You may already know that construction workers’ jobs are not easy! Construction is very labor intensive – workers constantly need to move heavy materials, as well as reach high elevations and hard-to-reach areas. That’s why construction lifts are a must-have on a daily basis at a majority of construction sites today. They help construction workers complete their job safely and effectively as well as boost productivity at job sites.
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A construction lift, also known as an aerial lift, aerial work platform (AWP), or man lift, is a motorized forklift used to help construction workers reach high elevations for jobs or projects. Construction lift equipment generally consists of a motorized vehicle with heavy duty tires and a work platform that can be raised and lowered as the worker needs.
There are several different types of aerial lifts that are designed for different construction jobs. The elevation the forklift can reach, the weight it can hold, the platform size, movement direction, etc. varies depending on the type of construction lift. For instance, some lifts can hold just one worker at a time. Others can hold workers and their tool sets, and some can even lift several workers plus their tools at a time. Some construction lifts move just up and down, while others can move side to side as well.
Construction lifts can be used anywhere when construction workers need to reach elevated heights safely and efficiently. Whether the construction lift is electric or gas-powered, it can be used to quickly raise workers standing on the lift’s platform to the exact elevation they need to access. Take a look at some of the jobs and applications construction lifts can be used for:
Construction lifts are typically used in outdoor settings, however they can also be used indoors. Keep in mind that there are different types of construction lifts designed for different types of jobs.
There are many different types of construction lifts available today, and each is equipped to handle a different type of job. For this reason, it can be tricky to decide which forklift is best for your construction team’s needs. But we are here to help! For your convenience, we’ve summarized the 7 main types of construction lifts, as well as their functions, how they work, power sources, and lift capacities.
Articulating boom lifts, also known as knuckle lifts, are types of boom lifts with a flexible, bendable arm with a mounted work platform that reaches elevated heights. They have a turntable at the base of the machine that allows workers to adjust the arm to bend in various directions, maneuver around obstacles, and access hard to reach areas.
Another type of boom construction lift is the telescopic boom lift. These boom lifts have a long extendable arm. However, unlike the articulating boom lift, the telescopic boom arm does not bend – it extends diagonally, allowing a worker to reach very high elevations. In fact, out of all the construction lifts, telescopic boom lifts can reach the highest heights. Telescopic boom lifts’ arm has a mounted platform that can hold one worker.
Towable boom lifts are boom lifts that are designed to be transported easily. For this reason, they’re best for construction teams that need to easily move their equipment from site to site. Most towable boom lifts have arms that function like telescopic boom lifts, and do not bend. However, keep in mind that because they are towable, these lifts tend to have lower weight and height capacities.
Vertical mast lifts are aerial construction lifts designed to help construction workers reach elevated heights in tight, small, or narrow spaces. They are similar to scissor lifts in the sense that they move vertically (up and down only), but they tend to allow for even tighter spaces than articulating boom lifts or scissor lifts. Additionally, vertical mast lift platforms often allow 2 or more workers, and they are very easily transported and stored. However, keep in mind that their maximum height is often lower than scissor lifts and boom lifts.
Bucket trucks, also known as cherry pickers, are wheeled vehicles (trucks) with an attached aerial platform that can be raised and lowered using controls. One of the reasons bucket trucks are so convenient is that since they are attached to a vehicle, they can be driven at traffic-speed on roads and therefore transported easily. Bucket trucks are great for maintenance work and landscaping, and their platforms can hold one to a few workers.
Rough terrain scissor lifts are types of scissor lifts that are well equipped to perform well on all types of terrain, including uneven surfaces like rock and gravel. They also tend to have heavy duty tires as well as four-wheel drive, making them powerful machines for outdoor jobs. Like vertical mast lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts move only vertically (up and down) and reach up to around 60 feet. Note that this maximum height is less than that of boom lifts, however, they have wider work platforms and have a larger weight capacity (2,500 lbs).
The other type of scissor lift is the slab scissor lift. Like rough terrain scissor lifts, these forklifts move vertically (up and down) and not side to side. Unlike rough terrain lifts, slab scissor lifts are typically electric rather than gas-powered, and work better for indoor areas or areas with flat surfaces (like concrete). They also tend to support slightly less weight (up to 2,000 lbs), even though they have the same wide platform as rough terrain lifts.
As mentioned, construction lifts have two different power sources: electric (battery powered) and gas (diesel-gas powered), sometimes referred to as internal combustion (IC). There are also hybrid construction lifts, which use a combination of gas and electric power sources, although these are less common.
Gas powered construction lifts, also known as internal combustion (IC) lifts, are the most common type of construction lift when it comes to power sources. They typically run by using an engine powered by diesel fuel, but sometimes can run with propane.
