Aerial Lifts

What is an aerial lift?
If your company has above ground projects that exceed a ladder's reach, an aerial lift can be the right solution. Consisting of a platform with guardrails that can lift one or more people to heights up to 100 feet, aerial lifts are commonly used to maintain facilities ranging from factories to shopping malls.

What types of aerial lifts are there?
There are four main types of aerial lifts:

• Straight boom lifts can extend its platform straight out to lengths of up to 120 feet. Since the boom (the arm that extends the lift) sits on a turntable, it can be swiveled around to virtually any angle. These types of lifts are also known as telescopic boom lifts, stick boom lifts, or broom lifts.
• Articulated boom lifts feature a jointed boom, which means the arm can bend like a finger knuckle. This lets operators maneuver the lift up and over on-ground obstacles so they can access their desired location. Articulated boom lifts can extend 30 to 60+ feet and are also known as knuckle booms.
• Scissor lifts feature larger platform areas that can accommodate more people and materials but only to heights of 20 to 40 feet.
• Vertical personnel lifts can hoist a single person 20 feet or more in the air. Their compact design makes them useful for confined spaces.

What do I need to think about when buying an aerial lift?
How and where you intend to use the lift will determine the type of lift you need. Basic considerations include how high you need to reach and the maximum capacity it needs to support. If you'll want a person to be able to drive the unit, make sure controls are located on the platform so it can be moved when they are elevated.

You also need to consider where your will be conducting your work. If it's indoors, you should probably focus on electric-powered lifts to avoid the noxious fumes. If your work will be on level ground, look for lifts that work with "on-slab applications" and that are designed compactly so it can be used in congested areas or narrow aisles with tight turning radiuses.

Aerial lifts for outdoor applications need to be able to handle the variation in ground terrain. Outdoor models also allow you to consider a range of power systems including diesel fuel, gasoline, and dual fuel, which is a combination of propane and gas. All aerial lifts are available for rent, lease or purchase

Aerial lift pricing
Aerial lifts will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000. Articulating boom lifts fall on the high end of the scale and vertical personnel lifts are at the lower end. Straight boom lifts and scissor lifts fall in between.

Want used equipment? While prices certainly vary according to age and condition, expect to pay $10,000 to $15,000 for a used 30- to 40-foot boom lift and $80,000 or more for a 110-foot model. Used scissor lifts vary from $3,000 to $6,000 for a 20' model, $5,000 to $9,000 for models up to 33 feet, and $9,000 to $30,000 for versions with the greatest reach.

Buying question checklist

• What is the maximum height I need to reach?
• Is the work primarily indoors or outdoors? If indoors, will it be on a slab foundation?
• How many people do you need to hold?
• What is the total weight of materials and people that need to be supported?
• Will the work be conducted in congested areas?
• How often will I need to use the unit over the course of a year?

Tips

• Keep storage requirements in mind. Make sure any unit you purchase can be stowed at your facilities when it's not in use.
• Tip-over and other aerial lift accidents can occur due to misapplication, incorrect usage and lack of training. Make sure people are trained adequately.
• Propane aerial lifts can be okay for indoor applications where it is highly ventilated