In various industries, safe and efficient vertical access solutions are crucial for productivity and safety. One solution is the electric mast lift, a specialised tool designed for work in confined and narrow spaces. Here, Kentan Access & Hire explores what you need to know about electric mast lifts, their applications, benefits and maintenance requirements, helping you make an informed purchase.
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An electric mast boom lift is a type of aerial work platform that provides a stable and elevated workspace for workers to perform tasks at height. Unlike traditional scissor lifts, mast lifts are designed for narrow and vertical access, making them ideal for tight spaces. They typically feature a vertical mast that extends upwards, supporting a small platform or basket where the operator stands.
Electric mast lifts are versatile tools used in various industries. In construction, they are perfect for tasks in stairwells, high-ceiling areas and other confined spaces. Maintenance crews use them in factories and warehouses to access equipment and systems located at height. In retail and urban settings, mast lifts navigate tight aisles and crowded spaces, providing a stable platform for inventory management, repairs and installations.
One of the primary advantages of electric mast lifts is their power source. Unlike gas or diesel-powered lifts, electric mast lifts are emission-free and operate quietly, making them suitable for indoor use. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments where noise and air quality control are critical, such as hospitals, shopping centres and office buildings.
When considering a mast lift vs. scissor lift, it's important to note the differences in design and functionality. Mast lifts are more compact, allowing them to manoeuvre in narrower spaces that scissor lifts cannot access. However, this compact size often comes with weight-bearing restrictions, meaning mast lifts may not support as much weight as scissor lifts. Despite this, the trade-off is often worth it for tasks that require precision and accessibility in confined areas.
There are various mast boom lift types to suit different needs. Push-around mast lifts are ideal for straightforward tasks where the lift can be manually moved into position. Other models feature boom arms that offer side-to-side manoeuvrability, allowing operators to reach areas that are not directly above the lift's base. This lateral movement capability enhances the lift's versatility and application range.
Electric mast lifts are designed to provide stability on even ground, ensuring safe operation. They feature precise weight distribution mechanisms and adhere to strict manufacturer guidelines to maintain stability. Their compact design also allows for easy manoeuvrability in restricted spaces, making them ideal for tasks in urban and industrial environments where space is at a premium.
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and safety of electric mast lifts. Scheduled maintenance checks help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Common maintenance tasks include inspecting the lift's electrical components, ensuring the hydraulic systems are functioning correctly and checking for wear and tear on moving parts. Partnering with a reputable service provider, like Kentan Access & Hire, ensures that your mast lift remains in optimal working condition.
Electric mast lifts are invaluable tools for precise vertical access tasks across various industries. Their compact design, electric power source and versatility make them an excellent choice for work in confined spaces. When considering if it is worth buying a boom lift, it's important to understand the specific needs of your tasks and ensure regular maintenance to keep the equipment in top shape.
Electric aerial equipment is not new, but there are some new trends in the industry. First, a growing number of contractors are looking for lower-emission solutions to meet changing jobsite requirements. Second, more machines are coming in electric models, such as larger boom lifts.
We at Genie have been hearing from contractors and other equipment users ' and from rental companies and dealers ' with questions about charging, performance, operation and more when it comes to electric boom lifts and electric scissor lifts.
With that in mind, here are our responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about electric mobile elevating work platforms.
There are two big factors:
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Just like a hybrid car, a hybrid MEWP can operate in an electric mode, but it has the option to run on liquid fuel when needed. An all-electric machine only has an electric power source, like a battery.
There's a perception that electrification comes at the expense of performance, but it's not an either/or situation. All brands are different, but to give a Genie example, our all-electric, four-wheel-drive DC boom lifts have better efficiency and rough-terrain capabilities than booms with internal combustion engines. The terrainability advantages come thanks to an AC drive system that controls each AC drive motor independently and offers more power to each wheel, optimizing current, torque and speed. It works in conjunction with an active oscillating axle that keeps all four tires in contact with the ground in even the roughest terrain, improving traction and giving operators a smoother ride.
Also, don't forget about the lower noise of electric machines. This makes it easier for crews to communicate, which can improve productivity and jobsite safety, and for a more overall pleasant jobsite.
It's much simpler and less expensive than diesel equipment. To use another Genie example, we estimate that our E-Drive scissor lifts lower maintenance costs by up to 35%.
Think about what not having an engine means:
Because many scissors and boom lifts have been electric for years, most technicians are already comfortable working on these machines. The larger lifts now coming in electric drive may be bigger and use a slightly different variant of a technology, but it's not so different as to require retraining.
If the machine has an on-board charger, like Genie electric aerial equipment does, you can use common household outlets of 110/120 volts or 220-to-240-volt outlets, depending on what is common in your country. Machines will reach a full charge overnight.
There are other options too. Genie hybrid models are equipped with an on-board fast charger that can charge the battery pack in 2.5 hours.
Of course, aerial equipment is often used on construction projects where there is no existing infrastructure, so a wall outlet may not be handy. In these instances, you should check with the general contractor or the project owner on what steps they're taking to bring power to the site.
If you're not confident there will be a consistent way to charge your machine, consider going with a hybrid lift. Genie FE hybrid booms can work full workdays for an entire week on a single tank of fuel. The FE hybrid boom has the added versatility of working in electric mode.
This will vary based on the application and by brand. For application, the amount the machines are driven and the number of lift cycles affects the battery. For brand, I'll keep my answer specific to Genie machines. Our electric boom lifts and electric scissor lifts can work a full standard workday on one charge when the machine is being used in a typical manner. For scissor lifts' users who need to work longer than a typical workday, Lithium-Ion could provide an alternative because Lithium-Ion batteries won't degrade from a partial charge. This means, they can be plugged in during breaks or lunch time without harming the battery life. Lithium-Ion batteries also charge 33% faster than FLA batteries.
With hybrids, of course, you also have the ability to switch to diesel. Genie takes this a step further and has developed hybrid machines that can actually charge the battery while operating in hybrid mode. They have an advanced energy management system that allows 'dead battery' operations; when the batteries are completely drained, the power from the on-board diesel generator provides enough power to run any function (both drive and boom function).
Even though these machines do a good job keeping their charge, it's still worthwhile to try to maximize runtime, just as you'd want to maximize fuel efficiency in diesel machines. Here are some tips to help conserve battery power: