The Ultimate Guide to Choosing hydraulic work platform

In the world of intricate construction, choosing a suitable aerial work platform (AWP) holds top priority. This detailed guide covers the essential aspects of an aerial work platform choice, managing the interrelation between project requirements, safety guidelines, and technical characteristics offered by different platforms.

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This guide serves as an essential guide for all industry professionals who aim to make their operations safe and efficient in elevated work environments. This article engages in a detailed discussion of such constituent facets of appropriate AWP selection for your project.

What is an Aerial Work Platform?

An Aerial Work Platform (AWP), also referred to as an aerial device, elevating work platform or simply a mobile elevated working module is one of the mechanical devices liable for administering temporary access either to people or equipment in areas that are hard-to-reach places and especially when such reach includes heights. The term combines several varieties that refer to a particular field of use and have typical operation-specific, carrying capacity indicators or peculiarities in safety systems. Below are some of the popular types of AWPs:

Towable boom lift:
This AWP works as an aerial lift and a trailer at the same time. Designed for small spaces indoor & outdoor operations, this has a swinging telescopic boom with infinite tilt adjustment that can access the narrowest area. Towable boom lifts are also useful in the maintenance of public works due to the fact that they can be moved without problems from one working place to another.

Scissor lift:
Just like the trailer boom lifts, this AWP is also meant for both indoor and outdoor use but has a wider platform with more weight capability. Scissor lifts function in vertical movement using an accordion-type mechanism which is run by hydraulic cylinders, these types of platforms are very stable and suitable for most heavyweight jobs. They are most applicable in operations like construction, installation as well as maintenance.

Push around mast:
The main advantages of push-around mast AWP are the small size and low weight, which allow it to reach confined areas that can only be reached along narrow doors or corridors. It has a small footprint and is easily maneuverable by manual pushing to its destination. These AWPs are often used in meeting rooms, retail stores, offices as well hotels and hospitals. This device also has its safety gears in place like non-marking tyres and emergency lowering systems.

Driveable mast lift:
Applications that involve long distances and changes in location often make use of a drivable mast lift. This AWP has a larger platform compared to the push-around mast and is fitted with driver and lift machinery. Driveable mast lifts are widely employed in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.

Importance and application of aerial lift in various industries

The aerial work platforms are vital equipment used across numerous industries. They offer an eco-friendly era & a much safer alternative to the conventional means for reaching high areas that are otherwise hard or impossible to get.

• Construction: Most of the jobs in construction sites are from heights which necessitates availing aerial lifts as one of the key tools used by this line.
• Retail: One common phenomenon associated with retail stores is that signs and displays have to be constantly modified. In particular, aerial lifts have improved working at high levels of shelves and walls instead of ladders, reducing the chance of accidents that could damage goods.
• Warehousing: In warehouses and distribution centers, aerial lifts are used for inventory management in addition to loading and unloading trucks as they reach high storage shelves. Narrow aisle-equipped AWP particularly eliminates the issues of navigating through narrow aisles, allowing for practical maximum use of space in these facilities.

Tips for Increasing Aerial Work Platform Productivity

1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Make sure that regular check and maintenance on your aerial work platform is done. This will increase the longevity of the equipment and improve its performance hence increasing productivity at large.
2. Professional Training: Operator training should always be in-depth. Professionals are better placed to use the systems more effectively thus fewer disruptions will be caused by accidents or misuse of equipment.
3. Optimal Equipment Selection: Select the appropriate AWP for your task. All Aerial work platforms are not the same, and being able to select an optimal one can improve efficiency by substantial statistics.
4. Effective Planning: If possible, organize your work day in such a way that reduces the time for relocating. The idea is that the more time an operator can use to work productively, and less on platform positioning.
5. Safety Measures: Follow on-premise precautions and safe practices to avoid accidents. This minimizes hassle and maintains a constant work process.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aerial Work Platform for Your Work

1. Job Requirements: Analyze the peculiar needs of a specific case at work. Determine the maximum height requirement, and weight limit, and determine whether there are specific requirements for an articulating joint or telescoping functions. Carefully analyze the aerial lift work scope before buying.
2. Work Environment: Evaluate the environment under which AWP will run. However, electric-powered units with non-marking tires might be useful during an indoor task while diesel-fueled machines with the ability to travel rough outdoor terrain come in handy.
3. Ease of Use: Try to find platforms that are not too complicated so that they do not impress you with a difficult level of control. This could save on time and costs of training.
4. Safety Features: Look out for safety attributes such as guardrails, platform surfaces with non-slip features, and emergency stop buttons. Needless to say, safety concerns are one of the factors that should be taken into account when choosing a specific AWP.
5. Budget: Lastly, think about how much the platform costs. Make sure that it remains affordable to you and still covers all the essential job needs and safety standards.

