A forklift jib boom is a steel attachment that turns a standard forklift into a crane. It mounts to the forklift carriage or forks and extends outward, 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.
Rental Costs for Forklift Jib Booms
The most common type of jib boom rental is the attachment-only option—a steel beam that slides onto your existing forklift forks. This is the most cost-effective choice if you already have a forklift available.
Rental Provider Daily Rate Weekly Rate Monthly Rate Specifications
Superior Rents $95 $225 $675 (4 weeks) Jib Boom – Truss Setting
United Rentals Contact for quote Contact for quote Contact for quote 4,000-13,000 lb capacity, extends 3.5-12 ft
EZ Equipment Rental Starting under $100 Varies Varies Jib boom attachments
A jib boom rental starting under $100 per day offers substantial savings compared to traditional crane rentals, which can cost significantly more .
Crane-Style Telescopic Boom Lifts (Self-Propelled)
Be aware that the term "jib" is also used to describe an articulating arm on self-propelled telescopic boom lifts (aerial work platforms). These are completely different machines—they are mobile lifts with buckets or platforms, not attachments for a forklift .
Rental Provider Equipment Daily Rate Capacity Features
Boels Rental 25m Truck-Mounted Boom Lift with JIB €43.80 (excl. VAT) Not specified Diesel, telescopic, jib for positioning
Boels Rental 22m Telescopic Boom Lift Contact for quote 340 kg (unrestricted), 230 kg (restricted) Diesel, jib for easy positioning, Genie or Skyjack
Herc Rentals 45 ft Articulated Boom, Diesel 4WD with Jib Contact for quote Not specified 45 ft working height, 4WD, jib for articulation
Forklift Rental Baseline Costs
To help you budget for the forklift you will need to use with the jib boom attachment, here are general forklift rental costs for reference :
Forklift Type Daily Rate Weekly Rate Monthly Rate
Electric Pallet Jack $75 – $125 $250 – $400 $700 – $1,100
3,000–5,000 lb Electric $150 – $250 $500 – $800 $1,500 – $2,200
5,000 lb Internal Combustion $175 – $300 $600 – $950 $1,800 – $2,600
10,000 lb Heavy Duty Diesel $350 – $600 $1,200 – $2,000 $3,500 – $5,500
Telehandler (Rough Terrain) $400 – $800 $1,500 – $2,800 $4,500 – $8,000
Key Specifications to Consider
Before renting, verify these specifications to ensure the jib boom will work for your application :
Load Capacity: Jib booms typically handle 4,000 to 13,000 pounds. The capacity decreases as the boom extends further. A 13,000 lb rated boom at full extension may only lift 4,000 lbs at its furthest point.
Extension Length: Typical jib booms extend from approximately 3.5 feet to 12 feet. Measure how far you need to reach before renting.
Weight of Attachment: The jib boom itself weighs 430 to 950 pounds. This weight reduces your forklift's net lifting capacity.
Fork Pocket Compatibility: Ensure the attachment's fork pockets match your forklift's fork dimensions.
The "Hidden Costs" of Jib Boom Rentals
The base rental rate is rarely the full cost. Watch for these additional charges :
Delivery and Pickup Fees: Costs vary by distance. Some providers offer grab-and-go options if you have a suitable vehicle and trailer.
Damage Waiver: Optional coverage for minor incidents.
Fuel and Cleaning Fees: Returning equipment excessively dirty or with low fuel may trigger extra charges.
Overtime Fees: Daily rates typically include 8 operating hours; additional hours incur surcharges.
Where to Rent Forklift Jib Booms
United Rentals offers jib boom attachments with capacities from 4,000 to 13,000 pounds and extensions from 3.5 to 12 feet, featuring trusted brands like Star Industries and Arrow Material Handling. Call 844.873.4949 for availability and quotes .
Superior Rents provides the Jib Boom – Truss Setting at $95/day, $225/week, or $675/4 weeks. Extended rentals receive discounted rates .
Herc Rentals provides forklifts and attachments with over 600 locations across North America, offering daily, weekly, and monthly rates .
Mutual Rentals in Highland Park, IL (serving Wisconsin and Indiana) offers boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, and telehandlers with competitive rates and helpful staff. Call (847) 432-0045 .
Boels Rental provides self-propelled telescopic boom lifts with jibs (22m and 25m models) with diesel engines, 4WD, and jibs for easy positioning, primarily serving European markets .
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 . The quick setup and intuitive operation minimize downtime and enhance productivity on job sites .
Call ahead to confirm availability, ask about delivery options, and verify that the rental includes basic operating instructions. Most importantly, check your forklift's de-rated capacity with the attachment attached. The jib boom's weight plus the load must not exceed the forklift's net lifting capacity. A load that is too heavy or a boom that is too long is a tip-over waiting to happen.