If you need to get somewhere very high up without being in danger, you’re looking for a lift. Literally. Known more formally as Aerial Work Platforms, these devices are useful on jobsites and beyond. Whether you’re repairing the roof of a warehouse or painting street art on the side of a wall, you would benefit from using one on your project.
An aerial work platform (or AWP for short) is, by definition, any device that is used to reach high places. Their wide platforms are designed for both people and material handling, so an operator can bring their tools and materials up with them. Although, this definition is very broad. AWPs come in several forms that work better for different circumstances.
Where are you trying to get, exactly? The distance is, of course, relevant to this question, but it’s also worth analyzing other parts of the jobsite. Consider any awkward or tight spaces you need your operators to fit into, or what angles you would need the work platform to move in.
Not every AWP is suited for every jobsite. Working indoors will require a more compact machine, while working outdoors might require something that can handle rough terrain.
Aerial work platforms are popular because they vary so much. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you should consider what kind of work your operator will be doing once they are off the ground.
Although operating an AWP might not seem as intensive as driving an excavator or backhoe, it is still a piece of heavy machinery. You could get seriously hurt if you don’t know what you’re doing. Anyone who operates an AWP needs to go through safety training first. Check with your staff members to make sure they are certified to operate an AWP before deciding.
Likely the most common type of AWP, boom lifts are recognizable by the boom arm that lifts the platform. Boom lifts can reach up to 100 feet away, depending on the manufacturer and model. Some even have a turntable, so the lift has 360-degree rotation.
These compact machines might not look like other aerial work platforms, but they’re just as useful. Scissor lifts use an accordion-style support system to raise or lower people and materials– anywhere from 20 to 50 feet. They can’t extend laterally, but that often works to the machine’s advantage. The combination of their lifting ability and their especially wide work platform make them popular for jobs that require plenty of room, like building repairs and window installation.
Also known as a spider lift, an atrium lift carries people and materials in its relatively small platform with an articulated arm. Its most obvious difference are the four extendable legs that help stabilize and level the machine. Unlike other types of AWPs, atrium lifts do not move while in operation, but they make up for it with their compact shape. Most models can even fit through a standard double-doorway, and they have reaching capabilities similar to a boom lift (typically around 60-100 feet). Atrium lifts are especially useful for cleaning and maintenance of large rooms like libraries, gymnasiums and atriums– hence the name.
The time and place might be entirely different, but humanity has used scaffolding for centuries as a means to reach elevated heights. Scaffolding redistributes your weight and keeps you elevated without using machinery. Ladders are used in tandem to help navigate the scaffolding system. They’re extremely versatile because they can be built to suit the job’s needs, whether you’re working on a residential home or a skyscraper.
No matter which aerial work platform you choose, it will be a significant financial investment. Even after you have decided on an AWP, you need to consider how you will acquire it. Renting and owning your AWP are both equally advantageous, depending on your circumstances.
Owning your equipment has obvious advantages. You don’t have to worry about the availability of AWPs at rental yards if you own the equipment. Plus, you don’t have to compete with other contractors to find the equipment you need. The only downside to buying your equipment is the sizable upfront investment. You would also be responsible for the maintenance and storage of your equipment. Buying an AWP is a smart choice if you anticipate using it regularly.
Renting, on the other hand, takes a lot of responsibility off your shoulders. The company you rent from will take care of maintenance issues and storage costs. You also have a considerable amount of control over your spending if you’re renting. Once you’re finished using a piece of equipment, you can simply off-rent it and save money. If you don’t typically work at high elevations, it’s worth it to just rent your lifting equipment for the project and then off-rent once you’re finished.
If you’re unsure of what equipment you need, your best bet is to speak to an expert. At EquipmentShare, we want to provide you with a rental experience you can’t beat. Visit us at one of our 115+ branch locations across the country and see for yourself why we are a better way to rent. We are also authorized dealers for a variety of OEMs. Shop for equipment and parts or rent an aerial work platform at EquipmentShare .
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