How large do you reckon the global market for construction equipment is? According to Statista, the market reached almost $140 billion in 2020. And is forecast to steadily increase to $175.5 billion by 2025. But have you ever thought about hiring one?
Genie is often thought of as synonymous with aerial lifting equipment. They provide telescopic access equipment (or telehandlers) for construction and other industries worldwide.
Rental costs for a typical 19ft scissor lift start at $100-$150/day. Furthermore, hire rates for a 60ft telescopic lift costs $600-$800/day. In comparison, rental rates for a 40ft articulated boom lift costs $400-$600/day. Genie lift hire prices vary depending on size, load capacities, age, and maximum height. Moreover, there are better deals available if you rent for longer periods.
But why would a company rent a Genie lift rather than buy? The average purchase price for a 19ft scissor lift ranges between $10,000 and $16,000. If your company knows for certain that you have continuous work for your Genie, then it might be better to buy. But, most construction companies only need one for a day or two, now and again, and so would rather rent than buy.
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How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Genie Lift?*
You’ll always find that the cost of renting a Genie lift varies according to the type of aerial lift you require and the duration of hire.
The table below looks at various models and their corresponding average rental costs.
| Model | Type | Capacity (lbs) | Max. working height | Daily Rental rate | Weekly Rental Rate | Monthly Rental Rate |
| GR20 | Runabout. Personnel lift | 500lbs | 17ft 4in | $100 -$150 | $250 -$350 | $500 – $800 |
| GS2032 | Slab scissor lift | 800lbs | 25ft 11in | $50 -$100 | $200 -$250 | $500 – $700 |
| GS3369RT | Scissor lift (rough terrain) | 1,000lbs | 39ft | $250 -$500 | $500 -$800 | $1,200 -$1,500 |
| Z30/20N | Articulated boom lift | 500lbs | 36ft
(21ft 5in horizontal reach) |
$200 -$400 | $800 -$1,000 | $2,200 -$2,400 |
| S60X | Telescopic boom lift | 750lbs | 58ft 4in | $400-$500 | $1,000-$1,200 | $2,000-$2,500 |
| S85HF | High float telescopic boom lift | 1,000lbs | 85ft
(72ft 6in horizontal reach) |
$500-$800 | $2,000-$2,200 | $5,000-$6,000 |
* The facts and figures included here come from various websites and were accurate in April 2021. But, some data may have changed since then. Moreover, please remember that some rental suppliers of construction lifts offer different solutions. For example, some providers might have special offers when renting a Genie lift, while other providers might not. Only use this guide as a starting point for more research on your part. Note that we don’t recommend any particular provider or construction lift model even though this data relates exclusively to Genie products.
Renting for longer periods might be cheaper
You can see that aerial lift rental rates decrease if you agree to weekly or monthly hire periods. For example, the monthly rate for the S60X is equivalent to a rental period of five separate days. Also, the weekly rate is comparable to just over two individual days. Therefore, it makes sense to consider the rates offered for each rental period to see which is the most cost-effective. Similarly, although you might want to rent a Genie lift for 2 or 3 hours, you will probably find that it’s cheaper to rent for a full day.
Suppose you’re looking to hire a Genie lift for your construction project. In that case, the final cost will also consist of the following components:
Type of lift
The designs of telescopic and articulated boom lifts, scissor lifts, and vertical mast lifts are perfectly suited to their purpose. And, you should choose the correct one for the job.
- Scissor lifts extend vertically only.
- Telescopic boom lifts reach horizontally as well as vertically and are often used for heavier lift tasks. However, they only extend in one plane. If you want to turn corners, you need an articulated boom.
- Articulated boom lifts have a hinge part-way along the boom to operate as an arm and elbow. Operators use this type for hard-to-access workspaces. Such as providing up-and-over clearance or when the platform needs to lower into a hole.
You will also find that some lifts have wheels, while others use caterpillar tracks. The choice depends on which surface you intend to use it. Wheels operate best on concrete, asphalt, or hard-packed surfaces. In contrast, caterpillar tracks run best on mud, sand, or very rough ground.
Rental duration
The duration is the length of time you agree to rent the equipment for. It could be hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. If you decide to rent for longer than six months, it might be better to lease or purchase.
