Every worker and every business owner knows that the equipment will make the difference between getting the job done right and on time, and mistakes happening. The access platforms are the most important part of every construction and manufacturing process and they help the crew reach heights with ease.
Choosing the right platform can be a difficult task since there are so many things you need to consider. Here we are going to help you with your goal, and you will learn how to choose the right equipment depending on the features you require.
Height
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Think about why you need the machine and where you are going to use it. Start by considering the height. Depending on that, you can easily limit the number of choices. For starters, there are some devices that have limited range, so if you need something that will help you access higher, places, you should consider the equipment that will allow that.
When it comes to scissor lifts, they will help you reach heights up to 15 meters, and on the other hand, the telescopic boom can help you access heights as high as 60 meters. So, start by thinking about the type of work you need to be done, and how high the equipment needs to reach.
Tools
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The next thing you need to think about is if you will need to move the units from one place to another to get the job done, or if you are going to use any tools that will help you. Some units have the needed space where you can put different tools down to finish the project easier. Experts recommend to always choose devices that have that type of platform. It is a lot easier when you can reach the tools with ease than to go up and down all the time.
If you are looking for a platform that will allow this, you should know that both scissor lifts and towers have the needed space. The cherry pickers come with a big platform as well, but it is smaller than the one the scissor lifts offer. You should also think about the weight limit. Some units are great for putting heavy tools on them, but some may break from the weight.
Obstructions
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If your project requires you to work somewhere that has obstacles that cannot be moved, then you should think about getting a cherry picker. This equipment is the best when it comes to moving the workers from one place to another, no matter the obstacles. Another type you can consider is the boom lift.
Before choosing the right type, consider the risk and the environment. If there are obstacles above the workers, then it is better to go with the cherry picker. The same goes for electric cables or steelwork. Check out the environment, the obstructions, and the possible risk before you choose the best machine. If you are not sure what the best equipment is, you can always contact a professional service like CPS Lift that will help you out and give you some advice.
Surface
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Some jobs require you to work on lands that have a rough surface, and other times you will be able to work on a level place. The ground is one of the most important things you need to consider when you are thinking about buying new equipment.
For example, if you are working on level ground and if you need a platform that can easily move around, you can choose the scissor lifts. However, if you are working on an uneven surface and if you need something that will bring you stability, then you need something that comes with outriggers or that has additional stabilizing legs.
Space
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The available space is another thing you need to consider so you can choose the best platform for the job. If you are working outside and if there is a lot of available space, you can consider using a truck-mounted platform. They can reach a height of up to 32 meters, and the telescopic models can reach as high as 61 meters.
If you are working in a narrow space, then you should consider the spider platforms. Their design is narrow and they have low ground pressure. These units are great for outdoor work as well and they can be transformed into cranes with ease. The lifting capacity is up to 500 kilograms, so if you need some heavy equipment to be moved, then the spider platforms are the right way to go.
You should also think about the space needed for you to set everything up and if things need to be moved. Check the dimensions of the site and the dimensions of the equipment beforehand, and contact a professional that can help you decide on the right device.
Types
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The most common types of equipment include scissor lifts, cherry pickers, mast lifts, PAVs, spider lifts, and bespoke platforms.
The cherry pickers are great for working in difficult areas and they are the best choice if you need to reach things without moving the device. If you need something stable, low ground, and a device that can fit in almost every space, then you should go with the scissor lifts.
The personnel or mass lifts are great for moving workers around, so they can work next or above the platform. These machines can reach up to 10 meters in height. They are easy to drive around and maneuver.
If you need to do a simple job and if you need a replacement for the ladders, then you should go with the push-around vertical machines or PAVs. They are great for working in closed and narrow spaces like elevators.
The spider lifts offer you compact dimensions and they are great for both indoor and outdoor work. They are lightweight to they won’t damage any floors in the building. The bespoke platforms are the best choice is you cannot use any of the standard equipment. They are most commonly used in manufacturing and places where other machines cannot fit.
Think about the site conditions and the building location before you choose the right device for your needs. If you are not sure which one you should pick, you can always consult with a professional service or contact the seller. Always make sure that the crew is safe and that there are not going to be any incidents because the equipment was not the right type.