Gas-powered lifts will give you the most power and torque, especially on rough outdoor terrains. They are best used for outdoor construction projects, as their gas engine will emit fumes that are harmful indoors. Keep in mind that gas-powered forklifts require regular diesel gas purchases, which means additional ongoing costs.
Electric construction lifts use a battery power source to run, and therefore emit no harmful fumes. Also, they tend to allow workers to access tighter and harder to reach areas. For these reasons, they’re perfect for indoor use or outdoors on flat, paved surfaces (such as concrete) or narrow areas.
There are several reasons why electric lifts are beneficial. First, because they use a battery, they dont require ongoing gas purchases, which helps businesses save money. Additionally, they are quieter and emit no fumes. However, downsides to electric lifts include the fact that they tend to have a lower weight capacity and tighter turning radius. They also have lower torque and power compared to gas-powered lifts, and must be charged every 8 hours or so.
Although they are less common, there are also hybrid construction lifts, which run by using two power sources – a combination of gas and electric. In other words, hybrid lifts have both an internal combustion engine as well as a battery to power up the equipment. As a result, workers can choose to use either source and can use the lift either indoors or outdoors.
Hybrid lifts are best for construction teams that work in a variety of workspaces. They give teams the flexibility of using the construction lift in tight or wide spaces, indoors or outdoors, and most of the time, on a variety of pavements as well.
As we mentioned, there are several different types of construction lifts and each helps complete different construction jobs. Before deciding on which forklift to purchase or rent for your next construction project, we recommend thinking through the following questions.
When tackling a construction project, choosing the right lift is critical for safety and efficiency. This article will guide you through the types of construction lifts, each suited to different tasks and environments. Whether you need to maneuver materials at height, access tight spaces, or work on uneven or challenging terrain throughout, understanding the capabilities of boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, and specialized lifts can help you select the optimal equipment for your project’s needs.
Construction lifts are essential for various tasks in construction projects, offering different features such as maneuverability, load capacity, and adaptability to job site conditions, with selection impacted by terrain and surface conditions.
Boom lifts, with their articulating or telescopic arms, and scissor lifts, with vertical lifting strength, are designed for specific tasks and environments, providing flexibility in reaching inaccessible areas or stable platforms for work at heights.
Safety considerations and proper training for operators are critical in the use of construction lifts to prevent accidents and to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, and selecting the right lift involves considerations of workspace, weight capacity, and terrain.
The construction lift, also called the aerial lift or man lift, is a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) that raises workers to significant heights. This increases the safety and efficiency of construction sites when working on far-reaching tasks. Their maximum height ranges from lifting a person up to 12 feet on a vertical mast lift to elevating workers up to a staggering 210 feet on the Snorkel SJ, the tallest boom lift in the world.
However, it’s worth noting that not every lift is identical. Various construction lift types are designed for particular tasks, such as transporting materials, lifting more materials or people, reaching inaccessible areas, and offering utility across diverse indoor and outdoor environments. So, it is not just about reaching heights, but also about maneuverability, load capacity, and adaptability to the job site.
Furthermore, terrain and surface conditions at the job site significantly influence the selection of a construction lift. For instance, standard pneumatic tires may be suitable for indoor operations or smooth terrains, while solid rubber tires can cater to specific outdoor ground environments.
Among the most versatile equipment in any construction site’s arsenal are the mighty boom lifts. These are essentially aerial lifts with a mechanical arm, known as a boom, that can extend and retract to reach various heights and distances. There are three primary types of boom lifts, including articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, and towable boom lifts, each with its unique advantages.
Frequently dubbed as “knuckle lifts", the articulating boom lift is characterized by its bendable arm and joints, enhancing their maneuverability and making them ideal for tasks that necessitate navigating around obstructions. These lifts excel in indoor and confined spaces, as they can manipulate themselves over and around obstacles to reach areas other lifts cannot. With the capacity to extend up to 150 feet high, they are uniquely equipped to access hard-to-reach locations. There are also electric articulating boom lift options but they have limited reach compared to gas-powered models.
Unlike articulated boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, also called spider lifts or straight boom lifts, have a straightforward design with an arm that extends and retracts, offering exceptional vertical and horizontal reach up to 210 feet. These are ideal for tasks that require a stable platform at great heights, such as tree trimming, HVAC system maintenance, and even aiding stranded riders on roller coasters. There are currently no electric telescopic boom lift models.
Towable boom lifts are the least frequent type of boom lift but they are great for DIY projects. Similar to articulating boom lifts, they have knuckles and joints and can be used to go up and over obstacles. The primary difference is that they can be towed by a standard pickup truck or SUV. However, they have limited reach in comparison to other boom lifts with the largest model going up to 56 feet.
Turning our focus from boom lifts, we now examine scissor lifts, a slightly different type of lift equipment. The primary differences between boom lifts and scissor lifts are the following:
Scissor lifts are designed for vertical and horizontal movement, but they cannot be extended horizontally. This means they must be positioned directly underneath the work area to provide access.
