Types of Aerial Work Platforms

For more information, please visit Straight Arm Aerial Work Platform.

Aerial work platforms (AWPs) and mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) are used by thousands of workers across the country every day for a near-endless list of jobs. Everything from construction to maintenance to cleaning and a million other tasks would be impossible with aerial lifts, AWPs and MEWPs.

But which aerial platforms are the most popular? The aerial lift experts here at CertifyMeOnline.net did some research and came up with the following list'you'll probably recognize a few types on our list, and your company may even use these on a daily basis.

Regardless of which type of elevated work platform or aerial lift you use, you always need OSHA-compliant training and instruction. If you need to address some training & compliance gaps with your company, register with CMO today!

What Is an Aerial Work Platform?

Aerial work platforms ' also known as AWPs ' offer alternatives to ladders and scaffolding when workers need to complete tasks at great heights. A wide range of industries relies on these platforms. From landscaping companies to maintenance facilities, construction companies to industrial cleaning companies, there's no limit to the kinds of things you can accomplish with an aerial platform.

The main components of an aerial work platform include a base structure (typically a wheeled vehicle to move the MEWP or AWP into place), an extending structure with chassis, and a flat workspace with controls for the operator to control the lift. Keep in mind, this is a list of the major parts of an aerial lift. For a detailed glimpse into the different components and accessories that comprise an AWP, check out The Anatomy of an Aerial Lift.

Always take proper safety precautions when using an AWP. A body harness and fall protection gear can go a long way to prevent injuries at work. AWPs should also be kept far away from any overhead wires and other kinds of worksite hazards.

Workers should also undergo OSHA-compliant training before they begin using aerial platforms. Training courses help ensure that employees have the knowledge and experience necessary to safely operate an AWP.

Aerial Work Platform Options

Aerial work platforms come in a wide range of sizes. From a soaring aerial platform used for maintenance and construction to a lower elevated work platform, many aerial platforms are available.

Ultimately, you need to select an aerial work platform that allows you to perform a specific task, as quickly and efficiently as possible. To help you find the right aerial platform for the task at hand, let's examine five of the most popular options:

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1. Boom Lift

Sometimes called 'the spider,' boom lifts are characterized by their four legs and bucket on the end. They're mounted to a vehicle with durable tires, making it an excellent option for uneven or rough terrain. Boom lifts are among the most popular aerial work platforms, as they're incredibly durable and versatile.

The spider consists of a boom lift that has a bucket at the end of the boom where workers stand to access a work area. It was originally designed for orchards and allowed workers to easily pick fruit that was high up in trees. Nowadays, the lift is frequently used for overhead line maintenance, sprucing up tall trees, and even assisting firefighters in areas that are difficult to access.

Maintenance and inspections are important to ensure boom lifts and similar types of construction lifts run properly. CMO's aerial lift certification includes some helpful tips for adhering to a sensible maintenance schedule. 

2. Articulated Boom Lift

Also known as a knuckle lift, articulated boom lifts feature extended arms that allow workers to reach up and over obstacles. The boom lift uses a turntable base to swivel around 360 degrees. This makes it the best option for maintenance work and other jobs with limited access.

Unlike a scissor lift, an articulated boom lift can be used for building repair jobs, including piping. An articulated boom lift can also be used on uneven terrain.

Workers can undergo articulated boom lift training as part of an aerial platform safety program. That way, workers can learn how to safely use an articulated boom lift during maintenance and building repair jobs.

3. Telescopic Boom Lift

For workers who require maximum reach at heights, a telescopic boom lift is ideal. This type of AWP is a terrific option for window washers, electricians, and other workers who need to access areas that are directly above or parallel to them.

Telescopic MEWs are versatile enough to handle work areas directly above or at an angle from the base of the lift. The operator stands in a mobile cockpit to control and customize the lift's movements.

Before workers begin using a telescopic boom lift, they must complete a safety training program. Telescopic boom lift safety is a key tenet of worker training for aerial lifts, and a safety training program teaches workers how to minimize risk when they use this type of aerial platform.

4. Scissor Lift

A scissor lift is frequently used for indoor work. The lift has a set of supports in a crisscross pattern and offers limited reach in comparison to telescopic and articulated boom lifts.

Typically, scissor lifts only move vertically. A scissor lift's upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of its lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically.

Scissor lifts are commonly used for basic maintenance work and painting. Rough terrain scissor lifts are also available for outdoor work on uneven terrain.

