How to Choose the Right Personnel Lift?

8+1 Key Considerations

which will help you easily determine exactly what type of personnel lift machine you need. You can also find the specifications of each machine on its product data sheet. If you are uncertain about selecting the machine, contact us!

01. Where Will the Machine be Used?

  • If on solid, horizontal ground, a battery-powered machine is generally suitable.
  • If off-road or outdoors, a diesel-powered machine is suitable.
  • For mixed use, it is advisable to choose a hybrid-powered machine.

02. Is Horizontal Outreach Required, or Can the Machine be Positioned Directly Next to/under the Work Area?

  • If horizontal outreach is needed, then boom lifts and spider tracked machines are suitable.
  • If horizontal outreach greater than 1-1.5 meters is not needed, then scissor lifts, self-propelled lightweight machines, and push-around lightweight machines are suitable.

03. What Working Height is Required?

The machine’s working height is the maximum height the operator can reach by hand; this height is the platform height plus 2 meters.

04. What Horizontal Outreach is Required?

If horizontal outreach is needed, then you need to measure what horizontal outreach is required at what height.

When choosing the machine type, the work diagram can help, as it precisely shows the horizontal outreach data for the given machine type at different working heights.

05. Is a Self-Propelled / Push-Around Machine Required?

Self-propelled means that the machine can move even when elevated. Push-around machines can only be moved manually when folded, and require securing/outriggers for use.
Only scissor lifts and lightweight machines are available in push-around versions, which have a lower self-weight.

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06. What is the Machine’s Own Weight?

It is always worth examining what terrain you intend to use the machine on. Furthermore, for stability, it’s important to consider what you intend to move in addition to the machine’s own weight.

07. What should be the Basket’s Maximum Load Capacity?

It is important to assess in advance what the weight of the objects to be moved might be. Accordingly, it is advisable to choose the lifting machine whose basket can bear the desired load.

08. What are the Machine’s Dimensions?

Machine length, width, height, height with lowered guardrails if the given machine type allows for this.
The most important dimension is usually the machine’s width, as it may be necessary to pass through narrower areas in the work site with the machine.

8+1. Also Important:

  • Gradeability, which can be important during machine transport and on the work site.
  • For boom lifts, is a jib needed? If so, is jib rotation required?
    For example, it can be a useful feature when working inside a truss roof structure.
  • For diesel-powered machines, consider the drive. For tougher terrain, it is advisable to choose a 4×4 machine.