plant hire - head to head
Niftylift vs Skyjack
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Niftylift | Skyjack | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | England (Milton Keynes) | Canada |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Trailer-mounted boom lifts, Self-propelled boom lifts, Vehicle-mounted platforms | scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers |
| Best known for | HR series | SJIII 3219 |
Choose Niftylift if...
The British answer in powered access, and particularly strong in trailer-mounted booms - the machines a small contractor can tow to site behind a van rather than needing a low-loader.
Look at: HR series
Full Niftylift profile →Choose Skyjack if...
Skyjack is a Canadian manufacturer of scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers, founded in 1985 and owned since 2002 by the Canadian manufacturing group Linamar. Its scissor lifts are a mainstay of UK powered access hire fleets, valued for straightforward mechanics and parts availability. It competes directly with Genie, JLG and Haulotte in electric scissor lift and boom lift hire.
Look at: SJIII 3219
Full Skyjack profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK plant hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Niftylift vs Skyjack - common questions
Is Niftylift better than Skyjack?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. The British answer in powered access, and particularly strong in trailer-mounted booms - the machines a small contractor can tow to site behind a van rather than needing a low-loader. Skyjack is a Canadian manufacturer of scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers, founded in 1985 and owned since 2002 by the Canadian manufacturing group Linamar. Its scissor lifts are a mainstay of UK powered access hire fleets, valued for straightforward mechanics and parts availability. It competes directly with Genie, JLG and Haulotte in electric scissor lift and boom lift hire.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Niftylift or Skyjack?
Niftylift: A British access manufacturer stocked throughout UK hire fleets. Skyjack: Skyjack scissor and boom lifts are carried by most major UK access hire fleets, including Nationwide Platforms and JMS Powered Access.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK plant hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.