Choosing the Right Type of Aerial Lift for Your Construction Project

You already know that choosing the right equipment rental can save you time and money on your construction site. And when it comes to carrying out work at a height, renting an aerial lift —also known as an Aerial Work Platform (AWP)— is integral to getting the job done effectively. However, many people aren’t aware that there are different types of aerial lifts to fit your every construction need.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the different aerial lift types:

  • Scissor Lift
  • Boom Lift
  • Vertical Mast Lift

Those three AWP types divide into the following subtypes:

Scissor Lift

  • Electric Slab
  • Rough Terrain

Boom Lift

  • Telescopic
  • Articulating
  • Towable

Vertical Mast Lift

  • Self-propelled
  • Push Around

Furthermore, these aerial lifts all have various sources of power:

Scissor Lift

  • Electric Slab
    • Electric
  • Rough Terrain
    • Diesel
    • Dual Fuel (Gas & LP)
    • Hybrid (Electric & Generator)

Boom Lift

  • Telescopic
    • Diesel
    • Dual Fuel (Gas & LP)
  • Articulating
    • Diesel
    • Dual Fuel (Gas & LP)
  • Towable
    • Electric
    • Gas
    • Bi-Energy

Vertical Mast Lift

  • Self-propelled
    • Electric
  • Push Around
    • Electric

Now, let’s take a closer look to find out what all that means for your construction site needs

Scissor Lift:
With wide aerial platforms and cross-brace supports, scissor lifts are aerial liftdesigned to lift personnel and tools up vertically. They can typically reach heights of 10’-70’ high and have a max weight capacity of 500 lb-2,250 lb. In addition to their impressive vertical reach, some scissor lifts come with an extension deck that allows a minimum reach on the horizontal. However, this type of lift is limiting because it has to be placed directly under the work space in question. There are two different types of scissor lifts: the electric slab scissor lift and the rough terrain scissor lift.

Electric Slab Scissor Lift:
A sustainable option for your aerial work platform needs, an electric slab scissor lift is perfect to use in indoor spaces where low noise and low emissions are paramount. As its name suggests, the slab scissor lift is meant to operate on slab surfaces, like concrete. Usually smaller than its rough terrain counterpart, the electric slab scissor lift can fit through more narrow or compact spaces.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lift:
Used outdoors on construction sites with uneven terrains, the rough terrain scissor lift is a great option if you need a group of workers to reach an area at the same time. Available with diesel, dual fuel, or hybrid power, the rough terrain scissor lift’s powerful engine conquers rugged conditions with ease. Moreover, some models can even climb steep terrains and level out on slopes.

Boom Lift:
Made to handle jobs at dangerous heights,aerial lift boom lifts provide a secure platform that your personnel can trust working on while up that high in the air. They usually reach heights of  30’-185’ and have a max capacity load of 425 lb-1,000 lb. Often used in industrial construction projects, the boom lift’s maneuverable arm easily manipulates the work platform to move where you need it to be. There are three different types of boom lifts: the telescopic boom lift, the articulating boom lift, and the towable boom lift.

Telescopic Boom Lift:
With an aerial platform attached to an arm that only moves in straight lines, the telescopic boom lift gets its name because it “telescopes” out of its boom hoist. It’s generally used when workers need to access a place that the lift itself can’t get close to. Plus, this lift can also be driven with its boom fully extended.

Articulating Boom Lift:
Also known as a knuckle boom, the articulating boom lift is composed of multiple sections that are connected together by hinges. While it doesn’t have the same horizontal reach as the telescopic boom, it is able to maneuver around obstacles and can fit into tight spaces. Moreover, the electric version of this lift is a great option when working indoors.

Towable Boom Lift:
Available in electric, gas, and bi-energy models, the towable boom lift can easily be transported to a job site via a pickup truck thanks to its tow-behind mobility. It’s an extremely popular equipment rental choice among contractors because heavy machinery isn’t needed to transport it. In other words, it saves you money!

Vertical Mast Lift (Self-Propelled or Push Around):
Vertical mast lifts are one-man lifts that are lightweight and aerial liftcompact in size. Reaching average heights of 10’-40’ high, this lift has a max load capacity of 300 lb-500 lb. While best used on level surfaces, their electric power makes them a great option for indoor construction work. They’re therefore a great alternative to scaffolding or ladders. There are two different types of vertical mast lifts available for equipment rental: either the self-propelled vertical mast lift or the push around vertical mast lift. While the self-propelled version is moved mechanically, the push around one has to be physically pushed into place.

Lastly, you need to consider these factors to make the right equipment rental choice:

  • Electric powered aerial lifts are always a better option for indoor work. Alternatively, both dual fuel and diesel engine aerial lifts have the extra power needed for outdoor work.
  • Vertical mast lifts, electric articulating boom lifts, and electric slab scissor lifts are best for firm and level surfaces. But if dealing with uneven terrains, then engine-powered telescopic/articulating boom lifts or rough terrain scissor lifts are better.
  • If you’re unable to place the aerial lift directly underneath, your only option is to use a boom lift. On the other hand, scissor lifts can be used for jobs that have a need for multiple personnel, while vertical mast lifts are better for one-man jobs.
  • Always make sure your height and weight requirements and aerial lift are compatible. In other words, double-check your equipment rental specifications!

Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift vs. Vertical Mast Lift

After reading our tips, you should now be able to confidently choose the right aerial lift for the job. In short, different aerial lift types are better for certain construction jobs depending on the various factors at play. Feel free to contact us at RentAll Construction Inc. today for all of your aerial work platform needs. We have the largest rental network for general contractors in Canada, are completely free to use, and are available by phone 24/7!

In conclusion, we hope that you found this information helpful. And whichever aerial lift you choose, remember to always use it in a safe and responsible manner.

Which of these aerial lifts does your construction company rent the most?