Boom Loaders in the UAE: Sizes, Rental Rates and Prices
What a boom loader is, which JCB size lifts how high, and what boom loaders rent and sell for in the UAE - from live listings on EquipmentsFinder, updated…
By Sufian3 min read
A boom loader - a telescopic handler, or telehandler - is a forklift with an arm that extends forward and up. On UAE sites it lifts blocks, pallets, steel and formwork to upper floors and onto scaffolds, where a forklift cannot reach and a crane would be more than the job needs.
Almost every boom loader in the UAE is a JCB, and the model code tells you what it does. In 540-170, the 40 means it lifts up to 4,000 kg and the 170 means it reaches about 17 metres.
Boom loader prices in the UAE
| Size | Lifts to | Listings | Rent per day | Rent per week | Rent per month | To buy (used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Boom Loaders | 223 | AED 950 | AED 5,000 | AED 13,500 | AED 137,000 | |
| JCB 540-170 | 17 m | 115 | AED 1,000 | AED 5,000 | AED 17,000 | – |
| JCB 540-140 | 14 m | 6 | – | – | – | – |
| JCB 535-140 | 14 m | 10 | – | – | – | – |
| JCB 537-135 | 13.5 m | 8 | – | – | – | – |
| JCB 535-125 | 12.5 m | 12 | – | – | – | – |
| JCB 532-120 | 12 m | 15 | – | – | – | – |
Most suppliers quote on request, so the table shows a figure only where at least three listings publish one. For an exact rate for your dates and site, post a request and suppliers answer with their price.
Which size do you need?
| Model | Lifts to | Lifts up to | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| JCB 540-170 | 16.7 m | 4,000 kg | Mid-rise blocks and steel - the most listed size in the UAE |
| JCB 540-140 | 13.8 m | 4,000 kg | Heavy loads at medium height |
| JCB 535-140 | about 14 m | 3,500 kg | General building work (older model) |
| JCB 537-135 | about 13.5 m | 3,700 kg | General building work (older model) |
| JCB 535-125 | 12.3 m | 3,500 kg | Villas and low-rise |
Figures for current models are JCB's published maximums; older models are read from the model code. Pick by the highest point you must reach and the weight at that reach: a boom loader lifts much less at full extension than close in. The load chart in the cab says how much.
Renting a boom loader
- Day, week or month. Monthly hire costs far less per day than daily hire, and most site work is hired by the month.
- Operator. Ask whether the rate includes an operator. Most UAE sites ask for a certified telehandler operator and a current third-party inspection certificate for the machine, so check both are included.
- Fuel and transport. Ask whether diesel and delivery to site are in the rate.
- Where. Boom loaders are listed across the UAE, most in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Buying a used boom loader
Used JCB boom loaders for sale in the UAE are mostly 2008 to 2018 models. Check the hours, the boom's extension and wear pads, the hydraulic hoses and the service history, and ask for the latest inspection certificate.
Common questions
How much does a boom loader cost to rent in Dubai? The table above shows the typical published rates on EquipmentsFinder. Monthly hire is the usual arrangement on construction sites.
What is the difference between a boom loader and a forklift? A forklift lifts straight up in front of it. A boom loader's arm extends forward and up, so it can place a load over an obstacle and at height.
Is a boom loader the same as a telehandler? Yes. "Boom loader" is the usual name in the UAE; "telehandler" or "telescopic handler" elsewhere.
Do I need an operator? Unless your own operator holds a telehandler certificate, rent the machine with one.
