The Ultimate Guide to Different Construction Lifts Types for Any Project

The Ultimate Guide to Different Construction Lifts Types for Any Project

Meta Description: Learn about different types of construction lifts like boom lifts, scissor lifts, and forklifts, and choose the best one for your job site needs with this simple guide to aerial platform equipment.

This article provides an overview of the different types of construction lifts available and guidance on selecting the right one for your project needs.

Whether you need to transport materials, equipment, or workers, the appropriate lifting equipment is essential for safety, efficiency, and completion of tasks on schedule. Understanding each lift category’s key characteristics and applications helps you choose one suited to your job site conditions and requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Construction lifts come in different types to suit job site needs, like boom, scissor, spider, and forklift lifts.
• Factors like the workspace, terrain, power needs, and lifting capacity determine the best lift type for the job.
• Understanding the functionality and uses of each type helps choose the right equipment for the safe and efficient completion of tasks at different heights.

Understanding the Importance of Construction Lifts

Construction sites involve performing a variety of tasks at different heights and locations. Reaching these areas safely and efficiently is crucial. Construction lifts serve this essential purpose by providing convenient access to elevated workspaces.

Common Applications of Construction Lifts

Some common applications of construction lifts include:

• Transporting workers and equipment to various heights for material installation, repairs, and maintenance. This improves work efficiency.
• Moving construction materials like bricks, steel, wood, and concrete horizontally and vertically across sites. This eases material handling jobs.
• They transported tools and machinery between floors and levels, reducing time spent hauling equipment.
• They remove construction waste and debris from elevated areas and improve worksite cleanliness.

Benefits of Using Construction Lifts

Using the appropriate lift for the job provides several benefits:

• Improves worker safety by reducing fall risks when working at height. Lifts allow contact with elevated surfaces without the need for ladders or scaffolding.
• Saves time and effort by efficiently transporting personnel and cargo between levels, improving productivity.
• Allows access to hard-to-reach places for tasks like repairs, maintenance, and material installation that would otherwise be challenging.
• Reduces the physical strain of manual labor by handling heavy lifting and transport mechanically.
• Offers versatility for various tasks by choosing from different lift types suited to particular space and load requirements.

Safety Considerations When Using Construction Lifts

It is crucial to consider safety when operating lifting equipment. Some key aspects include:

• Receiving proper training specific to the lift model and following manufacturer guidelines.
• Inspect lifts regularly and perform required maintenance as specified.
• Ensuring lifts are placed on solid, level surfaces rated for the machine’s weight.
• Wearing harnesses and fall protection gear appropriately when working at height.
• Avoiding overloading or exceeding maximum weight limits.
• Maintaining safe distances from energized lines or equipment when in use.
• Using spotters when moving in restricted visibility to avoid collisions.

Types of Construction Lifts for Various Jobsite Needs

Several types of construction lifts are available that can suit different job site requirements and applications. Choosing the right lift depends on factors like the type of work involved, space constraints, payload capacity needs, and other considerations. An in-depth understanding of each lift type helps in making an informed selection.

1. Articulating Boom Lifts

Articulating boom lifts, known as knuckle booms, come equipped with a joint arm that can bend in multiple directions. This feature makes them well-suited for navigating congested job sites and tight spaces.

The arm is attached to a rotating mount, allowing the platform to move in a full circle. Articulating booms are commonly used for repairs, maintenance, and other jobs that require accessing areas with limited space. Their lifting heights generally range from 30 to 100 feet.

Some key benefits of articulating boom lifts include versatility due to their bending arm, the ability to reach tight spaces quickly, and having an adjustable platform to change position as needed.

Common applications involve repairs to building exteriors, cleaning tall structures, and plumbing or electrical works in confined areas. Atrium lifts, used indoors, are also part of this category, with four-leg mounts for stability in smaller spaces.

2. Telescopic Boom Lifts

Telescopic boom lifts feature a platform mounted on an extending arm that moves vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. This configuration allows workers to access high places with an extended reach capability of up to 100 feet. Compared to articulating booms, telescopic booms have smaller buckets suited for one or two persons.

They find wide usage for tasks like tree trimming, electrical line repairs, and other jobs performed individually at height. An advantage is the option of electric or fuel-powered models for indoor and outdoor applications, respectively.

Telescopic booms offer flexibility in positioning the bucket precisely over the work area from a distance. Proper safety training is essential while operating the extended arm, given its movement in multiple directions.

3. Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts consist of an elevated work platform supported by crisscrossing arm assemblies resembling a scissor mechanism. This design allows them to move smoothly up and down only. The platform must be placed directly under the work area since it lacks horizontal movement capabilities.

Electric scissor lifts are suitable for indoor jobs like maintenance, window cleaning, cladding installation, etc., due to their quiet operation. Larger platforms on these lifts can hold multiple workers and tools.

Rough terrain scissor lifts feature heavy-duty tires, outriggers, and increased stability for working in outdoor environments and uneven terrains. Common applications are construction sites and situations requiring simultaneous access to multiple persons.

4. Bucket Trucks

Also known as cherry pickers, bucket trucks comprise an aerial lift mounted on a truck chassis. They have a hydraulic crane supporting a railed bucket or platform holding one to two persons. Bucket trucks can reach heights up to 160 feet, making them well-suited for installation, line repairs, and tree maintenance requiring high-elevation access.

An advantage is the ability to quickly transport the lift to job sites via the attached truck. Common usages involve maintenance of street lights, installation of cell towers, line inspections, and outdoor repair works. The lifting crane allows precise personnel positioning for tasks like replacing light fixtures or accessing utility equipment. Proper tie-off is essential while working from the bucket for safety.

5. Telehandlers

Telehandlers or telescopic handlers feature an extendable boom alongside a lifting attachment or fork carriage. This configuration enables lifting and moving payloads horizontally as well as vertically. Lifting heights range from 10 to 21 feet, while capacities can be over 8,000 pounds for heavy-duty models.

Due to their lifting and carrying abilities over various terrains, telehandlers see broad applicability in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and other industries. Typical applications involve loading-trucks, positioning building materials, and moving equipment around active job sites. Benefits include lifting ability combined with a long reach to place items under challenging locations efficiently.

6. Vertical Mast Lifts

Vertical mast lifts comprise an elevated work platform attached to vertical rails or masts, allowing only up and down movement. Maximum heights are typically under 30 feet due to design limitations. However, they offer value for jobs requiring accessing tight, enclosed areas like warehouses or indoor spaces with low ceilings.

Compact sizes allow easy maneuverability, while platforms can hold one or two workers. Typical applications are stocking high shelves, changing lights, and performing other tasks in confined indoor areas. Benefits include simple operation and positioning of the platform precisely as required without taking up much floor space. Proper rail securing is essential for safety while working at height on vertical masts.

7. Spider Lifts

Spider lifts feature a four-legged design with articulating joints, allowing them to adjust stably on uneven surfaces. The platform can be raised and lowered vertically on the adjustable legs. Maximum heights range between 30 to 50 feet, depending on leg extensions.

Due to their ability to be set up securely even on rough outdoor terrains, spider lifts see wide use in landscaping, construction, inspection, and maintenance applications. Typical tasks include installing siding, inspecting rooftops, painting, and other jobs performed outdoors on sloped ground or complex surfaces.

Benefits comprise stable operation in variable conditions and easy transport between sites on a truck bed. Proper outrigger setting is essential for safety before elevating the platform.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Construction Lift

There are several important factors to consider when choosing the right type of construction lift for any job. Understanding your project needs and limitations will help ensure the equipment selected can be safely and efficiently utilized to complete tasks on budget and schedule.

Type of Movement Required

The range of motion required is a primary consideration. Lifts like articulating boom lifts that can maneuver around obstacles are best for tasks needing three-dimensional movement. Scissor lifts are suitable when vertical access alone is needed. Telescopic boom lifts excel at both vertical and horizontal positioning.

Space Constraints

Consider space limitations like the ability to navigate within a building. Scissor lifts can function in tighter spaces than boom lifts due to their compact design. Personnel lifts suitable for indoor areas with minimal clearance. Spider lifts are well-suited to uneven outdoor terrain, which is too challenging for other equipment.

Load Capacity

Pay attention to the number of workers to be lifted and the weight of equipment or materials. Boom trucks accommodate heavier payloads, but scissor lifts can carry more personnel. Rough terrain scissor lifts and forklifts suitable for lifting and moving heavy items on job sites.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

Electric scissor lifts are suitable for indoor applications requiring a quiet power source. Gas/diesel articulated, telescopic boom, and towable boom lifts are preferable for outdoor use and job sites with no electric power.

Power Source

Consider whether the task requires a mobile lift (like towable boom lifts) or a stationary platform. Electric lifts are suitable for indoor settings to avoid emissions, but gas/diesel lifts provide more power for heavy-duty outdoor use.