulk Purchasing (5+ units)
Advantages: 5%-20% discounts, lower FOB prices from Chinese factories.
Best For: Rental companies, large contractors, equipment dealers.
Negotiation Tips:
Request extended warranty (e.g., 2 → 3 years)
Ask for free training or accessory kits
(2) Single Purchasing
Advantages: Flexibility for SMEs or independent contractors.
Purchase Channels:
Local dealers (better after-sales support)
E-commerce (Alibaba, Made-in-China) (lower prices, but inspect quality)
8. Decision Guide: Leasing vs. Buying
Factor | Leasing | Buying |
---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | Low | High |
Maintenance | Covered by lessor | Owner’s responsibility |
Tax Benefits | Rental expenses deductible | Depreciation deductible |
Flexibility | Swap models easily | Long-term ownership |
Recommendations:
Startups → Lease
Established Businesses → Buy (new or used)
Special Projects → Short-term lease
9. Market Potential and Future Trends
Growth Drivers:
Global construction recovery
Rising demand in renewable energy (e.g., solar installations)
Continued cost advantages of Chinese manufacturing
Tech Trends:
Electrification (lithium batteries replacing diesel)
Smart features (remote monitoring, auto-safety systems)
10. Conclusion and Recommendations
High Budget → Choose Genie, JLG (Western brands)
Best Value → Consider Hyundai, Aichi, or Chinese brands (Tuhe Lift, Dingli, JNHC Lift)
Short-Term Use → Lease (from $150/day)
Long-Term Needs → Bulk-buy Chinese OEM units (from $8,000)
Final Tips:
Compare multiple suppliers for FOB quotes
Check after-sales service (local support)
Inspect rental equipment to avoid hidden costs
This guide helps you understand towable boom lift pricing and make optimal purchasing or leasing decisions.