Aerial work platform safety features you need to know

• Guardrails: Make sure that the AWP has sturdy guardrails to prevent workers from falling off.
• Non-slip Surfaces: Non-slip surfaces should be incorporated into platforms to increase the level of safety.
• Emergency Stop Buttons: These offer instant stoppage of operations in emergency cases. It's among the most important aerial work platform safety features.
• Fall Arrest Systems: Go for AWPs that have their personal fall arrest systems.
• Tilt Sensors: These alert the operator if the platform is operating beyond what will constitute a safe tilt of operation.
• Load Sensing Systems: These do not overload the platform, making it safer.
• Wind Speed Sensors: These sensors are critical to outdoor operations and stop operations during high winds as a preventive measure against accidents that may occur.

Wrapping up!

In conclusion, the decision to select a specific type of aerial work platform is made by taking into account several factors that include job requirements, working conditions, and whether it can be easily used or not safely used as well as how much. Thus, through a close examination of these features and the choice of your desired operation platform ' you will guarantee a safe and smooth running in any work elevated situation.

Considering a scissor lift for your next work-from-height task? When selecting between the different types of scissor lift from our large fleet, you have a range of fuel options, working heights, and platform widths to suit your needs. But which lifter is right for your job? 

In this ultimate guide to choosing your scissor lift, the experts at Horizon Platforms share all you need to know to ensure you select the correct platform to complete your job at height safely ' including the types of scissor lift available, and how to choose the right machinery for the job.

What is a Scissor Lift?

A scissor lift is a popular type of access platform and is commonly used when working at height. It is a A scissor lift is a popular type of access platform, and is commonly used when working at height. It is a vertical lift with a criss-cross 'scissor' mechanism that opens up to raise the platform. The platform on this type of MEWP can usually only move vertically, rather than up and over/across like a cherry picker. 

What are Scissor Lifts Used For?

Scissor lifts can be used in a variety of different industries to help significantly improve the efficiency and safety of your work, including the following:

• Repair and maintenance 
• Construction
• Signage
• Production 
• Retail
• Warehousing

Anyone from small businesses and individual companies to huge corporate operations will find that hiring a scissor lift can help employees accomplish their elevated tasks safely and more efficiently.

The Benefits of Scissor Lifts

We've covered where scissor lifts can be useful, but why choose a scissor lift over the alternative types of MEWPs?

• Access Heights And Hard-To-Reach Places Safely 
• Easy To Operate
• Compact In Size
• Reduces The Risk Of Workplace Injuries

For more information about the uses and benefits of this type of MEWP, head to our blog: what is a scissor lift?

Different Types of Scissor Lifts

If you've decided to use a scissor lift for your work-from-height task, you'll need to consider which type of scissor lift is best for you.

Electric Scissor Lifts

Powered by electric batteries, rather than a combustion engine, electric-powered scissor lifts are more environmentally friendly; and we're proud to have an impressive fleet of electric scissor lifts here at Horizon Platforms, such as the JLG 6RS, Genie GS and Dingli JCPTDCS.

This type of scissor lift is:

• Ideally suited for indoor operation, due to the lack of loud noises or exhaust emissions when operating.
• Generally more compact in size than fuel-type scissor lifts, and has small, narrow platforms ideal for restricted spaces.
• Often fitted with non-marking tyres to prevent floor damage during operation.  

Due to their low carbon emissions, electric scissor lifts are ideal for businesses working towards sustainability-focused ESG goals (to unlock even greater levels of sustainability, follow our tips for increasing MEWP battery life). 

Our blog comparing electric vs diesel scissor lifts can help you decide which of these popular machines is best suited for your purposes. 

Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Hydraulic scissor lifts can be powered by either an electric motor or compressed air, and are highly recommended for:

• Operation in warehouses
• Construction sites
• Infrastructure projects

The changing pressure of the hydraulic oil in the machine helps to operate the lift and move the platform up and down. They are easy to operate, and usually require little training, making them a simple option when you have on-site lifting needs. 

Diesel-Powered Scissor Lifts

Diesel-powered scissor lifts, such as the SkyJack SJRT and Haulotte Compact 12DX, are powered by traditional diesel engines. This type of scissor lift is less environmentally friendly, as they emit exhaust fumes and can be noisy.

