Which Aerial Work Platform Should you Choose

Safe working at height is the core element of hiring an aerial work platform. There are different types of access platforms available that are required to carry out various different operations at heights.

The nature of performing operations at heights might vary based on industry as each industry has distinct requirements such as construction industry needs to work on rough terrain, a facility management industry needs to work indoor, aviation industry need more flexibility in terms of height and reach and so on. That is why Manlift offers a range of aerial work platforms that are suitable to perform tasks at various heights safely.

Selecting the Right Aerial Work Platform

As mentioned earlier there is a range of aerial work platforms available to perform different types of jobs at heights so one has to select the right machine based on requirements. To make is simple one must consider the below elements before hiring an aerial work platform.

• How high you have to reach to perform the operation?
• What are the surroundings of the locations? Is it a rough terrain or an even surface?
• Do you have to reach vertically up or you need more flexibility to reach a narrow space or need to move in up and over direction?
• How much weight the aerial lift needs to carry?
• What are the dimensions of the machine? (As it might need to fit in a narrow space).
• Do you need to work at height indoor or outdoor?

All these important questions play a vital role in the selection of the most suited aerial work platform.

So, to make it simple we have compiled a guide to choosing the right aerial work platform which provides insight into various types of access platforms.

Scissor Lift

Scissor lift is one of the most frequently used work platforms. It is a vertical lift which goes straight up in one direction. The size of the scissor lift normally aligns with its base and it can carry personnel and equipment as required. There are different types of scissor lifts available based on working height and maneuverability.

There are two major types of scissor lifts, Electric Scissor Lifts and Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts.

Electric Scissor Lifts

An electric scissor lift is highly recommended for indoor operations as it provides a great deal of flexibility in terms of reach at narrow spaces. An electric scissor lift can provide a working height of up to 18 meters. Most people hire electric scissor lift for indoor operations as they support a zero-emission policy and come with non-marking tires. The zero-emission policy protects the environment whereas non-marking tires protect the floor.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts

A rough terrain scissor lift is used to carry out outdoor operations on uneven surfaces and is commonly used by the construction industry. The rough terrain scissor lift is diesel powered scissor lift that often comes with a four-wheel drive feature which allows it to move easily over rough terrain construction sites. Some of the rough terrain scissor lifts provide support to operate on slopes so if you are looking to hire a rough terrain scissor lift do analyze your requirements and select the best-suited scissor lift. A rough terrain scissor lift offers a large aerial work platform as compared to a scissor lift which means it can easily accommodate more personnel and equipment.

Boom Lift

Boom lift is one of the most flexible aerial lift due to its maneuverable arm. Unlike scissor lifts, boom lifts can be moved to different directions based on requirements. The most important factors to consider while choosing a boom lift are the type, workspace (bucket), and the power source.

The most popular types of boom lifts are articulating boom lift and telescopic boom lifts. A boom lift can be differentiated based on several factors: such as straight boom, angled boom, weight capacity, and the power source. A boom lift can be electric, battery-operated, or diesel-powered based on the requirements.

An electric boom lift is often used in compact spaces where one has to move parallel in limited moving space. As it is environment-friendly option, it is preferred to use indoor. An electric boom lift can provide a working height up to 20 meters.

Articulating Boom Lift

An articulating boom lift offers elasticity in terms of reach as it can reach up and over the workspace. It is commonly used to carry out operations related to the construction and facility management industry where one can face obstacles to reach the required area. The selection of an articulating boom lift majorly depends on the working height and working location. If you need to work indoor than an electric boom with non-marking tires is the suitable option. But if you need to perform a task on a rough or uneven surface then a diesel power boom lift is highly recommended.

Telescopic Boom Lift

A straight or telescopic boom lift is a common alternative to an articulating boom lift but it offers limited access in terms of reach as it can only move in one direction. A telescopic boom lift comes with wider base in order to ensure stability safety while working at height. A telescopic boom with working height up to 40 meters is available these days and a rough terrain telescopic boom comes with outriggers for stabilization as the platform need to be safe while working at height.

Why MANLIFT?

Manlift is a leader in aerial work platform industry and always focus on delivering the best customer experience. Our diverse fleet offers flexibility, and allows you to choose the right aerial work platform. We offer a wide range of services including rental, sales, training, maintenance and OEM spare parts. Our focus is to provide the best possible solutions based on requirements. Having an international presence allow us to fulfill our customer requirements anywhere in the world. We provide both electric and diesel-powered access platforms from well-known manufacturers mainly including JLG, Genie, Uptight, MEC, Teupen and more.