Access equipment is specifically designed to allow the user to work safely at height. There are a variety of different access platforms that have been specifically designed to cater to a whole host of situations. Working at height can be treacherous and presents a range of risks to the health and safety of workers, but access equipment has all been consciously designed to provide a wider and stronger stance.
The adoption of hybrid technology is the most important trend in the access industry. Customers are showing interest in innovations like this one that provides measurable benefits. Models are coming out with wheel electric drive hybrids with diesel-like performance. There has also been the development of the Entrapment Prevention System in boom lifts which ensures the safety of the worker in an entrapment situation. The new boom lift offers zero rear tail swing and minimal front turntable tail swing in the stowed position and has a good below-ground reach. Manufacturers continuously incorporate technological developments, design inputs to enhance performance and ease the maintenance process. Models are now coming with Smart Link Control System. There are three main ‘categories’ of access platforms available: folding, stationary/semi-stationary, and powered. Different types of access equipment used in construction sites are discussed below.
Types of Access Equipment
Aerial Work Platform
Aerial work platforms (AWP), also known as mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP), are invaluable for the safe access of heights and are utilized in a wide range of work applications. Modern models offer both non-insulated and insulated platforms reaching working heights of between 13 m and 90 m for chassis weighing between 3.5 t and 60 t. These platforms are thus optimally adjusted to the relevant working range.These are made up of an elevated working platform that is usually powered by a mechanical device. Working from such a device requires a lot of safety awareness and they can often reach heights in excess of 10 meters. Despite the need for the actual elevation control and the platform activities, many of these are operated by a single person.
Articulating boom lifts
Articulating booms lifts are designed to feature longer run time, greater uptime and higher productivity. These machines are specifically designed so you have fewer scheduled services, a quieter work area, less dependency on hydraulic oils and zero emissions. The powered mobile elevating work platforms feature longer runtime, greater uptime and higher productivity. The energy-efficient electric drive boosts your productivity with an industry-leading duty cycle. The modern models are applicable for a wide variety of terrain indoors and out, without noise. With the standard oscillating axle, 35% gradeability, rugged all-terrain tires and available all-wheel drive. Articulating booms come with Hybrid technology that runs completely on 8 x 12v 100 amp-hour AGM batteries, which are charged by the diesel generator.
Telescopic boom lifts
Telescopic boom lifts are designed to last for longer life. The equipment has a four-wheel drive, powerful diesel engines and high torque drive motors that combine to deliver superior performance. They are easy to operate, easy to maintain and service. Modern telescopic booms offer greater horizontal outreach than any other type of aerial platform. It is also suited for areas with limited access in construction and industrial applications. Telescopic boom Lifts are now also designed for rough terrain use and drive speed you need to get around the job site and to the work area. With an impressive reach and lift height, exceptional up and over capabilities offer a maximum horizontal reach almost up to 100 ft. (30.5m) with a 30 ft. (9.1m) jib boom. Two control panels on the platform allow for safe operation while working at height.
Vertical mast lifts
Vertical masts lifts are equipped with such features and include a dedicated forklift pocket, 25% gradeability, direct electric drive with maintenance-free AC motors and the Screen onboard diagnostic that are standard across the range. The platform extension provides additional space. Models are now equipped with a jib to allow work over obstacles and have an exceptional zero tail swing which makes them very easy to maneuver. Their lightweight construction makes them easy to maneuver, use and transport, delivering excellent uptime. Each model offers a variety of options and accessories to customize the machine to match the application. Vertical mast lifts lifts are designed to make work faster and easier thanks to their small working envelope for maneuvering around corners. It is ideal for use in warehousing, stock-picking, transporting, inventory management and general maintenance applications.
Push around lifts
Push-around lifts are easily transportable manually or can be towed by a trailer or a van. Their non-marking tires and stabilizers with rubber protect the floor surface. With their compact size, they can go through doors or fit in lifts. The quick setup can be achieved by one person. Its lightweight makes it suitable for the most fragile grounds. Its compactness enables it to go through doors and elevators. Multiple options and accessories are available to customize the lift for every application. They are cost-effective because of the customizability and versatility to suit your worksite needs. They are portable units that are quick to set up and simple to operate. These units are perfect for lifting a single person needing to do construction or maintenance work at height. These scissor lifts are compact enough to pass through a standard doorway, light in weight and can be shifted from one place to another easily by a single person. They are ideal for captive indoor works like repair and maintenance inside factories, airports or auditoriums
Trailer mounted boom lifts
Trailer-mounted booms are types of lifts that can be towed behind a truck or van and moved easily from site to site. Electric-powered, they operate both indoor and outdoor where their outriggers support work on uneven ground. Hydraulic outriggers with automatic leveling provide quick setup. They are available in articulated or telescopic versions.
Mobile access tower
Mobile access towers are used extensively in the building and construction industry and provide both outdoor and indoor access solutions. Wherever a secure and stable working platform is required, mobile scaffolds serve the purpose. They are lightweight and are perfect for installation work, maintenance projects, or temporary access. A mobile access tower is extremely versatile that offers a strong and safe working platform in a variety of situations, for a variety of heights. The main aim of the tower is to make this process as easy as possible by offering workers an adjustable platform that can simply go up or down. Workers can load materials such as mortar, cement, and blocks on the working platform, and when they are done, an electric motor raises the platform to the required height where another group of workers can unload all the materials off the platform. Using an aluminum mobile access tower system eliminates the need for an entire scaffolding system over the building’s facade.
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