Scissor lifts have a higher platform capacity with the largest model capable of lifting 2,750 pounds. Boom lifts can only lift up to 1,000 pounds.
Scissor lifts can't reach as high. The tallest model only goes up to 70 feet.
The working platform on scissor lifts is bigger, able to fit as many as 5 to 6 people on the largest models.
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Despite the differences, the robust lifting power provided by cross brace supports makes them indispensable in a variety of applications. From construction work to window washing and the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems, the scissor lift is essential for many contractors. There are two types of scissor lifts: electric scissor lifts and rough terrain scissor lifts.
The electric scissor lift models are optimal for a few reasons. Firstly, they are preferable for indoor projects due to their quiet operation. Second, they run on rechargeable batteries, producing zero emissions. Lastly, they often come with features like regenerative braking systems and dual power options for increased energy efficiency and versatility. The downside of electric scissor lifts is that they are optimal only for finished surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Fortunately, the rough terrain scissor lifts make up for the features that electric lift models lack. This makes them significant for outdoor tasks, particularly on uneven surfaces. Engineered to perform well on all types of terrain, these rough terrain scissor lift models are equipped with features like puncture-protected tires, four-wheel drive, and extendable stabilizers for stability and safety on uneven outdoor surfaces. This allows them to manage surfaces like rock and gravel, demonstrating their suitability for challenging terrains, especially in construction, landscaping, and mining applications. They also have higher lifting capacities, can reach higher, and have a larger platform to work with.
Shifting our focus from lifts to transporters, we delve into forklifts – a crucial component of the construction lift family. Forklifts are primarily used for lifting and transporting materials across job sites, with a special emphasis on high carrying capacity and the ability to operate on uneven terrain. They have a unique design that enables stability, making them capable of transporting large items in tight spaces, proving particularly useful in challenging landscapes.
There are different types of forklifts, each with its unique features and applications. These include:
Telescopic forklifts are known for their high reach potential.
Rough terrain forklifts, designed for challenging outdoor surfaces.
Heavy-duty forklifts, designed for industrial applications with a substantial weight limit.
Telescopic forklifts, or telehandlers, uniquely combine aspects of a telescopic boom lift and a conventional forklift. They can extend upwards to about 56 feet on standard models, enabling them to remove cargo from trailers or lift loads to higher locations like rooftops. They also have a forward reach of up to 41 feet on some models, allowing for the transport of items across rough terrain. They can be equipped with a variety of attachments like buckets, pallet forks, or lift tables, adapting to various construction needs.
As their name indicates, rough terrain forklifts, also called all-terrain forklifts, are designed to function effectively on difficult outdoor terrains. They are equipped with oversized pneumatic tires and a reinforced cage cab for stability on uneven terrains. These powerful lifting machines can handle slopes up to 40% gradability, making them suitable for applications in construction, landscaping, and mining. With a maximum load capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, rough terrain forklifts can lift and transport heavy loads with ease.
The heavyweights of the forklift family are the heavy-duty or large-capacity forklifts. These forklifts are engineered for lifting substantial weights, often required in industrial projects. The lifting capacity of heavy-duty forklifts can lift up to 36,000 pounds.
In addition to standard construction lifts, specialized lifts are designed for specific purposes. Two such examples are bucket trucks and vertical mast lifts. Bucket trucks, also known as ‘cherry pickers,’ are wheeled vehicles. They have an attached aerial platform which can be raised and lowered using controls. They derive their nickname from their initial use in orchards for fruit harvesting.
On the other hand, vertical mast lifts are specifically designed for working in very tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas, thanks to their compact design. They provide access to elevated heights in tight, small, or narrow spaces, offering maneuverability even in more restricted areas than other construction lifts like articulating boom lifts or scissor lifts.
Bucket trucks are flexible vehicles with a wide range of applications in sectors like utilities, telecommunications, forestry, and construction. They facilitate safe and efficient building maintenance work such as painting, window cleaning, and repairs on structures of considerable height. Bucket trucks may feature configurations like single or double buckets, sometimes equipped with specialized attachments for particular tasks. Larger bucket trucks are designed for heavy-duty tasks with higher load capacities, allowing them to carry heavier equipment and multiple workers safely.
Contrarily, vertical mast lifts prioritize compactness and precision. Thanks to their small footprint, they are ideal for tasks where heights up to 50 feet are needed, generally less than what boom or scissor lifts are capable of, making them ideal for specific indoor applications. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to facilitate work in tight elevated spaces where other types of lifts may not fit, thereby enhancing the productivity and safety of work operations. Because of their small size, vertical mast lifts can often only lift one person at a time.
