Choosing the Right Machine: A Guide to Selecting the Right Access Platform

Choosing the right access platform for your project is about much more than simply selecting a machine that reaches the required height. The right machine needs to suit the application, site conditions, available space, terrain, safety requirements and the work you need to complete.

With so many types and specifications available, knowing what to look for can make the difference between a machine that makes the job straightforward and one that slows your team down.

At Access Platform Sales, we can help you assess your requirements and find a machine that is suitable for your project. Here are some of the key factors to consider.

Start with the application

The first question to ask is: what do you actually need the machine to do?

Different access platforms are designed for different applications. You may need to carry out maintenance, installation, construction, inspection, cleaning or work on a specific type of building or structure.

If you are not sure what the different types are called, our guide to MEWP types explains each one.

Consider:

• How many people will be working from the platform?
• What tools, equipment or materials need to be taken to height?
• How long will the machine be used for?
• Will the work require precise positioning?
• Do you need to work indoors, outdoors or both?
• Is the work taking place in a confined or difficult-to-access area?

Understanding the application helps narrow down the type of machine that will work best.

Consider the working height

Working height is one of the most obvious specifications to consider, but it is important to choose a machine based on the actual height and position of the work area, rather than simply selecting the tallest or most common machine. You may think you need a scissor lift but once the maximum working height has been properly assessed, you may only need a low level access platform, like a Power Tower.

Think about the height of the working area, the height of the platform itself and the additional reach required to comfortably and safely carry out the work.

Choosing a machine with too little working height could make the job impossible or unsafe, while choosing a machine that is significantly larger than necessary could increase costs and make manoeuvring more difficult.

Don’t forget reach

Height isn’t the only consideration. Horizontal reach can be just as important.

For example, if you need to access an area over a roof, obstacle, machinery or other structure, you may need a machine capable of reaching out as well as up. When considering working outreach, if you need to work up and over, having extra working height is beneficial.

If you’re working on a house, you may think a Hinowa 17.75 will do the job on a roof, but with the up and over reach required to get to the other side of the roof without having to manoeuvre the entire machine, a Hinowa 20.10 would prove more effective in getting the work done faster.

Think about where the machine can be positioned and where the operator needs to be in relation to the work area. A machine with the right combination of height and outreach can reduce the need to reposition the machine repeatedly, helping make the job safer and more productive.

Check the width and access requirements

Before choosing a machine, measure the areas it needs to travel through.

Doorways, gates, corridors, entrances and other restricted access points can all affect your choice. You should also consider the available working space once the machine is on site.

A machine that meets your height requirements isn’t necessarily suitable if it can’t get through the entrance or manoeuvre around the site.

It’s worth checking:

• Door and gate widths
• Access routes
• Turning areas
• Floor space
• Overhead restrictions
• Storage requirements

Planning these details in advance can prevent costly surprises when the machine arrives.

If you have a narrow passageway to enter through, you may find a standard cherry picker won’t cut it and that you’ll need a compact version or even a tracked spider lift with narrowing tracks.

If a cherry picker is the likely answer, our cherry picker buying guide covers the models and specifications in detail.

Think about the terrain

Where will the machine be operating?

Indoor projects on smooth, level floors may have very different requirements from outdoor work on uneven or rough ground. If you’re working outside, you may need a machine designed to cope with more challenging terrain.

Consider the surface, gradients, ground conditions and whether the machine needs to travel between different areas of the site.

Selecting equipment that is appropriate for the terrain helps ensure it can be operated safely and effectively.

Some MEWPs come with “non-marking tracks” so make sure you ask your supplier if your access platform offers them if you need to protect the ground. If you’re on more challenging terrain a tracked access platform like a Hinowa Spider Lift might be better or a rough terrain scissor lift or cherry picker.

If not, you could use crane mats, outrigger pads or other protective mats on the surface you’re working on.

Safety should always come first

Obviously… That’s why you’re considering getting an access platform and not climbing…

The right machine should allow you and your team to complete the work safely, without compromising on access or stability.

Make sure the machine is suitable for the working environment and the task being undertaken. Operators should be appropriately trained and familiar with the equipment, and the machine should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant site requirements.

You should also consider factors such as platform capacity, stability, ground conditions, overhead hazards and proximity to other structures or equipment. If you’re using an aerial work platform and there’s overhead structures that are near where you’re working, ensure your supplier has machines which have anti-crush technology, like JLG’s SkyGuard.

If you’re unsure which machine is appropriate for your application, getting professional advice before making a decision can help you avoid choosing equipment that isn’t suitable for the job. Working with a trusted supplier can save you a lot of time, money, headaches and most importantly, your team from injury.

Look at productivity, not just machine size

A bigger machine isn’t always the better choice.

The most productive machine is the one that allows your team to complete the work efficiently while being well suited to the site. A machine that is easy to manoeuvre, can access the required areas and provides the necessary reach may save significant time compared with a larger machine that is difficult to position.

Consider how often the machine will need to be repositioned, how quickly it can be set up and whether it provides enough platform space and capacity for the work.

The right machine can help reduce downtime, keep your project moving and even be used for future projects.

Understand the power specifications

Power is another important consideration, particularly when choosing between different types of access platform.

Think about whether the machine will be used indoors or outdoors and what type of power source is appropriate for the environment. Battery-powered machines can be particularly useful for many indoor applications, while other machines may be better suited to outdoor or more demanding environments.

You should also consider expected operating time, charging or refuelling requirements and the availability of suitable power sources on site.

Matching the machine’s power specification to the application can help ensure you have the performance you need throughout the working day.

This is why many access machines now offer diesel engines or lithium battery, lithium provides quieter working, cheaper running costs and help your business reach their environmental goals.

Choosing the right machine means considering the whole project

The best access platform isn’t necessarily the machine with the greatest height, largest capacity or most powerful engine. It’s the machine that brings together the right specifications for your particular project.

Before making a decision, consider:

• Application – What work needs to be carried out?
• Working height – How high do you need to reach?
• Reach – How far out from the machine do you need to work?
• Width – Can the machine access the site and working area?
• Terrain – What surfaces and ground conditions will it encounter?
• Safety – Is the machine suitable for the environment and task?
• Productivity – Will it help your team work efficiently?
• Power – Which power source and specification best suit the application?

Getting these factors right from the start can help you choose equipment that is safe, practical and cost-effective.

Let Access Platform Sales help you find the right machine

With so many machine types and specifications available, choosing the right access platform can feel complicated. That’s where we can help.

Get in touch with Access Platform Sales and tell us about your project, including the height and reach you need, site conditions, access restrictions and the type of work you’re carrying out. Our team can help you identify a machine that matches your requirements.