While most people think of scissor lifts as a type of construction lift or another kind of elevated work platform, they're actually defined by OSHA as a type of scaffolding, since the operator/work platform doesn't extend horizontally away from the base. Even though scissor lifts aren't technically aerial lifts, they're still more versatile and useful than traditional scaffolding.

Meanwhile, scissor lift safety training is available. With this training, workers can learn how to safely move a scissor lift up and down, operate the lift on rough terrain, and more.

5. Aerial Platform

An aerial platform resembles a cherry picker and serves as a vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platform. Workers can use an aerial platform at outdoor job sites to reach utility lines, trees, and more.

If you are considering an AWP, you should evaluate the aforementioned options closely. This will help you identify the right AWP for your worksite, and ultimately, enable you to maximize the return on your platform investment.

Regardless of which AWP you use, you need to safely operate the platform. Thanks to AWP safety training, workers of all skill and experience levels can become certified lift operators.

Types of Aerial Lifts

Aerial lift can be a blanket term used to describe boom lifts and scissor lifts. However, it is important to note that aerial lifts were originally designed to drive to outdoor job sites to access electrical lines, trees, and other outdoor objects. As the demand for construction projects across the world continues to grow, so too does the demand for aerial work platforms. In fact, the market is projected to grow by nearly seven percent by the end of .

Common types of aerial lifts include:

'

Personnel Lifts

Also referred to as 'people lifts,' personnel lifts function as mechanical ladders. They offer greater stability over traditional ladders and reach heights approaching 50 ft.

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Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts are lightweight and portable. They are frequently used at yards, gyms, and other light industrial worksites.

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Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are capable of reaching heights of 60 ft. They are ideal for workers who must paint buildings, wash windows, install HVAC systems, and perform other overhead tasks.

By completing an aerial platform training program, workers can gain the insights they need to use an aerial lift without disruption. They can also become more productive and efficient when they use an aerial lift, as well as take elevated work platform precautions to help make a jobsite safe.

Types of Construction Lifts

Along with aerial lifts, construction lifts are available. Common construction lifts include:

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Bucket Trucks

A bucket truck features a boom that is mounted to the vehicle and a bucket at the end of the boom. It is often used by utility workers who need to reach transmission lines. Along with utility workers, bucket trucks may be utilized by landscapers and pruners who need to trim tall trees.

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Articulated Boom Lifts

Knuckle lifts are useful for construction workers who need a work platform that allows them to reach obstacles. For example, if a construction worker needs to repair exterior piping, an articulated boom lift will make it easy to access tough-to-reach spots around the piping. This type of lift is also ideal for construction workers who need to perform work on uneven terrain.

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Telescoping Boom Lifts

For construction workers who need to complete work at a maximum height, they should consider a telescoping boom lift. This type of lift has an extendable arm and a rotating turntable that allows a single construction worker to complete tasks at high elevations. A telescoping boom lift is often a great choice for electrical repairs, maintenance tasks, and other work performed at extreme heights.

Elevated Work Platforms: Which One Is Right for You?

The right aerial work platform varies based on your application. So, you need to consider the task at hand, what you hope to accomplish, and which elevated work platform can help you complete your job safely and efficiently.

You need to look beyond the financial cost of elevated work platforms, too. An aerial platform may require a significant upfront investment, but you also need to consider workplace safety. If you invest in safety training for aerial work platforms, workers can learn how to properly use an aerial platform. Plus, workers can learn how to comply with aerial lift safety requirements.

The Importance of Compliance for Elevated Work Platforms

Safety is a priority with aerial lifts. OSHA states that the major causes of aerial lift fatalities are falls, electrocutions, collapses, and tip-overs, and employers must take measures to ensure the safe use of aerial lifts by workers who are required to use this equipment. Indeed, an increased focus on worker safety is one of the most prominent driving factors in the industry. Better functioning and more task-specific aerial work platforms help ensure the safest possible work experience. 

CMO's comprehensive aerial lift training and elevated work platform certification give you everything required for full compliance, regardless of the type of construction lifts or aerial lifts your company uses. 

Time and resources go a long way to helping employees learn about aerial platform safety. Reduce the odds of a workplace accident that put you and your colleagues in danger. With your knowledge of aerial platform safety, you can help empower others to prioritize safety, too. When safety comes first, the rest falls into place.