Having explored various lift types and their applications, let’s shift our discussion to their power sources. Construction lifts can be powered by electricity or gas, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Electric construction lifts have several advantages. For one, they are environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and reducing energy consumption. They are also more cost-effective in terms of operating expenses, as they eliminate the need for regular fuel purchases. In addition, they have quiet operation and zero emissions, making them preferred for indoor use or on flat surfaces.
On the other hand, gas-powered lifts, particularly those powered by diesel, have more power and torque and perform well outdoors, making them suitable for remote locations where diesel availability is advantageous. While they may have a higher operating cost due to the need for regular fuel purchases, their higher power and lifting capacity often make them the go-to choice for heavy-duty outdoor tasks.
Hybrid lifts, which combine the benefits of electric and gas power, provide the flexibility to work in both indoor and outdoor environments across different terrains.
Because the use of construction lifts carries inherent risks, safety precautions, and appropriate training become critical. As with all heavy machinery, the operation of construction lifts requires a certain level of skill and understanding to avoid hazards and prevent accidents. Proper training on scissor lifts and boom lifts equips lift operators with the knowledge and skills required to operate these machines safely, potentially averting common injuries such as falls, electrocution, crushing, falling objects, and sprains.
Moreover, operators must receive OSHA-compliant safety training to comply with regulations, potentially avoiding expensive fines, and are often required to have certifications that validate their training. Several training programs facilitate this, offering convenient online options to complete certification training on various devices, allowing immediate printing of certification and operator cards.
Besides training, planning and clear instructions also play a vital role in ensuring safety. Designated storage and planned travel routes for rigs contribute to a safer work environment, reducing confusion and operator hazards.
Selecting an appropriate construction lift forms an integral part of the planning process for any construction project. Key considerations include workspace limitations, weight capacity, and terrain conditions. Fortunately, we have spec guides for articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, and towable boom lifts to help you find the right lift.
Understanding the limitations of your workspace and the weight capacity required for your task can ensure that you choose a lift capable of performing the required tasks within the constraints of your work environment. Similarly, the terrain conditions at your construction site can significantly influence the type of lift best suited to your project. An in-depth understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lifts for each lift type can help make an informed decision that aligns with the specific needs of your project.
Construction lifts find applications across a wide range of fields. From building construction and infrastructure projects to maintenance, events, and repair work, these machines have transformed the landscape of the trades.
Whether it’s installing windows in a high-rise building, constructing a bridge, or carrying out maintenance work on a rooftop, construction lifts play a pivotal role in ensuring the job is done efficiently and safely. Let’s dive deeper into some of these applications.
Lifts prove to be indispensable in building construction, particularly for tasks like window installation and facade maintenance. Their ability to reach great heights and maneuver in tight spaces makes them ideal for installing windows, cladding, and other exterior elements in high-rise buildings. They also facilitate safe and efficient building maintenance work such as painting, sheathing, roofing, window cleaning, and repairs on structures of considerable height.
For infrastructure projects, such as bridge construction and road maintenance, lifts play an integral role. From lifting heavy materials to providing access to high places, their robust power and flexibility make them a valuable asset in these large-scale projects. Whether it’s reaching the top of a bridge pillar or accessing a hard-to-reach spot on a road, lifts ensure that workers can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
Lifts also demonstrate their value in the maintenance and repair work of existing structures. Tasks such as HVAC system maintenance, piping repairs, roof repairs, and even window cleaning require access to elevated heights, and this is precisely where lifts come in. By providing a safe and stable platform, lifts contribute to reducing downtime and improving maintenance efficiency, making them a preferred choice for such tasks.
With a deeper understanding of the types of construction lifts, it’s clear that these machines are much more than just lifts. They are versatile machines, each with unique features and capabilities that make them indispensable in the construction industry. From boom lifts and scissor lifts to forklifts and specialized lifts, each type serves a unique purpose, catering to different tasks and environments.
Choosing the right lift requires a thorough understanding of the task at hand, the work environment, and the capabilities of the lift. Whether it’s building construction, infrastructure projects, electrical repairs, or maintenance tasks, construction lifts have transformed the way we work, enabling us to reach new heights and accomplish tasks more efficiently and safely.
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Construction lifts come in various types such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, bucket trucks, and vertical mast lifts, each with distinctive features and uses. Consider the specific requirements of your project when selecting the appropriate type.
When selecting a construction lift, consider workspace limitations, weight capacity, and terrain conditions to ensure it can perform tasks within your work environment.
Safety training for operating construction lifts is important as it equips operators with the necessary skills to prevent accidents and hazards, ensuring compliance with regulations and avoiding potential fines.
Construction lifts can be powered by electricity or gas (typically diesel), each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Electric lifts tend to be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while gas-powered lifts offer strong torque and are suitable for outdoor use.
Construction lifts are commonly used for tasks such as window installation, facade maintenance, bridge construction, utility lines, road maintenance, and maintenance.