All aerial lifts will get you off the ground. That’s about the only common trait that runs between all models. After that, everything becomes a matter of dimensions. With so many options available to consumers these days, it can be challenging to find the right lift to handle the task in mind. This brief guide will help you figure out the type of aerial lift you should acquire by taking into consideration the realities of the space you’ll be working in.
Below, we’ll compare the load capacity and reach of three different lift types:
The weight of workers and materials can add up quite quickly, so you want to ensure that your chosen lift can handle the demand. Scissor lifts can take the most strain because, unlike other lifts, they do not go outward when raised. They simply go up. This grants scissor lifts the ability to carry anywhere between 500 and 2,500 pounds.
Vertical mast lifts have the lowest capacity of the three lift types. The heftiest models can carry 500 pounds, with other models boasting a capacity of 300 pounds or less. This is because vertical mast lifts are not designed for heft, but for portability.
Articulating or telescopic boom lifts are a medium between the two other lift types. They can carry anywhere between 500 and 1,000 pounds, depending on the model.
Height and horizontal reach are essential factors to consider. You need to know that the machine will fit in your work site and get you where you need to go. Boom lifts give the greatest height advantage. The articulating arm offers a great range of distance to carry workers and material – between 40 feet and 185 feet. Telescopic boom lifts also enable further horizontal reach than articulating boom lifts.
Vertical mast lifts lack this significant type of reach, maxing out at 30 feet in height when in operation. However, these small machines also have the benefit of a 360-degree rotating mast.
Scissor lifts offer a moderate variety of heights to achieve, between 19 and 40 feet.
You should never go to purchase a piece of heavy equipment if you’re not 100% certain that the work space you’ll be in will accommodate it. Get very well acquainted with the work site before you make this investment.
