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Application Tips: Aerial lifts

May 28, 2009 |

Although all aerial lifts perform a similar function – lifting manpower and materials to an above-ground worksite – there are several types to choose from. Finding the right lift for the job means knowing your application and doing some research.

Not just any aerial lift can be used for all jobs, though. Before you choose a lift, look carefully at how and where you will be using it. Chris Dossin, director of marketing for Skyjack, says to look at the application itself – whether it’s inside or out, what type of work is to be done, if it needs to be battery or engine-powered, the capacity required and the platform size. He suggests discussing the application with your sales or rental representative. “Rental company staff can be most helpful in helping end users choose the proper machine for the application,” says Dossin.

Mark Mohn, product manager, JLG, says size, power source, ease of use, capacity, options and potential obstructions are all important factors. “Everything always goes back to the application,” Mohn says.

There are many lifts to choose from – JLG, for example, has more than 60 models – so start by asking yourself the following questions:

How high does the lift need to go?
Maximum lift is a primary consideration when choosing a machine. Generally, the working height is about six feet higher than the platform height, meaning that if you purchase a scissor lift with a platform height of 50 feet, you can work up to a height of 56 feet. Boom lifts with platform heights of up to 150 feet are now available – perfect for construction applications requiring workers to reach the upper floors of some buildings.

What kind of lift do I need?
Because of the larger platform space, scissor lifts are perfect for moving a lot of people or equipment straight up and down, and are available in a number of different platform heights. Skyjack offers electric scissor lifts from 15 to 32 feet, and rough terrain scissor lifts from 26 to 30 feet. But even if the height and platform size is right, consider your job carefully – if there are obstacles you need to go over or around, a scissor lift is not for you.

A boom lift is useful for many different kinds of jobs. There are two types of boom lifts – telescopic and articulated. Telescopic boom lifts have a vertical “stick” arm and articulated – or knuckle – booms have an arm that bends. Chuck Hutchinson, vice president of sales and marketing for Bil-Jax says that their towable, trailer-mounted boom lifts are a good fit for maintenance applications of all types and are “easy to transport, set up and operate,” he says. “Vertical telescopic lifts are best suited for maintenance applications that do not require many moves to complete.”

What kind of power should I use?
Aerial lifts use a variety of power sources, including electric, gas and diesel. Mohn says the job dictates the choice. “The power source depends on the application,” Mohn says. “If you need to work indoors your first choice is electric. If the work is outdoors the power choice would be diesel or dual fuel.”