Enroll Your Workers in Elevated Work Platform Training Today

Employees who use AWPs are legally required to get certified before starting work. Failure to complete a thorough elevated work platform safety training program and your business may be the target of OSHA compliance fines and violations. Even if your organization manages to skirt such penalties, an untrained workforce is a dangerous one. People are far more likely to be involved in lift accidents and suffer injuries when they're unfamiliar with industry best practices.

CertifyMeOnline.net offers an extensive AWP safety training program that takes the guesswork out of becoming an OSHA-compliant lift operator. Our program is easily accessible and can be completed in a matter of hours. It allows workers to immediately earn their OSHA certification and ensure they can safely use a lift at any worksite.

We are happy to provide you with additional information about our OSHA-compliant AWP safety training program. To learn more or to sign up your workers for our training program, please contact us online or call us today at (602) 277-.

Test Your Knowledge of Elevated Work Platforms 

Ready to test your knowledge on aerial work platforms? CMO created a fun & informative quiz for just this purpose! 

We put together a short quiz of 10 true or false questions that will determine which type of elevated work platform you are. Just click through the questions, and we'll show you the results!

This is a great way to have some fun while learning more about boom lifts, cherry pickers, scissor lifts, telescopic lifts and other types of elevated work platforms.

Are you interested in learning more about Casing Aerial Work Platform? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

With so many scissor lift brands and aerial manufacturers today, it's in your company's best interest to make a full assessment of the different aerial lift brands available. Any business ' including yours ' that uses aerial work platforms (AWPs), mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), scissor lifts and other aerial lifts will benefit from some up-front research and shopping around before making a purchase. 

Some key considerations include:

• Cost

• Maximum reach height

• Mobility

• Worksite condition ' indoors, outdoors, inclement weather, etc.

• Depreciation ' do some

  boom lift brands

  and

  scissor lift brands

  retain more value over time?

• And many more

Choosing the best type of aerial lift will help your employees complete their work safer and faster than ever before. It will reduce the costs of owning and operating aerial lifts. It can also help boost productivity across your business. It literally pays to find out about all the boom lift manufacturers and scissor lift brands ' some pre-purchase legwork helps ensure you're getting the best possible value with your AWP or MEWP purchase.

The same goes for training, which is why AerialLiftCertification.com (ALC), the leader in online OSHA certification, gives you the best possible value for your training dollar. With three popular courses and bundles to choose from, ALC gets your company compliant'and we'll help keep you compliant, too!

This blog will discuss the most popular manlift manufacturers, different brands of scissor lifts, aerial lift manufacturers,and  boom lift manufacturers, including their respective features, advantages, and customer support. With a better idea of which aerial lift brands are available, along with some different models from manlift and boom lift manufacturers, you'll be able to make the best-possible purchasing decisions. 

What Manlift and

Boom Lift Brands

Should You Consider?

Some companies want feedback from their aerial work platform (AWP) operators on what type of equipment to purchase. We think that's a great idea, particularly when there is a variety of manlift and boom lift brands on the market today! 

Now, let's take a look at some of the most trusted scissor lift brands and aerial lift brands. 

A global producer of aerial work platforms, Snorkel is one of the best-known boom lift brands and has locations in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Australia. One of the largest aerial lift manufacturers, they provide a wide range of aerial lifts with height limits ranging from 12 feet to 125 feet. Their product line features a wide array of both scissor and aerial lifts. Scissor lifts models include electric slab, rough terrain, and push-around minis. Aerial lifts range from speed level and electronic boom to telescopic articulated, and trailer boom lifts. Other products include personnel lifts, material lifts

Even though it's known as one of the premier manlift brands, Snorkel is also one of the best scissor lift brands. also offers versatile electric slab scissor lifts. With these lifts, the platform extends to just short of 12 ft. and has a vertical reach of almost 18 ft.. The TM12 electric scissor lift is used for many types of building and maintenance projects. Common job tasks include accessing ductwork, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and many types of cosmetic work on structures.

For higher jobs, the Snorkel 660SJ provides ample height and reach. It can reach up to 72 feet, and extend 60 feet horizontally. This allows it to reach the top of a 7-story building (about 70 feet). It can also hold up to 600 pounds on the platform to provide power for various projects.

When talking about aerial lift brands and the best scissor lift brands, the discussion has to include Genie. Founded in , Genie Lift started out selling compressed air-operated lifts, and this helped them gain an edge over other lift truck manufacturers and boom lift brands. Since then, Genie has grown into one of the most popular aerial lift brands in the country. These days, Genie offers a full line of telescopic and articulating boom lifts. Some models are electric. Others are diesel or bi-energy. Reach capabilities range from 31 to 80 feet. Genie Lift also offers manlifts, scissor lifts, mast lifts, light towers, and telehandlers. Now owned and operated by Terex, Genie Lift continues to provide top-quality aerial lifts and customer support. 