Lift age or usage
Although every rental machine reaches your work site ready to use, everything wears out eventually. Older lifts, or those with many hours on the clock, might have less power or break down more often than newer models. Therefore, you should expect a ‘more used machine’ to be less expensive to rent. Similarly, expect a new Genie lift to have improvements and more features than older models.
Working height
This feature depends on the machine’s purpose. Choose a Genie lift with a maximum working height slightly more than the distance you want to reach. Although this might not harm your Genie, some operators consider it a bad practice to extend the boom or scissors fully. It encourages the operator to reach out of the platform’s cage. It’s much better to ask for the next size up. Also, decide on the reach (horizontal distance) you need to have. Typical examples include:
- You might need to access a chimney in the middle of a roof.
- The edge of an excavation won’t support the machine’s weight, so you stand the Genie back from the edge while reaching over the hole.
Maximum load-bearing capacity
Some jobs require two or more operators to stand on the working platform at the same time. If you then add the weight of tools and materials, the total weight can soon exceed the full capacity of the Genie lift. Choose a machine with the ability to carry your heaviest possible case.
Power
The power is an indication of the size of the engine. And, this depends on the intended load, the machine’s traveling distance, and the number of times you extend and shorten the boom. In practice, you usually have a choice between diesel, LPG, or electric rechargeable battery. Usually, people use battery-driven construction lifts indoors or on smooth, firm, and level surfaces. In contrast, diesel engines can go anywhere but are heavier and noisier.
Aerial Lift Types Genie Supplies
The biggest Genie lift rental cost factor will be the model and its features. This section outlines the models and types that Genie provides to the North American construction market.
Genie Scissor Lifts
Genie scissor lift models have two basic variations. There are Rough Terrain models, generally powered by diesel. And Slab Scissor lifts that are electrically powered. Often, other manufacturers find difficulty in producing a model that is easy to steer. Genie scissor lifts, however, are very mobile and easily maneuvered around tight spaces both indoors and out. The zero-emission electric models need level and firm surfaces. In contrast, more rugged landscapes require diesel-powered models.
Scissor lifts elevate the working platform vertically above the carriage using scissor hinged beams. In this way, the working platform can access any height up to and including the maximum extension.
At present, the twelve electric slab scissor lift models have working heights of between 18ft and 52ft and capacities of between 500lbs and 1,200lbs. A typical example is the GS2032, with a capacity of 800lbs and a maximum elevation of almost 26ft. Typical maximum Genie lift rental prices for this model, range around $100/day, $250/week, or $700/month.
In comparison, the ten rough terrain models have working heights ranging from 32ft to 59ft with capacities of between 800lbs and 2,500lbs. Typically, the GS3369RT is a general all-rounder, uneven terrain machine costing a maximum of $500/day, $800/week, and $1,500/month to hire.
Knuckle/Articulated Boom Lifts
These articulated boom lifts give the option to lift the platform up, over, and out. And into particularly hard-to-access locations. It uses the knuckle on the articulated boom to allow the working platform to approach the worksite from different angles.
The entire assembly is narrower than most other brands allowing the operator to manoeuver and access through limited width openings.
The fifteen articulated boom lifts have working heights ranging from 36ft to 141ft and horizontal reach from 18ft to 69ft. Additionally, their capacities range from 500lbs to 660lbs.
Typically, the Z30/20N is a small and quiet machine able to work in sensitive working environments. This narrow electrically powered Genie lift costs a maximum of around $400/day, $1,000/week, and $2,400/month to hire.
Mounted Z-Boom Lifts (Trailer/Towable)
The Genie TZ range can be towed using a standard road vehicle such as a pickup or SUV and has all the usual towing attachments making this possible. Once in place, the trailer deploys out-riggers to maintain stability. Then, the working platform extends vertically and horizontally with the operating range of a Genie Z articulated boom.
These are ideal when you want to access an up-and-over location, together with ease of transportation. And probably best of all, the trailers are very lightweight, allowing use on some of the most delicate surfaces.
There are two models in this range: maximum working heights are 40ft and 55ft, with a horizontal reach of 18ft and 29ft. The capacity of both models is 500lbs.
Typically, the Genie TZ50 costs around a maximum of 300/day, $825/week, and $1,950/month to hire.
Genie Straight Lifts (Telescopic)
This version allows for greater horizontal reach than the other types. Therefore, it’s much better for those construction sites with limited access.
The feature that makes Genie’s telescopic lifts better than the competitors are its minimal tail swing. It allows easier access and better navigation for the platform cage on construction sites where there isn’t room to turn easily.
The fourteen models in this range have a maximum working height stretching from 39ft to 186ft with a horizontal reach of 28ft to 90ft. Unrestrained capacities range from 600lbs to 700lbs.
Typically, the Genie S60X has a maximum rental price of around $800/day, $2,200/week, and $6,000/month.
Additional Genie Lift Accessories
Fortunately, Genie provides a plethora of accessories to go with their many types of lifts. Here are just a few of the most commonly used.
- The Genie Lift Guard, Spill Guard, protects surfaces below the Genie from hydraulic fluid leaks. It takes just 15 minutes to retrofit this accessory onto a machine if you expect to operate above sensitive surfaces.
- The Genie Boom Lift, Tool Tray provides a safe place on the platform for all hand tools, fasteners, and suchlike. Without a restraint, these easily cause tripping hazards.
- If you’ve ever tried to lift drywall, glass, or plywood weighing up to 250lbs on a construction lift, you’ll know how difficult it is. Genie provides the Genie Lift Tools Panel Cradle, which allows operators to strap panels outside the platform cage.
- The Genie Lift Guard Platform Mesh accessories fit within the gaps around the platform. Thus preventing tools and other items from falling to the ground. They come in two types, a full height and a half-height aluminum mesh panel for each side.
- Suppose you’re working at height and need protection from overhead structures. In that case, the Genie Operator Protective Structure (OPS) attaches to S or Z type boom lifts. The OPS bolts onto the platform to protect the operator from overhead obstructions and forms a protective enclosure.
All these accessories cost extra. But generally, they are worthwhile to consider for your operators’ safety and to prevent damage to the surroundings.
Benefits of Choosing Genie
Although the Genie range of construction lift machines is known throughout North American construction sites and beyond, they’re also used in other applications. Just about every industry that requires people to work at height use Genie equipment. They are a leading global manufacturer of aerial lifting equipment. And over the last 50 years or so, they have gained the trust of thousands of customers worldwide. Moreover, the company is known for innovations, quality, safety, and reliability in all its products. So, if you decide on purchasing or renting a Genie product, you can be sure that it has helped set the industry standard.
Construction companies choose the Genie brand because they know that there will be at least one model suitable for their specific application. If properly maintained, they won’t usually break down during an important job. And if you decide to hire a Genie aerial lift, you can be sure that it will arrive on site ready to use. All you have to do is keep it juiced up, and you can be sure that it will do the job. Furthermore, when you’ve had operator training, they are very easy to use. The Genie website also helps customers, operators, and prospective rental providers with brand training and familiarization.
Advantages of Renting vs. Buying
There are many advantages to renting a Genie aerial lift compared to a purchase. Let’s look at a few now.
- Unless you intend to use an aerial lift continuously, you’ll find it’s much more cost-effective to rent one when you need it.
- Unlike a purchase or lease, a Genie rental comes without any long-term commitments. You only pay for the time it’s in your possession.
- You don’t have to worry about maintenance. The hire company keeps the equipment in tip-top condition.
- You can choose from a range of Genie products to suit the task you are doing.
- There are top-of-the-range models with additional features or basic workhorses for you to choose from. Whichever one you need will have an appropriate rental price tag.
- Renting a Genie is very straightforward. You can choose to pay every time you hire, or by opening a trading account, you can pay monthly using cash, check, or credit card. In contrast, unless you purchase outright, a financed machine needs regular payments directly from your bank. And a finance agreement always affects your credit rating.
Find Genie Lift Rental Suppliers
If you work in the construction industry, it makes sense to rent a Genie aerial lift whenever your workforce needs to work at height. They are more convenient short term when compared to scaffolding. And, your operators can move them around the site for use at multiple locations.
If you want help to find out Genie lift rental prices, complete the form at the top of this page. You then receive 2 or 3 quotes from licensed Genie rental providers.
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