Up-and-over access
Designed to reach over roofs, plant, machinery, and structural elements, making them highly effective on worksites where straight booms are impractical.

Versatile and precise, our high-quality and heavy-duty range of knuckle boom lifts (articulating boom lifts) & access equipment is available in both diesel and electric-powered models. Suitable for use indoors and outdoors, these knuckle boom lifts can reach heights of 34ft up to 135ft, making accessing tight spots a breeze.
Browse the full Onsite Rentals range below, or call us on 13 40 40 to find out our knuckle boom hire rates.
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Knuckle booms (also known as articulated boom lifts or z-booms) are elevated work platforms. They have multiple joints (aka knuckles), allowing the arms to bend and maneuver around obstacles. This gives the operator access to hard-to-reach, small or complex spaces for tasks like construction, maintenance, and tree trimming.
At Onsite Rentals, we have two main categories of knuckle boom for hire:
Like all types of access equipment, knuckle boom lifts are commonly hired for applications where you need to gain access to areas that require an up, over, and lift out approach. This makes them especially suitable for worksites with fixed structures, obstacles, or restricted access points that can’t be reached with straight boom lifts or scissor lifts.
Common uses include building maintenance and construction, façade work, electrical and lighting installation, signage, HVAC projects, tree care, and industrial servicing.
Their ability to reposition easily allows operators to complete tasks more efficiently while reducing the need to constantly relocate the machine at ground level.
Ideal for use in hard-to-access work areas, knuckle booms provide both horizontal and vertical reach. This allows operators to safely work at height around fixed obstacles or obstructions from a secure platform.
Key benefits include:
Designed to reach over roofs, plant, machinery, and structural elements, making them highly effective on worksites where straight booms are impractical.
Articulated boom sections allow operators to navigate around buildings, pipework, and frameworks for accurate positioning at height.
Features such as load-sensing systems and stability monitoring help support safer operation in demanding environments.
Fully proportional controls enable accurate movements, reducing abrupt positioning and improving efficiency at height.
Self-levelling platforms help maintain balance throughout the lift’s operating range. This supports operator comfort and productivity.
Hiring knuckle booms eliminates the high upfront costs of buying them and removes ongoing expenses such as servicing, storage, and compliance management.
At Onsite Rentals, we give you access to a broad range of Genie and JLG knuckle booms to suit different site conditions, reach requirements, and project durations. All booms are well-maintained, regularly inspected, and tested to meet Australian safety standards, helping you meet your site obligations and reduce risk.
Also, when you partner with Onsite Rentals, you get peace of mind knowing all your equipment hire needs are supported by our specialist 24/7 servicing and maintenance task force.
Boost your project’s reach with our reliable knuckle boom lift rental options
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Onsite Rental Group has over 35 branches Australia wide, investing in branch locations where
we know we can provide value, adaptability, and expert service to our customers.
Talk to our team about our innovative ‘Branch in a Box’ solution that enables us to set up a ‘pop-up’ branch for your large-scale projects as and where needed.
A knuckle boom has multiple joints for bending around obstacles and into tight spots. A straight boom extends in a single, direct line for maximum horizontal reach and height in open areas.
4WD knuckle boom lifts are designed for rough, uneven, or slippery terrain, offering superior maneuverability and stability. 2WD models are best suited for smooth, flat surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
Choosing between an electric or diesel knuckle boom depends on whether your site is indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. Electric is best for indoor use, finished floors, and sites that require quiet operation. Diesel is best for outdoor construction, rough terrain, and high-reach, heavy-duty applications.
Yes, you need a high-risk work licence (HRWL) for knuckle boom lifts with a boom of 11 metres or more. Always check your specific state’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) regulations and site requirements, as basic training is mandatory for all booms.
The horizontal reach (or outreach) varies depending on the size and style of boom you are hiring. Our 30ft electric knuckle booms have a maximum horizontal reach of 6.25m, whilst our 135ft diesel knuckle booms have a horizontal reach of up to 21.26m.
Knuckle boom lift hire costs across Australia vary depending on the type of boom (diesel or electric, big or small) and for how long. Contact our team directly for a custom quote.