Selecting the Right Lift Equipment: 3 Tips for Project Success

Selecting the right mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) or telehandler requires a comprehensive approach to project planning.

Here are three essential tips for making the right selection:

Tip #1: Assess Your Project Requirements

When evaluating lift equipment, contractors and craft professionals must thoroughly assess worksite conditions, including terrain type, space constraints and environmental limitations. Critical factors include determining the maximum platform height, understanding horizontal reach requirements and verifying the ability to access specific work areas.

Evaluate Worksite Conditions

• Identify if the work needs to take place indoors, outdoors or both
• Analyze terrain type (smooth, rough or uneven)
• Measure space constraints and maneuverability needs

Determine Height and Reach

• Calculate the maximum platform height required
• Assess horizontal reach for navigating over obstacles
• Verify ability to access specific work areas

Tip #2: Choose the Right Type of Lift

Different types of access equipment offer unique advantages for various projects. For example, scissor lifts excel in vertical lifting on smooth surfaces, providing a stable platform for indoor work. Boom lifts offer extended reach and flexibility, making them ideal for accessing difficult areas from multiple angles. Low-level access lifts help operators comfortably reach tasks at heights up to 20ft, replacing the need for ladders or scaffolding. Telehandlers are most versatile for rough terrain, enabling material handling and precise positioning.

Scissor Lift

• Best for vertical lifting
• Ideal for smooth surfaces
• Provides a stable platform

Boom Lift

• Offers extended reach
• Allows flexible positioning
• Accesses hard-to-reach areas

Low-Level Access Lift

• Pushed or rolled into place
• Use of both hands to do work
• Weighs less than 2,000-lb

Telehandler

• Versatile for material handling with multiple attachment options
• Suitable for rough terrain
• Enables lifting and precise placement[HF1]

Tip #3: Carefully Consider the Specs

Equipment specifications demand close scrutiny, particularly to height, reach, machine dimensions, load capacity and maneuverability in tight spaces. Site-specific factors like flooring limitations, environmental sensitivities and ground conditions must also be considered when selecting equipment.

• Equipment Specifications: Verify maximum lift height, maximum outreach, platform size and turning radius
• Load Capacity: Calculate total platform load, including operators, tools and materials
• Site-Specific Factors: Check floor loading specifications, environmental regulations and/or restrictions and different surface types

Addressing these factors allows you to select the most appropriate lifting equipment for your project's success. Try the JLG Equipment selector to help you choose the best machine for your job: jlg.com/en/equipment/equipment-selector