On the plus side, they're generally fitted with larger platforms and are recommended for:

• Outdoor construction projects
• Well-ventilated indoor spaces
• Environments where engine noise will not distract or cause a nuisance for the community around you

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts

This scissor lift type is a specialist MEWP, designed to offer increased power for operation in tough outdoor ground conditions. They are typically powered via diesel to provide the necessary power for operating across rough terrain and drifting heavier loads.

They come equipped with high-weight capacity, heavy-duty tyres, and additional safety mechanisms like fall restraints and arrestors, making them ideal for worksites with uneven surfaces and slopes. Examples of rough terrain scissor lifts include the Genie GSRT and SkyJack SJRT.

Pneumatic Scissor Lifts

Pneumatic scissor lifts are air-powered, which results in an incredibly clean and maintenance-free lift. Using air pressure to raise and lower the platform, this type of scissor lift is ideal for those who want to be more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint. 

How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift Platform

Choosing between scissor lift types is crucial to ensuring your project is completed efficiently and safely. You will need to consider factors such as terrain, power supply, the weight of the items you need to lift, height, loading method, and the desired platform size. 

Here are a few questions you should consider when hiring a scissor lift: 

What height do you need to work from?

Consider the maximum height you need your scissor lift to reach over the duration of a project. We have scissor lifts ranging from five to twenty-one metres, so you're sure to easily find the one most suited to your working environment.

Don't forget to consider minimum working height, too. If working indoors, take the size of access and entrance points into consideration, as well as obstacles. 

For more hydraulic work platforminformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Is horizontal and vertical reach required? 

Scissor lifts are excellent for projects that require you to work at heights. However, if horizontal reach is required, a cherry picker may be better for your task than a scissor lift. 

What is the maximum working load you require?

This is the maximum amount of weight your platform can carry, also know as Safe Working Load (SWL). You will need to consider how heavy the materials needed for your task are, as well as how many workers (including their weight) will need to use the platform. 

What is the job site's terrain? Indoor or outdoor? 

This impacts the drive power, and the types of tyres or fuel type needed, as diesel power is often used on rougher terrain and electric scissor lifts often used indoors. Other factors include:

• Does the platform need to be mobile?
• How narrow or restricted is the space I need to access?
• What power source is appropriate?
• What is my budget? 

Whether you need quiet, clean operation with an electric scissor lift or you are looking for an access platform that can manoeuvre over rough terrain, we can offer you expert advice when selecting from our nationwide selection of rental scissor lifts.

Need help selecting your ideal platform for your project? Check out our Platform Finder today.

Boom Lift vs Scissor Lift: What Are the Differences?

We've referenced our range of cherry pickers, otherwise known as boom lifts ' so it's also worth considering whether you're choosing the right MEWP for the job when comparing types of scissor lifts.

To decide whether a scissor lift or cherry picker is best for your task, we've outlined some of the differences below. 

What is a boom lift?

A boom lift is a piece of equipment that elevates a worker and their tools in a compact work platform. It features a grounded base and hydraulic lift system.

Electric boom lifts can be used indoors or outdoors. Their hydraulic arm allows for greater manoeuvrability, which in some models can rotate 360 degrees. Boom lifts are great for navigating in tight spaces where the desired area might be harder to reach. 

If you're interested in learning more, explore our full guide to cherry picker.

The differences between a boom lift and a scissor lift

When deciding between a scissor lift and a boom lift, you will need to consider what kind of job you are doing, the environment you will be doing it in, and how much power you will need.

Should I Buy or Hire a Scissor Lift?

At Horizon Platforms, we have scissor lifts available for both hire, contract hire and purchase. Hiring is a cost-effective choice for scissor lift use over a set period of time; however, buying a scissor lift (or long-term hire) can work out cheaper over time if you will use your scissor lift over a long period in one location. 

Our guide on buying or hiring an access platform can help you to decide which is the right option for you. 

Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Scissor Lift in the UK?

To operate a scissor lift, work at height, and legally operate a mobile elevated work platform, you will need to be over 18 years old, carry the right licence (a PAL or ePAL card), and have suitable training qualifications.

While there's no legal definition around the level of training required to be deemed appropriately trained, it's considered best practice for all MEWP and scissor lift operators, managers, demonstrators, and inspectors to undergo relevant IPAF training. For scissor lifts, this would be IPAF training 3a. 

What is a PAL card?

A PAL (Powered Access Licence) or digital ePAL card is issued, which demonstrates the type of access platform the operator is qualified to operate. These cards are valid for five years, with the option to renew your IPAF training ahead of the expiration date.

Future intelligent scissor lifts and MEWPs will actually require the relevant PAL card to be swiped in order to function, ensuring unlicensed people cannot operate them. For more information, take a look at our Ultimate Guide To Access Platform Training.

