One of the most common access challenges technicians face, especially in manufacturing lines, is the need for cantilevered access at multiple levels. Because overreaching access requirements vary from project to project, cantilevered work stands have to be customized to the end user’s specs almost 100% of the time. Sometimes these requirements call for simply a “diving board” design that allows a technician to lie above a piece of equipment for access. Other applications, however, require a larger platform that has extensive overreach capabilities and can accommodate two or more technicians.
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While there are plenty of cantilevered work platforms on the market that can hold multiple technicians at a time - the B Series platforms come to mind - the real challenge is finding a large overreaching work platform that provides vertical, cantilevered access without compromising on stability.
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Below are the top three considerations you and your technicians should discuss before choosing a company to design and manufacture your cantilevered work platform.
1. Make sure the work platform is stable while in use.
Many existing cantilevered work platforms, by their very design, sacrifice stability due to extreme lengths of overreach from the foremost support points. Side to side sway, as well as “bounce” when working from the deck, increase the farther the platform is from the support points. Look for a work platform that is designed with the front leg support member as close to the center of the load as possible. This type of design allows greater overreach, as well as greater width of the work space, without the feel of instability. If necessary, add outrigger jacks to lock the stand in place and increase stability during use.
Depending on the design, certain cantilevered work platforms will utilize counter-balance weights.
2. Choose a work platform with reliable actuation.
Hydraulic actuation has been a popular method of actuation for cantilevered work stands. But hoses and seals age and deteriorate, causing leakage of hydraulic fluid, and because of aging components, hydraulics have the tendency to “seep,” or slowly settle over time. This can create a significant problem when the stands are positioned above vulnerable components or surfaces. These issues increase maintenance costs, but also increase the likelihood of equipment damage during use.
Consider using a work stand that has electric or manual actuation. For example, the RangerMax work platform utilizes a dual-acting telescopic linear actuator system. This unique design provides greater extension capability while retracting into a compact length. The 120VAC or 12VDC electric actuators provide smooth, predictable extension and retraction, and cannot back-drive or seep from the set extension. These systems are also virtually maintenance-free.
Read a press release about the RangerMax Series here.
3. Ensure the work stand can be transported easily.
Users have found existing cantilevered work platforms are very difficult to maneuver in tight hangars and work areas, and it can be a struggle repositioning the work stand. Depending on your work environment, you might also be moving the stand over more rugged terrain, which can be nearly impossible if the stand isn't equipped with the right casters.
For easy, manageable movement of your stand, look for a system that uses dual-disc casters. These casters allow easy movement of the platform both backward and forward and side to side, making positioning simple. Also check for a system that uses high-quality face brakes to secure the system during storage. If required, request outdoor-rated casters.
Also, consider choosing aluminum. While aluminum is more expensive than steel, it’s roughly ⅓ the weight of steel, can be ribbed or extruded, and is corrosion resistant.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the above requirements, consider the following questions when sourcing your cantilevered access equipment:
- What is the lowest height at which you need your work platform to start? Many work platforms are designed with the lifting mechanisms underneath the deck, which limits its lowest height capabilities.
- How much cantilever capability do you need? There are various platform designs that provide cantilevered access, from a simple diving board design to the RangerMax stair with excessive overreach capabilities to a full-blown work platform with 24” or more of slider overreach. Do your research to make sure you’re finding the cantilevered access that fits your needs perfectly.
- What type of decking do you need? Consider if your technicians will be working on their knees a lot, or will have slick shoes, etc. Manufacturers can add specific high-traction or draining deck tread to make sure your work platform remains safe in all working conditions. You can also request deck matting for technicians that will be working on their knees.
- Keep it OSHA-compliant. Since you're getting an expensive piece of equipment, it should comply with OSHA's standards to eliminate any potential issues while in use. Look for a manufacturer that meets or exceeds OSHA's standards for mobile work platforms.
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By
Sylvia Rosen
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Cut Costs Using Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are designed to help workers reach inaccessible areas and work spaces, and are used for many types of construction and maintenance projects. Whether you're running a manufacturing plant or an industrial warehouse, a scissor lift can make the process of transporting and lifting heavy materials easy and efficient.
Scissor lifts are also known as "man lifts," "platform lifts," or "lift tables. Man lifts are a specialized type of aerial lift designed to transport people only, not large loads. These are often more compact and lighter than conventional scissor lifts. They are powered by electricity and hydraulic systems for smooth operation up and down. They are named for the shape of the supportive braces that propel the platform upward.
Features
Scissor lifts offer several benefits for work above the ground, offering a sturdy and supportive structure when it is necessary to reach and move between different elevations.