Genie Lift's flagship product, the Genie Lift', includes the GL-4 model, which can be used as a hand truck, forklift, or dolly. With a max height of almost 6 ft. and a weight capacity of 500 lbs., it can handle many different tasks. The GL-4 is one of the most popular lifts among all aerial lift manufacturers. 

The Xtra Capacity line features a dual-envelope design with an unrestricted platform capacity of 660 lbs. These models were designed to perform a wide range of heavy lifting tasks at construction and industrial worksites. They can reach up to 59 ft. and extend more than 50 ft. horizontally. 

Founder John L. Grove set out to improve the construction industry in the s. Since then, JLG has developed into one of the most popular lift truck manufacturers on the market. Known for its innovative designs, JLG produces many types of aerial lifts. These include electric and hybrid boom lifts, vertical lifts, low-level access lifts, stock pickers, scissor lifts, towable boom lifts, and telehandlers. JLG also offers a unique oscillating axle for increased motion, the extended electric boom lift, and the Workstation in the Sky. 

The 450AJ articulating boom lift is designed for working around tricky buildings or smaller spaces with limited access. It can reach up to 45 ft. vertically and 25 ft. horizontally. Created for improved multifunction, the 450AJ is used across many industries, and is the envy of many rival boom lift brands! 

The electric and hybrid boom lifts from JLG are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. They are also designed to improve productivity. The Compact Crawler boom X430AJ model comes with a 500-lb. weight limit and can reach up to 50 ft. high and 21 ft. across. The low weight and rubber tracks increase its versatility for different jobsites.

Niftylift is another widespread boom lift brand with locations around the globe. Like other manlift brands, Nitfylift combines 3D modeling software with in-depth product testing to create top-quality cherry pickers, boom lifts, and scissor lifts. Their full product line includes self-propelled aerial lifts, self-drive boom lifts, track drive lifts, and static base lifts. Niftylift lifts are known for excellent after-sales support, easy operation, and easy maintenance. 

The SP34N self-propelled boom lift provides maximum reach from a light, compact base. It has a telescopic boom arm that can raise the platform to a height of 33.5 ft. The lift has a working outreach of 20 feet and can hold over 7,000 lbs. And, the narrow chassis makes the SP34N ideal for working in tight areas. 

Comparatively, the SD34T self-drive work platform provides precise accuracy and positioning. The platform can reach up to 35 ft., with a 20-ft. outreach. With hydraulic outriggers and 45% gradeability, the lift can be safely driven on uneven surfaces. The SD34T also comes with a telescopic boom arm.

Immediately following the Second World War, Ballymore was founded in Eastern Pennsylvania. Of all the brands of scissor lifts, Ballymore has been a true innovator, thanks to their trailblazing work in the AWP and MEWP market, specifically with rolling safety ladders and hydraulic boom lifts in the mid-20th century.

Since their founding, Ballymore has cemented their reputation as a leading scissor lift brand, with a versatile and affordable lineup of lifts for construction, maintenance, electric work, and many other fields. One other feature of Ballymore is their company manual scissor lifts, available in both mini and classic models. While Ballymore's scissor lift offerings don't offer any outdoor or rough terrain equipment, they're still one of the most trusted and established scissor lift brands. 

For over 40 years, Teupen aerial lifts have been a leading choice for construction, building maintenance, and tree care companies. Teupen, one of the most highly regarded boom lift manufacturers, also offers lift solutions for the special events and window cleaning industries. 

Designed to solve common safety and height access challenges, the firm's compact, track-mounted lifts are easy to transport. The company's Canopy Series line is made for tree work, while its LEO Series enables safe work at great heights. Tuepen's TC69A lift is the most versatile of their Canopy models. Easily towed by truck to worksites, the tracked chassis prevents damage to lawns and paved surfaces. The lift can reach up to 75 ft. Its compact design, low weight, and articulated boom offer an improved tree care experience for workers. 

The TL35A from the LEO series is Teupen's smallest lift. Designed for indoor work, it comes with a maximum working height of 42 feet and a maximum outreach of 19 ft. The compact lift can fit through a single door. It is also durable enough to access many outdoor worksites.

