The Hidden Versatility of Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts (also called trailer-mounted or tow-behind lifts) are often overlooked in favor of their larger self-propelled counterparts. But for many users, these machines deliver exactly what’s needed: Ability to access work at height, compact storage and ease of transportation — all in a lightweight, simple-to-use package.

Adaptable Indoors and Out

Offering lift heights up to 50-ft and lift capacities up to 500-lb, one of the greatest advantages of towable boom lifts is their versatility in working in a wide variety of environments. With electric-powered (ET) models, crews can tackle projects both inside and outside using the same machine, whether that’s changing lights in a gymnasium, trimming trees or pressure washing siding. With engine-powered (T) models, crews can optimize productivity. Both models have a lightweight footprint which allows them to operate on surfaces that might not support heavier equipment, like grass, concrete slabs or paver stones.

Compact and Convenient

Because towable boom lifts are smaller and lighter than traditional boom lifts, they store easily and fit into tight workspaces. They can be maneuvered into position with a pickup truck, SUV or even an ATV — a big advantage for homeowners, contractors and municipalities working in courtyards, backyards or other restricted spaces. Once parked, setup is quick thanks to hydraulic auto-leveling outriggers, which allow the machine to stabilize itself with the push of a button.

Ease of Transport

Unlike self-propelled lifts, which often require flatbed or box truck delivery, towable boom lifts can be hitched to a standard truck and towed at highway speeds. This means one operator can move the machine between job sites in the same day — a time- and cost-saving benefit for landscapers, electricians, painters and maintenance crews. And when the job is done, the machine can be unhooked and stored compactly until it’s needed again.

Who Rents Towable Boom Lifts — and Why

Towable boom lifts are particularly popular among rental customers who need occasional, short-term access to height but don’t want the hassle of hiring delivery services or learning to operate more complex equipment. Homeowners tackling DIY projects, contractors working across multiple sites in a day and municipalities managing seasonal tasks like hanging holiday décor all turn to towable boom lifts for their simplicity and efficiency.

Features That Make a Difference

Today’s towable models, like the JLG® Tow-Pro® series, are equipped with features designed to enhance ease of use, including:

Hydraulic auto-leveling outriggers
Detachable platform controls for convenience
Standard air and water lines to the platform
Quick setup with one-hand operation of boom functions
Compact footprints and lightweight designs that excel in tight or sensitive spaces
These innovations are designed to help ensure that operators — whether professionals or occasional renters — can get to work quickly, efficiently and safely.

A Smart Rental Choice

Towable boom lifts' hidden versatility makes them the smart rental choice for many everyday applications. With the ability to go wherever the job takes you, store compactly and set up in minutes, they remain a steady favorite among both professionals and DIY users who need safe, reliable access at height.

The Tow-Pro Series (JLG’s exclusive line of towable boom lifts) lets you tackle the same jobs as other JLG electric- or engine-boom lifts but with increased versatility. With a choice of a 24V DC electric (ET Models) or 11.7-hp gas-powered engine (T Models), a standard combination hitch, industry-leading 65-mph towing speed and hydraulic auto-leveling outriggers, you can have a JLG towable boom lift set up and working on your next job site in no time. Learn more at jlg.com/en/equipment/boom-lifts/towable.