What is Powered Access?
Powered Access means any form of personnel lift that has its own power source – typically either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The true definition covers self-contained machines that do not require on-site assembly. The operator(s) work from an open-topped cage, also known as a basket, which can be raised and lowered as required.
Powered access platforms are known by a variety of names, including cherry pickers; mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs); aerial work platforms; aerial lifts; and sometimes a mixture of these titles.
The industry is relatively new, starting in the 1970s with the first boom lift and the first scissor lift being produced. It has grown into a sophisticated global industry that can provide a machine to accommodate safe working at height in almost any circumstance.
What to Look for in a Machine There is a huge range of powered access platforms available, all with different capabilities and different costs to hire or buy. It is vital that you choose the machine which will not only prove most cost-effective for your application, but will also provide you with the safest possible Working at Height conditions.
Key areas you should consider are: terrain; height; and outreach.
Terrain is extremely important, as some lifts require very flat ground for stability. Platforms come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to find one that can provide enough lift for you to reach your work station. The machine’s maximum working height is traditionally calculated from the bottom of the basket or cage at its highest possible elevation, plus an additional six feet (or 1.8 metres) for the operator’s height while in the basket.
Outreach is the maximum horizontal distance from the base of the machine that the lift will take the operator. This is crucial in tasks where there is a physical barrier between the operator and his/her intended work station (a wall for example), so the operator must first raise the basket, and then extend the lift away from the chassis, in order to reach the required destination.
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Your company logo –We only accept JEPGS, GIFS, PNG formats.
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Machine Categories
Powered access platforms are categorised in two ways; either by chassis type, or the system of elevation. This guide will explain the differences and highlight which machine type is the best for certain applications.
1. Chassis types
Self-Propelled: Self-propelled aerial work platforms can drive under their own steam, usually via an electric motor or diesel/LPG engine. Generally, this allows the operator to move the machine along the ground from the cage or basket, providing greater manoeuvrability and increased working efficiency, as the user does not have to come down from his work station in order to move around the site.
Trailer Mounted:Trailer Mounted lifts are just that – a powered access platform mounted on a road trailer chassis, which can generally be towed by a large saloon car or light commercial vehicle. The advantage to trailer mounts is they are the lowest cost machines and are often the first aerial lifts purchased by a new user. However, the key disadvantage is time lost setting up and packing up the trailer at the job site. The trailer mount balances on sturdy outriggers, which means it requires a fairly level surface; and the chassis cannot be moved along the ground once it is in place. This precludes it from being used in very intensive applications such as construction. The lift is usually powered by either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
Track Mounted: Track mounted aerial work platforms, like self propelled platforms, can be driven from the cage or basket, but instead of 4 wheels to move them along, have caterpillar style tracks. These tracks give better traction than wheels enabling it to climb steeper inclines and perform on soft surfaces where self propelled work platforms can struggle to find grip.
Vehicle Mounted: Vehicle Mounted lifts are integrated into the chassis of a van or truck. These offer good working heights and their road-going capabilities make them perfect for multi-site tasks, such as maintaining street lighting.
2. System of Elevation
Scissor Lift: Scissor lifts are lifted one way only – straight up! The scissor is either an “X” configuration, or occasionally a “Z”. Generally, scissor lifts offer larger baskets and greater carrying capacity than a boom lift – even a micro-scissor can carry a man and tools. They can also be raised and lowered quickly. The disadvantage to scissor lifts is they offer little or no outreach, which precludes them from some job sites. Uses range from internal and external building maintenance, to construction sites and aircraft repair.
Telescopic Boom: The telescopic boom configuration offers the best working at height, but again has limited manoeuvrability and the basket generally has less carrying capacity than a scissor lift. The boom, or arm, is in telescopic sections which extend in a straight line. Telescopic booms are ideal for mega-construction sites and great for other applications that require a lot of height. However, because the boom extends in a straight line, outreach is also in a straight line, meaning these machines are not ideal for operations in some confined spaces.
Articulated Boom: The articulated boom, also known as a knuckle boom configuration, consists of two or sometimes three folding arms, each joined with a knuckle. While the folding arm configuration sacrifices the great height capabilities enjoyed by telescopic boom lifts, the articulated boom offers superb manoeuvrability. It can work in confined spaces and provides “up-and-over” solutions, easily overcoming physical barriers to the work station, such as walls, small buildings, etc. Applications include utility companies; tunnel work and all types of building and facilities maintenance.
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