How to Ship a Telescoping Boom Lift
Telescoping boom lifts are among the most commonly transported pieces of aerial work platform equipment in the construction and industrial sectors. Models like the JLG 600S (60 ft reach) and 800S (80 ft reach) are workhorses on commercial job sites, and they move frequently between projects, rental yards, and auction buyers. Understanding their transport dimensions, trailer options, and stacking possibilities can significantly reduce shipping costs.
Telescoping Boom Lift Specifications: What You're Working With
Telescoping boom lifts vary significantly by reach height and corresponding size and weight. Here are representative specifications for common models:
| Model | Platform Height | Operating Weight | Transport Length | Transport Width | Transport Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLG 400S | 40 ft | ~14,000 lbs | ~24 ft | ~7.5 ft | ~7.5 ft |
| JLG 600S | 60 ft | ~21,500–23,000 lbs | ~28.5 ft | ~8.2 ft | ~8.5 ft |
| JLG 800S | 80 ft | ~35,000–38,000 lbs | ~34 ft | ~8.5 ft | ~9 ft |
| JLG 1200SJP | 120 ft | ~58,000 lbs | ~42 ft | ~8.5 ft | ~9.5 ft |
Note: Specifications vary by configuration, options, and attachments. Always verify actual transport dimensions with the equipment's spec sheet before booking transport.
Trailer Selection for Boom Lift Transport
The right trailer depends on the boom lift's transport height and weight:
- Flatbed (48–53 ft): Suitable for smaller boom lifts (under 8.5 ft wide and under 48,500 lbs) that fit within legal height limits on a standard flatbed deck. The JLG 400S and similar 40-ft models often ship on flatbeds without height permits.
- Step Deck / Drop Deck: The most common trailer for mid-size boom lifts. The lower deck height (typically 3.5–4 ft off the ground vs. 5 ft for a flatbed) provides 18–24 inches of additional clearance, allowing taller boom lifts to ship without a height permit in most states. The JLG 600S frequently ships on step decks.
- Lowboy (RGN): Required for large boom lifts (80 ft and above) that exceed 13.5 ft in transport height even on a step deck. The RGN's deck height of approximately 18–20 inches provides maximum clearance for tall equipment.
Stacking: Shipping Two Boom Lifts on One Trailer
One of the most cost-effective strategies for boom lift transport is stacking — loading two units on a single trailer. The JLG 600S is specifically designed for transport efficiency, and two units can often be loaded on a single truck without exceeding overweight permit thresholds. Key considerations for stacking:
- Combined weight of both units must not exceed the trailer's payload capacity (typically 48,500 lbs for a step deck)
- The lower unit must be properly secured before the upper unit is loaded
- Height of the stacked configuration must be verified against state height limits (typically 13.5–14 ft)
- Not all boom lift models are stackable — verify with your carrier before booking
Stacking two 600S units on a single step deck can cut per-unit transport costs by 40–50% compared to shipping each unit separately.
Permit Requirements for Boom Lift Transport
Most mid-size boom lifts (600S class) ship within legal dimensions on a step deck and require no oversize permits. However, larger models may trigger permit requirements:
- Width over 8.5 ft: Some boom lifts with outrigger pads or attachments may exceed 8.5 ft in transport width, triggering oversize permits.
- Height over 13.5 ft: Large boom lifts (800S and above) on a step deck may approach or exceed 13.5 ft, requiring height permits in most states.
- Weight over 80,000 lbs GVW: Large boom lifts (1200SJP class) may push GVW over 80,000 lbs, requiring overweight permits.
Tie-Down and Securement Requirements
Boom lifts must be secured at designated tie-down points on the frame — never at the boom, basket, or hydraulic cylinders. Standard securement for a mid-size boom lift uses 4 chains with binders (2 front, 2 rear) rated to at least 50% of the machine's weight. The boom should be fully retracted and lowered to the transport position. Outriggers should be fully retracted. Turntable rotation should be locked if the machine has a rotation lock feature.
Rental Fleet and Auction Moves
Boom lifts are among the most frequently moved pieces of rental equipment in the country. Rental companies relocating fleet between yards, auction buyers picking up units from Ritchie Bros or IronPlanet, and dealers moving inventory all rely on efficient boom lift transport. IronHaul Logistics specializes in rental fleet moves and auction pickups, with experience handling single units and multi-unit fleet relocations.
Request a free quote at ironhaullogistics.com, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected]. We handle all permits, carrier dispatch, and pickup coordination from auction yards nationwide.
Common questions
Can two JLG 600S boom lifts be shipped on one trailer?
Yes. The JLG 600S is designed for transport efficiency, and two units can often be stacked on a single step deck trailer without exceeding overweight permit thresholds. The combined weight of approximately 43,000–46,000 lbs typically stays within the step deck's payload capacity. Verify the stacked height against state limits before booking.
What trailer do I need for a JLG 800S boom lift?
The JLG 800S (80 ft platform height) typically ships on a step deck or lowboy depending on its transport height configuration. At approximately 9 ft in transport height, it usually fits on a step deck without a height permit. Verify the specific unit's transport dimensions with the spec sheet before booking.
Do boom lifts require oversize permits?
Most mid-size boom lifts (600S class) ship within legal dimensions on a step deck and require no oversize permits. Larger models (800S and above) may require height permits if they exceed 13.5 ft on the trailer. Very large boom lifts (1200SJP class) may also require overweight permits.
Where should tie-down chains be attached on a boom lift?
Tie-down chains must be attached at the designated frame tie-down points — never at the boom, basket, hydraulic cylinders, or outriggers. The boom should be fully retracted and lowered to the transport position before securing. Consult the machine's operator manual for the specific tie-down point locations.
Can IronHaul Logistics pick up boom lifts from auction yards?
Yes. IronHaul Logistics coordinates boom lift pickups from Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, Purple Wave, and other auction platforms nationwide. We handle all permits, carrier dispatch, and pickup coordination for single units and multi-unit fleet moves.
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