A forklift jib boom attachment turns a standard forklift into a crane. It extends outward from the forks, allowing you to lift and position loads that are too long, too high, or too awkward for standard forks. Renting is often the smart choice—you get the capability when you need it without the upfront cost of buying an attachment you might use only occasionally.
What Is a Forklift Jib Boom?
A jib boom is a steel beam attachment that mounts to the forklift carriage or slides onto the forks. It extends forward and often includes a hook at the tip for suspending loads. Fixed booms have a set length. Adjustable or telescoping booms can extend to different lengths under load, offering more versatility.
These attachments are commonly used for lifting machinery, positioning HVAC units on rooftops, placing trusses, moving heavy pallets into hard-to-reach areas, and loading or unloading trucks without a loading dock.
Rental Costs for Jib Booms and Boom Lifts
Pricing varies by location, rental duration, and equipment type. The table below summarizes actual current rates from rental companies across the United States.
Rental Provider Equipment Daily Rate Weekly Rate Monthly Rate Capacity
Superior Rents (MN) Jib Boom – Truss Setting $95 $225 $675 (4 weeks) Not specified
Rent-All Inc. (IA/SD) 45 ft Telescopic Boom Lift w/ Jib $360 $925 $2,275 500 lbs
Rent-All Inc. (IA/SD) 65 ft Telescopic Boom Lift w/ Jib $360 $925 $2,275 660 lbs
Rent-All Inc. (IA/SD) 85 ft Telescopic Boom Lift w/ Jib $360 $925 $2,275 660 lbs
Key Insight: The $95/day rate from Superior Rents reflects a simple jib boom attachment that mounts to a forklift . The higher rates from Rent-All are for self-propelled telescopic boom lifts (aerial work platforms) that have a jib feature built in—these are different machines entirely .
Forklift-Mounted Jib Boom vs. Telescopic Boom Lift
This is the most common point of confusion. The term "jib boom" can refer to two very different things.
Forklift-Mounted Jib Boom
This is an attachment that slides onto your existing forklift forks or carriage. It turns your forklift into a crane. The $95/day rental from Superior Rents is this type . You provide the forklift. The attachment provides the reach. Best for facilities that already have a forklift and need occasional crane-like lifting.
Telescopic Boom Lift (Aerial Work Platform)
This is a self-propelled machine with a bucket or platform at the end of an extendable arm. The "jib" refers to an articulating section near the bucket that allows fine positioning. The $360/day rentals from Rent-All are this type . You do not need a separate forklift. Best for lifting people to height (painting, electrical work, building maintenance) or placing materials on rooftops.
Where to Rent Forklift Jib Booms
National rental chains and local equipment companies both offer jib boom attachments and boom lifts.
United Rentals has locations nationwide, including Worcester, MA. They offer aerial lift rentals including boom lifts with jib attachments from manufacturers like Genie, Skyjack, and JLG .
Mutual Rentals in Highland Park, IL serves customers across Wisconsin and Indiana. They offer boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, and telehandlers, with delivery available .
626 Rentals in San Marcos, CA specializes in forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and stake trucks. They also refill propane tanks .
Rent-All Inc. has locations in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota offering telescopic boom lifts with jibs ranging from 45 to 85 feet .
Superior Rents (location not specified) offers the jib boom truss setting attachment at $95/day .
Boels Rental (Europe) rents telescopic boom lifts with jibs, such as the 22m (72 ft) model from Genie or Skyjack, with a 340 kg (750 lb) capacity .
How to Choose the Right Rental
Consider these factors before you rent:
What is your application?
Lifting materials (trusses, beams, equipment) onto a structure → Forklift-mounted jib boom may be sufficient
Lifting people to height for work → Need an aerial boom lift with platform (OSHA requires proper fall protection and training)
Reaching over obstacles → Look for an articulating boom lift with jib
What is your required height and reach?
Under 20 feet → Small scissor lift or forklift jib may work
20-45 feet → Standard telescopic boom lift
45-85 feet + → Large telescopic boom lift with extended jib
What is your load weight?
Jib booms typically handle 500-1,000 lbs
Large boom lifts handle 500-660 lbs in the platform
Check the rated capacity before renting—never exceed it
Do you need delivery?
Most rental companies offer delivery for an additional fee. United Rentals explicitly offers pickup and delivery services for all aerial equipment . Superior Rents also provides delivery, with fees based on distance and equipment size .
Rental Terms to Understand
Most companies offer flexible rental periods:
Daily (24 hours) – Standard rate
Weekly (7 days) – Typically about 2.5 times the daily rate
Monthly (28 days or 4 weeks) – Best value for long-term projects
Additional costs may include :
Delivery and pickup fees
Fuel charges (if not returned full)
Damage waiver or insurance
Cleaning fees (for excessively dirty returns)
Overtime for extended hours beyond the rental period
If equipment breaks down during your rental, reputable companies like Superior Rents will send a service technician to repair it or replace it with another unit promptly .
The Bottom Line
Renting a jib boom is cost-effective for short-term or occasional lifting needs. For $95/day, a forklift-mounted jib boom attachment gives your existing forklift crane-like capability . For $360/day, a self-propelled telescopic boom lift provides both height and reach without needing a separate forklift .
Call ahead to confirm availability, ask about delivery options, and verify that the rental includes basic operating instructions if you are not already trained on the equipment . And always check the load capacity—a jib boom that is too long for your load is a tip-over waiting to happen.