An aerial lift, also known as a construction lift or man lift, is a term that defines a category of equipment with an aerial platform and extension mechanism mounted on a vehicle.
With so many different types of lifts, it’s easy to find the one that’s right for your particular job. You may use an aerial lift to:
Generally, you should consider an aerial lift if you’re unable to do the job safely without one. For example, a lift is often safer and more efficient than using an extension ladder.
There are many types of construction lifts, with each one having its own set of pros and cons. Here are nine of the most common options.
With an aerial platform attached to a bendable, jointed arm, articulating boom lifts have a variety of uses. And that’s especially true when you take into consideration that they can reach heights up to 100 feet.
Common uses include:
With the base of the arm mounted to a turntable, articulating boom lifts can make a full circular rotation. Furthermore, it has multiple joints, giving it the flexibility it needs to bend over and around obstacles.
An articulating boom lift has the potential to reach areas that other lifts can’t. This is what makes them
There are many types of lifts within the articulating category, such as atrium lifts. With four-leg mounting, they’re designed to provide elevation in small indoor spaces.
Just the same as an articulating boom lift, a telescopic model can reach heights of up to 100 feet. The primary difference between the two is that a telescopic boom lift has a platform attached to an arm that moves up, down, and forward.
Here’s when it makes sense to choose a telescopic boom lift:
Telescopic boom lifts are the lift of choice when trimming trees or making electrical repairs at height.
These lifts are available in both electric and gas models, making them a good choice for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Some people call them bucket trucks. Others simply call them aerial lifts. Regardless of the name, these wheel vehicles come equipped with a railed aerial platform controlled by a hydraulic crane.
One of the primary benefits of a cherry picker is its ability to reach heights up to 160 feet. Common uses include:
Small cherry pickers are designed to lift one person, while larger models can lift two.
Wide aerial platforms, cross-brace supports, and quiet operation are just some of the many features and benefits of electric scissor lifts.
A scissor lift is designed to move straight up and down, thus allowing for safe operation in tight spots.
Unlike a boom lift, a scissor lift must be placed directly beneath the area you need to access. This is because the platform cannot move forward or backward.
With a larger platform, electric scissor lifts can transport large teams and their equipment to the necessary height (up to 60 feet).
Some of the best uses for an electric scissor lift include:
For narrow, small spaces indoors, a scissor lift is one of the most efficient ways to reach great heights.
Rough terrain scissor lifts work in the same way as electric scissor lifts, but there’s one big difference: they’re designed for use on rough and/or uneven terrain.
With more stable tires and a diesel engine, these lifts have the capability of tackling terrain that would bog down other machinery.
Common uses include:
It can be frustrating to find that a worksite isn’t as accessible as you thought. Fortunately, a rough terrain scissor lift may be able to do the job.
Telescopic forklifts are sturdy, powerful, and flexible. With an extendable boom lift and lifting attachment, you can reach heights up to 21 feet.
These machines are generally best for transporting items long distances over rough terrain. That makes them a perfect fit on construction sites.
While they’re not generally the machine of choice for lifting workers, they can be used in this fashion with the right safety measures in place.
The ability to move forward and upward makes it easy to transport large items in tight spaces and/or over rough terrain.
As the name suggests, this type of forklift is designed to move items over rough terrain, such as on a construction site.
With the ability to lift loads up to 55 height, there aren’t too many tasks it can’t handle. When combined with the power to lift loads of up to 8,000 pounds, you have a machine that can be used in many different industries.
Rough terrain forklifts are perfect when conditions are less than ideal and you need both weight and height capacity working in your favor. With upward and forward reach capability, these forklifts are flexible enough to handle a variety of tasks.
Industrial forklifts are designed to move items vertically in indoor warehouses and industrial settings.
These forklifts can support up to 30,000 lbs in weight, making most lifts look simple.
The main disadvantage of industrial forklifts is a relatively short lift height, typically maxing out at 15 feet.
With so much versatility, industrial forklifts are among the most commonly purchased lifts on the market. And that holds true despite the fact that they’re used exclusively indoors.
Also known as people lifts and man lifts, these are mechanical ladders that provide more stability and reach than conventional ladders.
While they appear simple to use, there’s a lot that goes into doing so safely and securely. Just the same as any other type of lift, it takes proper training to properly use personnel lifts.
These are best when you need to reach heights up to 50 feet, but don’t require the power and maneuverability of a boom or scissor lift. For example, if you need to change a lightbulb in a warehouse ceiling, a personnel lift is an easy way to do so.
You know you need an aerial lift for an upcoming project. But what you don’t know is which type is best. These five areas of focus will help you choose the right one:
Understanding your needs within these five areas will allow you to choose a compatible lift.
Buying, renting, and safely operating any type of lift comes with challenges. It’s important that you obtain as much knowledge as possible for your particular situation.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding how to buy or rent an aerial lift:
Now, here are some questions and answers regarding safe use of a lift:
These aren’t the only questions to address when buying, renting, or operating a lift, but they’re a good starting point.
Now that you have greater knowledge of the many types of construction lifts, you can decide which one best suits your requirements.
Here are some final takeaways to keep in mind:
Want more information on Stationary Lifts, Wheeled Aerial Work Platform? Click the link below to contact us.