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What is a knuckle boom?

A knuckle boom lift — sometimes called a boom lift knuckle or an articulating boom lift — is a type of man lift with multiple pivot points (or "knuckles") in its arm. This jointed design lets the boom move in sections, making it easy to work around obstructions like walls, beams, or tight building corners.

It’s a favorite in industries like construction, maintenance, signage, and arborist work — anywhere you need to get up and over something without moving the base unit much.

Why knuckle booms are ideal for tight spaces

One of the biggest advantages of a knuckle boom is its ability to snake through congested areas. These lifts are built for agility — the articulated arms allow for precise positioning, even in spots that are tricky to access with traditional lifts.

If your team works in warehouses, between buildings, under utility lines, or in older city structures with limited access, a knuckle boom man lift gives you the reach you need without the footprint of larger equipment.

Top use cases for knuckle boom lifts

• Building maintenance – Cleaning windows, fixing signage, doing facade repairs
• Utility and electrical work – Especially where lines or poles obstruct straight access
• Tree care – Arborists love the precision and control these lifts offer
• Interior access – The electric models are clean and quiet for use indoors

They're not limited to one industry — it's more about the job. If you need flexibility at height, a knuckle boom is probably already on your radar.

Buying a knuckle boom – what to know

Here are four key things Ritchie Bros. recommends you keep in mind when you’re browsing for your next knuckle boom:

• Platform height vs. working height – Make sure the unit’s rated working height matches your jobsite needs. Don’t confuse platform height (where the operator stands) with total working height, which includes an average reach of 6 ft above that.
• Electric vs. diesel – Electric models are better for indoor or low-noise zones, while diesel-powered units are built for rough terrain, longer runtimes, and outdoor use. Know which suits your environment before you buy.
• Reach angles – Look beyond vertical specs. Knuckle booms shine in scenarios where you need to reach over machinery, rooftops, or barriers. Make sure the model you choose has the articulation range you need.
• Size and storage – Some compact knuckle booms can collapse for easier storage or transport. If you're tight on space or hauling equipment between jobs, pay close attention to stowed dimensions and trailer compatibility.

Before you commit, evaluate how the machine fits your real-world workflows. Not every job requires the highest reach or biggest spec sheet — the right knuckle boom is the one that performs efficiently in the environments you actually work in.

Electric vs. diesel knuckle boom lifts

The right power source depends on where and how you plan to use the lift. Electric knuckle booms are ideal for indoor or low-emission jobsites, while diesel units are built for outdoor terrain and longer runtimes. Here’s a quick look at how they compare.

• Electric models are ideal for indoor jobs or noise-sensitive environments. They’re compact, smooth to operate, and leave no emissions behind.
• Diesel-powered models bring the power and clearance you need for tough outdoor sites. Expect higher reach, better traction, and the ability to work on uneven terrain.

A lot of fleets carry both — and if you’re buying used, you’ll often get more lift for your dollar on the diesel side.

Top knuckle boom brands

There’s no shortage of trusted manufacturers in this space, but a few brands consistently stand out:

• Genie – Known for durability and a wide range of options
• JLG – Industry standard with great parts availability
• Haulotte – Smooth hydraulics and intuitive controls
• Skyjack – User-friendly and dependable in tight quarters

If you’ve owned lifts before, you’ve probably worked with one of these brands — and if not, they’re a good place to start.

Knuckle booms vs. telescopic booms

It’s a question our team hears often: What’s the difference between a knuckle boom and a telescopic boom? It usually comes down to how you need to reach the work area. Both are designed to lift workers and tools to elevated spots, but they do it very differently. A telescopic boom (also called a straight boom) offers longer horizontal reach in open spaces, while a knuckle boom is built for navigating around obstacles.

Whether you're trying to reach across a roofline, thread into tight alley access, or work indoors, understanding the key differences will help you choose the right tool for the job.

Feature	Knuckle boom	Telescopic boom
Boom type	Articulating (jointed) arms	Straight, extendable boom
Maneuverability	Excellent in tight or obstructed areas	Better for open, vertical reach
Reach	Up and around obstacles	Direct out-and-up extension
Ideal for	Complex work zones, indoor/outdoor mix	High-reach, straightforward access jobs

If your job requires reaching over something, knuckle’s your answer.

Whty buy used knuckle boom lifts at Ritchie Bros.

Whether you're buying your first lift or adding to an existing fleet, finding the right equipment comes down to reliability, flexibility, and knowing what works on your jobsite. At Ritchie Bros., we’ve been helping businesses of all sizes get equipment that fits their needs — not just their specs — for decades. With a wide selection of knuckle boom lifts from top brands, detailed listings, and a team that knows the gear inside and out, you can count on us to help you make the right call. Browse our current inventory or talk to one of our equipment experts — we’re here to help you lift smarter.