stop losing jobs & profit to scaffolding
- Cut your site setup time from hours to minutes
- Eliminate the need for expensive scaffolding
- Reduce overheads and win more business
- Improve customer satisfaction
All with a Hinowa tracked spider lift.
Is scaffolding affecting profit or the cost of doing business?
Your project timeline is only as fast as your scaffolder. Every day you spend waiting for them to erect scaffold is a day your team is standing idle, your project is delayed, and your overheads are climbing. You aren’t just paying for the expensive hire; you’re paying for the downtime caused by someone else’s schedule. This could lose you business when it comes to start times and extra costs.
Time wasted on waiting for scaffolding set up
Losing business due to high prices
Minimal profits and losing opportunities
When you own or lease a Hinowa, you stop subcontracting your access. You become autonomous. You arrive on-site, set up in 5 minutes, and start immediately. No more waiting for the scaffolder to clear the site—you’re in and out before they would have even arrived.
Your own, rapid-deployment access solution.
A Hinowa spider lift isn’t just a machine; it’s a productivity multiplier for working at height regularly.
Hinowa’s compact and versatile design makes roofing projects easier, whether you need to get over the top of the roof or need to access the project through a narrow passage.
With a fixed contract rental price from just £331.62/week (including trailer, servicing, and maintenance), you have total cost control.
5-Minute Setup: Get to work immediately.
Precision Access: Reach awkward angles scaffolding can’t touch.
Professional Image: Impress clients with modern, non-invasive tech.
Let us prove the time and money savings
Curious if a Hinowa will benefit your business?
We will analyse your current weekly scaffold spend, labour rates, and project frequency to build a custom “Efficiency Audit” report showing exactly how much you could save this year.
If we can’t save you any time or money we’ll let you know.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
My new Hinowa spider lift gives me a ‘superpower’
Read about how a cleaning company investing in a Hinowa 20.10 led to faster project completion times, more business and improved profit margins.
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How the Hinowa 20.10 improves safety and uptime
Find out more about how an arborist is becoming more efficient and completing job faster than tree climbing thanks to the Hinowa 20.10
Read more
Find out why a top hire firms spider fleet is Hinowa only
Well established PG Platforms tracked spider lift fleet is exclusively Hinowas. Read why they made this transition in order to benefit their customers.
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Full life cycle powered access solutions for Roofing, Cleaning, Facilities Maintenance and more.
Working at height faces its own unique challenges in occupied buildings – from ensuring public safety to minimising disruption. APS supplies and supports a full range of access platforms tailored to facilities maintenance, backed by accredited training and nationwide aftercare.
With over 35 years’ experience and partnerships with the world’s leading brands, APS helps facilities teams work safer, faster, and in full compliance with regulations.
Why Access Platforms Matter for Roofers
Whether it's commercial or residential roofing projects, utilising powered access machines provides enhanced safety, productivity and an valuable asset with ROI.
- Work in Occupied Spaces – machines designed to operate quietly and safely around staff and the public.
- Tight Access Solutions – compact lifts and vertical masts for indoor use and narrow passageways.
- Compliance First – meet safety requirements with LOLER inspections, operator training, and ongoing aftercare.
- Efficiency & Productivity – complete tasks faster with the right machine for the job.
Why Choose APS for Powered Access Scaffolding Alternatives
Largest Independent Supplier
Impartial advice on the best platforms for your needs.
One-Stop Shop
Sales, hire, parts, servicing, training, and refurbishment under one roof.
Fast Response Service
Nationwide engineers keep downtime to a minimum.
Decades of Expertise
Supporting facilities managers across the UK & Ireland for over 35 years.
Trusted Brands
The authorised UK distributor for JLG, Hinowa, ToughLift, Palfinger, and more.
FAQs
When you are working at height on commercial, industrial, or residential roofs, having reliable and efficient access equipment is critical to keeping your project on schedule and fully compliant. To help you choose the right machinery for your next job—whether you need to navigate tight urban courtyards, tackle uneven terrain, or reach high industrial guttering—we have answered some of the most common questions roofing contractors ask us about powered access hire, purchase, and operation.
What type of access platform is best for working on commercial and industrial roofs?
For most commercial and industrial roofing projects, boom lifts (both articulating and telescopic) and truck-mounted platforms are the top choices. They offer the necessary outreach to clear overhanging architectural features, perimeter walls, or fragile roof edges. If you need to work directly against a vertical facade or parapet, spider lifts are also highly popular due to their compact footprint, low ground-bearing pressure, and ability to track across delicate or uneven surfaces.
Can I use a cherry picker or boom lift on uneven or sloping ground around a building?
Yes, but it depends on the machine. Many modern rough-terrain boom lifts and spider lifts come equipped with automatic hydraulic outriggers or leveling systems. These allow the machine to safely stabilize and level itself on slopes, soft ground, or grade changes commonly found around construction and commercial sites, ensuring operator safety and compliance with IPAF regulations.
Should my roofing company buy, lease, or hire a powered access machine?
This depends entirely on your project frequency. If you have long-term, ongoing contracts—such as continuous commercial maintenance or multi-site roof repairs—contract rental, financed lease or purchase offers better long-term value and gives you immediate availability. However, for short-term projects, one-off installations, or specialised jobs requiring niche machinery, short-term plant hire is usually the most cost-effective option because it eliminates ongoing maintenance, transport, and storage overheads.
What are the legal requirements and training needed to operate an access platform on a roof job?
Under UK health and safety legislation (including PUWER and LOLER), anyone operating a powered access platform must be properly trained and competent. For mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), operators should hold a valid IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) PAL Card, typically categories 3a (Mobile Vertical) and 3b (Mobile Boom). Additionally, machines must have a valid thorough examination certificate (every 6 months for lifting equipment). Our service partner APSR can support you with full aftercare and compliance.
Do you offer machines narrow enough to get down tight alleys or into enclosed courtyards?
Yes. Many roofing and maintenance projects take place in restricted urban spaces or tight industrial estates. Narrow-track spider lifts and compact electric scissor lifts are specifically designed for restricted access, capable of passing through standard double doors, narrow alleyways, and gated perimeters while still offering impressive working heights.
What is the maximum working height I need for standard commercial vs. residential roofing?
Residential and low-rise commercial properties (1 to 3 stories) typically require working heights 15 meters and above to allow for up and over operations. These can be easily reached using Palfinger truck mounts or Hinowa spider lifts.
Large commercial warehouses, factories, and multi-story buildings generally require working heights of 20 meters and above, making larger Hinowa or JLG booms or specialised Palfinger truck-mounted platforms essential for reaching high gutters, roof lights, and perimeter flashings safely.
Do APS offer servicing and maintenance for powered access equipment? -
Yes. Keeping your MEWPs and access platforms safe, reliable, and legally compliant is essential. APSR provide comprehensive aftercare services—including routine preventative maintenance, emergency breakdown repairs, and statutory LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) thorough examinations—either on-site via our mobile service vans or at one of our dedicated workshop sites. Whether you need a regular service contract or a one-off statutory inspection, our expert engineers ensure your fleet stays operational and fully certified. All of our Contract Rental plans pricing comes with service and maintenance included as standard.
