Contractors frequently operate at heights, whether painting, conducting ceiling work, or finishing off an HVAC system. People and materials should always be lifted as safely as possible. The diversity of man lifts and aerial platforms available might be perplexing. How do you choose between articulating boom lifts and platform man lifts? Which is the appropriate man lift or aerial lift for you and your job?
Indoors or outside?
The first question should be regarding where the elevator will be used. If your project will mostly take place outside, you may wish to avoid employing certain types of lifts. For example, scissor lifts are primarily rated for internal usage. They are less stable on rough terrain and have a lower wind speed capacity.
Rough terrain scissor lifts, on the other hand, are a subclass of scissor lift that has been particularly built for outdoor use where direct up-and-down movement is required. The primary distinction between these two types of scissor lifts is that difficult terrain lifts include four-wheel drive, stabilizers, and stronger tires. Boom lifts, both articulating and telescoping, as well as towable boom lifts, are also suitable for outdoor usage, although not in the same sense as the rough terrain lift is.
Fuel Consumption
Another reason to decide whether you’ll use an indoor or outdoor elevator is to save money on gasoline. Many telescopic boom lifts are powered by diesel or dual fuel. It is unsafe to use these gas-powered equipment indoors with inadequate ventilation. If you intend to operate indoors, explicitly inquire about electric elevators. Not only will this keep the operator and other contractors safe, but it will also assist lessen the possibility of a fire or explosion within the structure.
What kind of work am I doing?
Lifts are classified into two types: scissor lifts and boom lifts. Scissor lifts work in an up-and-down motion, whereas boom lifts have a forward reach. Articulating boom lifts also include a little of turning capacity in the boom, allowing it to reach around corners or up and over rafters, roofs, and so on. Scissor lifts are used for painting and ceiling work since they can climb straight up into the space where the work is needed. Because the base is the same size as the platform, they may fit into tiny locations and require less space to move than boom lifts, which have a bit of a neck on the body.
What height do I need the aerial lift to reach?
When searching for a man lift to rent, height and range are the most important factors. A telescopic boom lift’s range refers specifically to the horizontal space it provides. Keeping this in mind is imperative, not only for the job but for the space in which the lift has to enter. There should be no obstacle between a lift and an entrance way, and it should be able to turn as necessary.
What are you Lifting?
This is an important question for two reasons. First, the platform size needs to be determined before lifting. It’s not possible to lift anything bigger than the platform. It must be large enough to accommodate the entire piece or material if you plan to raise drywall or some type of light fixture. The second aspect is weight. Depending on the size and reach of the machine, the maximum weight capacity varies. Before choosing a particular type of lift, consider the weight, reach, and size of the material.
The Rentalex team is here to help answer any questions you might have about maximum weight and reach capacity. Our experts can help you determine what type of man lift rental is most suitable for your project.
Consider the Scope of Your Project
When it comes to lifts, sometimes people think that bigger is better since they don’t have the capability to extend it all the way or move the base farther away. This actually happens to be the opposite. A lift that is too huge for the job also implies it is extremely heavy. This may be more difficult to navigate in the project’s space. Larger lifts are more prone to collide with cables, beams, columns, or other obstructions.
If you end up with a lift that is too small, you may be pushing the machine beyond its capabilities. Excessive lifting or loading of stuff that exceeds the weight limit is a recipe for disaster. Proper measurements may take more time, but the safety of contractors and a project is worth it.