MEC has a 50-year history of being among the most popular aerial lift brands. Its scissor lifts and diesel and electric-powered boom lifts are well suited to a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues. MEC's full product line ranges from slab scissor lifts to rough terrain boom lifts. MEC is one of the top man lift manufacturers going today, and its lifts are designed for performance, safety, and productivity. 

The large Titan Boom 60-S combines the reach of a telescopic boom arm with the wide platform of a scissor lift. It can hoist workers and their tools up to 60 feet high. It can hold up to 1,000 lbs. of workers and equipment. Its 40% gradeability allows it to work safely at uneven outdoor sites. 

Built for outdoor work sites, the ERT is MEC's mid-sized rough terrain scissor lift. It features a 35% gradeability and a weight capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The large platform can hold up to three workers and their tools. This makes it a robust and highly efficient rough terrain scissor lift.

Haulotte Group offers a wide range of top-grade aerial work platforms. Its fleet includes AWPs, scaffolding and event product lifts, and electric scissor lifts. The boom lift manufacturer also offers trailer-mounted, self-propelled, and telescopic boom lifts. 

The Star 13 vertical mast lift is designed for reaching difficult areas. It is a popular choice for maintenance work and inside warehouses. The platform can go as high as 12.5 ft. Weight capacity tops out at 507 lbs. The lift stands less than six feet tall when stowed. All of which makes the Star 13 easy to operate and transport. 

On the other hand, the versatile 45 XA self-propelled boom lift combines low weight with a high work ceiling. The platform can reach up to 45 feet. The horizontal outreach extends 27 ft. The lift also has an up-and-over height of almost 21 ft. The 45 XA can be easily transported to work sites and set up in less than 30 seconds.

Skyjack offers aerial lifts that are 'simply reliable.' The company prioritizes simple lift design and intuitive product features. To date, Skyjack has produced some of the most sought-after aerial lifts. It also continues to explore ways to upgrade its product inventory. 

For businesses in search of rough terrain scissor lifts, Skyjack offers many options. The company's rough terrain scissor lifts provide gradeability up to 50%, crossover symmetrical four-wheel drive, and other features you won't find elsewhere. Plus, they come equipped with Skyjack's SKYCODED' color-coded and numbered wiring system. SKYCODED' makes it easy to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the company's rough terrain scissor lifts. 

Along with its rough terrain scissor lifts, Skyjack may be best known for its micro lifts. Operators can use these lifts to navigate into tight spaces and safely complete tasks at elevation. The micro lifts are simple to drive and use powerful and efficient Gel batteries. They even offer a low cost of ownership in comparison to similar aerial lift models. 

Pettibone is the answer to a trivia question: what is the oldest scissor lift brand in the world? Founded in , Pettibone first made inroads as a reliable, tech-savvy scissor lift brand with their patented, one-of-a-kind forward-reaching rough terrain handler forklift. What started with considerable innovations in the forklift market has expanded into one of the best scissor lift brands available today. 

While forklifts remain a flagship product with Pettibone, they also offer popular scissor lifts as well, with both indoor and outdoor models for a wide variety of jobsites, tasks and applications. 

Which

Boom Lift Manufacturers

Are Best for Your Company?

AWPs come in a wide variety of types and sizes. The four main types are boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical masts, and portable worker lifts. However, there are many specialty lifts as well. These include articulated boom lifts, telehandlers, and many others. 

Researching the most popular brands for aerial lifts is a great first step to find the right lift for your needs. When searching for lift manufacturers, look for one that has a strong track record of reliable products. You should also learn about myriad lift features, operator training, and customer support. 

If your company requests input from AWP employees, ensure their opinions are weighted accordingly. After all, they're the ones using the new equipment!

ALC: The Best Training for All

Boom Lift Brands 

Aerial lift certification training is an OSHA requirement, regardless of which aerial lift brand you select. So, if you intend to purchase an aerial lift, you need to provide your employees with appropriate training. That way, you can ensure your aerial lift operators are in compliance with OSHA standards. Also, you can verify that these operators can safely drive an aerial lift and limit their risk of lift accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 

To safely operate aerial lifts and scissor lifts, your workers also need OSHA-compliant aerial lift certification. Learn more about how to get aerial lift certification at ALC. We're the #1 online provider of fast, easy, one-hour training. If you're ready to elevate and improve your aerial lift safety program, sign up with AerialLiftCertification.com today.

We can provide additional details about our certification training programs for aerial lift operators. For more information or to enroll your workers in any of our programs, please contact us online or call us today at (888) 278-.

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