Some of the key benefits of scissor lifts include:
- Non-tread tires for smooth operation
- Easy joystick handling
- Extended deck systems for greater reach
- Hoisting and lifting multiple people
- Accommodating heavier loads
- Easy storage with fold-up structure
- Multiple height options; can reach heights of up to 100 feet
- Adjustable platforms for easy corrections while raised
While a new scissor lift may be the preference, consider that used scissor lifts offer all these benefits at a reduced cost. If you're only going to use the lift occasionally, a used lift is a great way to save money. On the other hand, if you plan to use the lift every day as a central part of your operations, it may better to spend a little extra on a new scissor lift to get the stronger warranty protection.
Optional equipment
Scissor lifts provide lots of support and are an excellent extension to mid-range lift activities. Work above the ground creates various demands and needs to accommodate. Manufacturers have released a myriad of scissor lift accessories for contractors to choose from to address those requirements. These additional components, when properly installed according to safety standards, make certain activities much easier and can convert a standard lift into a customized piece of invaluable equipment.
Extensions: Extensions attach to the scissor lift deck and make it larger than the original size. They often extend the platform sideways to provide more room to move, which is especially handy when workers need to reach past a wall or similar obstacle. Extensions come in many sizes and can add at least several feet onto the deck size for companies that need it.
Racks and Carriers: Racks, carriers, and similar components attach to the sides of the scissor lift and make it easier to carry building components up to the spaces where they are needed. Workers can store heavy parts like metal pipes, large panels, or unwieldy tools. The goal is both greater safety and the maximization of all available lift space. Secure bracket mounting is key to proper rack or carrier accessories.
Positioners: Positioners are related to racks but perform more singular tasks. Workers use them to hold especially large beams or pipes in place during installations. They act as levers and vises, carefully putting materials in place that workers would not be able to lift otherwise. Positioners are useful for mid-range duct work installation and similar projects.
Workstations: Workstations are some of the most varied scissor lift accessories. Basically they are workbenches installed on the deck, but the benches come in many different packages depending on the work. Maintenance packages offer plenty of tools and spare parts for factory repair, often including welders. Electrical work has a separate package with the tools, tests, and materials needed for electrical projects and wiring. A similar package is available for plumbers, too. Plenty of general workstations with outlets, compartments, and tool holders also exist for broader construction purposes.
Power Modules: Power modules help add new electrical abilities to the lift. These scissor lift accessories can help generate power for tools on the deck without the need for dangling wires, or convert between DC and AC power for both tools and lift energy requirements.
Nighttime Packages: Nighttime packages include an array of spotlights and bank lights so workers can see what they are doing in the dark, an ideal situation inside darker factories and tunnels, or during late-night construction projects. This is one of the simplest accessory packages available, but offers some of the most value for workers who need extra visibility.
How to select a used scissor lift
Investing in used scissor lifts cuts costs on an otherwise high-priced piece of equipment. However, you will still need to use the equipment for years to come so best value is more important than lowest price. There are several features to consider during your selection process.
With a variety of customizations available, including work heights, weight capacity, gradeability, and rough terrain capability, some lifts are far better suited to specific tasks than others. As a business owner, nobody knows your industry better than you. The scissor lift dealer you contact should be able to assist you. You will need to be able to provide information or discuss options on:
- Height. Most scissor lifts can reach heights of 20 to 50 feet, not as high as some telescoping man lifts or boom lifts, with lifting capacities between 500 to 2,500 lbs.
- Weight. The measurable strength of a scissor lift is the size of the platform and weight it can support. And you may not find the same lift-heights you would in other types of aerial lifts. Is weight more important than height? Or vice versa?
- Fuel . A scissor lift can be powered by gas or electricity. Diesel or gas-powered scissor lifts - often called rough terrain scissor lifts - are great for outdoor use, but can't be used indoors. Electric scissor lifts are quiet and emission free, making them a better choice for use in warehouses or other indoor locations.
When selecting a used scissor lift outside of a new equipment dealership or at a new used dealership, consider all of the above, and when you make a selection ask for the maintenance records that include lubrication, hydraulic fitting, parts replacement, and similar upkeep. A quality dealer or personal seller will have them on hand to prove the reliability of the equipment and justify their asking price. If he or she cannot produce them, it is a good sign to keep searching and make another selection. Due to a somewhat limited range of motion and the environments they're typically operated in, scissor lifts are known for their ability to retain their value extremely well. Though they require regular maintenance that includes lubrication, hydraulic fitting, parts replacement, and similar upkeep, they remain a strong investment far into the future.
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