Health and Safety When Operating Scissor Lifts

Before using any type of scissor lift, you should assess the potential risks and put control measures in place to help minimise them.

Scissor lifts may often be operated in challenging, narrow spaces, and therefore you first-need to be aware of your surroundings and any obstacles within the vicinity of the project, as these could increase the chance of an accident.

Before operating a powered access platform, you must ensure you adhere to the correct access platform health and safety procedures:  

• Conduct a pre-use inspection to ensure the machine is fully functional, including the brakes and emergency stop button. Remember ' as part of PUWER (), it's your legal responsibility to ensure all MEWPs are maintained and repaired ahead of the operation.
• Confirm all scissor lift operators have received training and are familiar with the MEWP in use for the day. Ensuring all MEWP operators are properly trained can prevent several common accidents. 
• Conduct a risk assessment, taking into account safety hazards such as power lines and considering how you will avoid them.
• Conduct a ground assessment to see how safe the terrain is for your chosen scissor lift. 
• Clear the surrounding area of potential safety hazards, and cordon off areas to keep out unauthorised people and alert passers-by of potential dangers.
• Consider the weather: certain rain, ice, and wind conditions may prevent you from safely using your scissor lift that day.
• Always have a rescue plan should someone get stuck in a MEWP or be injured while operating powered access at height.

Where Can I Rent a Scissor Lift Near Me?

With a whole host of scissor lifts available to hire, contract hire, or buy, finding the right type of scissor lift and powered access platform for your project can be a challenge. Fortunately, here at Horizon Platforms, we make your hiring MEWPs straightforward, which is why 98% of our hires are trouble free. We achieve this by providing:

An Extensive Fleet of Powered Access Platforms

At Horizon Platforms, we are proud to offer a cherry-picked nationwide fleet of 16,000 access platforms, and only offer quality machines from reputable, trusted manufacturers. No matter the different types of scissor lift you're considering, you can rely on us to find the correct MEWP for your next project. We can source a suitable scissor lift in no time, no matter where you're based. 

Professionally Inspected, Repaired and Maintained 

Here at Horizon Platforms, we ensure every access platform is delivered in great condition, having been thoroughly checked during our 40-point pre-delivery inspection. this means guaranteeing each machine has a full-service history, is in working order, fully charged or fuelled and complete with an in date LOLER. All so you have full peace of mind that your hired equipment is safe and ready to use from the get-go. 

We also offer a nationwide repair service, so in the unlikely event of scissor lift failure, you'll have access to an expert within 15 minutes and an engineer on site within three hours if needed, during working hours. We also have out of hours support for those working around the clock.

Finally, if you own a scissor lift or fleet of scissor lifts, we offer access platform maintenance and breakdown packages that cover your entire powered access platform servicing, maintenance and repair needs. This ensures your chosen lift type is always in good working order, fully operational, safe and compliant at all times. 

Impressive Accreditations

With the triple crown of ISO standards, Safe Contractor certification, and IPAF Rental+ Gold, our accreditations separate us from the pack. They ensure we provide the highest standards of service when you work with us. What's more, we recently acquired a silver medal from EcoVadis, reflecting our strong sustainability credentials.

Fast & Smooth Access Hire Process From Start to Finish 

We don't just offer quick delivery (potentially within 4 hours) ' we pride ourselves on offering a speedy, professional service from start to finish. Simply open a credit account in just a few minutes and get a decision within one hour from Monday to Friday so there's no hanging about. Then we can get lifters on site within the same day or next day.

Need hire flexibility and easily accessible supply performance data? In addition to getting access to our knowledgeable and supportive team by or , every Horizon Platforms customer use our online customer portal, HireHub.

HireHub is designed to make the hiring process easier than ever allowing for complete control, flexibility and transparency of your hire account. 

From quotes and extending contracts to off-hires and invoices, it's all there in a few clicks. You can even monitor how Horizon performs via the Hire Statistics Dashboard.

Expert Advice 

Our expert team of access hire specialists will always be on hand to offer advice on which types of scissor lift are right for you and help you find an access platform that's perfect for your project. We know you don't often work the standard 9-5, and we don't either. So, call us 24/7 via our out of hours service, and we'll be there to help out.

Availability Around the Country

Horizon Platforms is delighted to provide different types of scissor lift hire in numerous locations around the UK, including:

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Double Mast Aerial Work Platform.

• Scissor lifts for hire in West Yorkshire
• Scissor lifts for hire in South Yorkshire
• Scissor lifts for hire in East Yorkshire
• Scissor lifts for hire in North Yorkshire
• Scissor Lifts for hire in the North East
• Scissor Lifts for hire in the North West