Lifting platforms: Which ones are there? Which one to choose?

Some jobs can only be carried out with high-altitude machinery, and this requires very specific tools that have passed demanding standards.

If you are interested in knowing more about machinery for working at height, here you will find everything you need to know.

Defining concepts: lifting platform and working at height

For a job to be considered as work at height, it has to be performed at more than two meters. Eye! This does not mean that to rise to these heights for different tasks it is not necessary to have certain protection and prevention measures.

For the work we carry out at a height of more than two meters, we use lifting platforms that are part of the range of machinery for work of this type that exists.
A lifting platform is considered to be a mechanical device that has been designed to be able to carry out certain tasks at height that would otherwise have been impossible to perform.
If we go a little further, “a mobile elevating platform for personnel (MEWP) is a mobile machine designed to move people and small tools to a working position (…)” This definition is included in Royal Decree 2291/1985. It indicates even its intention (entry and exit of people and tools) and what it must have (at least an extendable structure and chassis).

Use of lifting platforms as part of machinery for work at height

These devices are usually used to carry out industrial work and at height, in jobs where optimal freedom of movement is required.

Our lifting platforms have a basket from which the operator can operate the machine from a control panel by managing different types of parameters such as speed, position, height or angle.

Types of lifting platforms

The truth is that there are a large number of lifting platforms, each one adapted to a different task or type of tasks.

• Indoor lifting platforms: Technically they are electric and hybrid so they are environmentally friendly and have high productivity. They are usually used in construction or maintenance tasks of buildings.
• Outdoor lifting platforms: These are the ones that allow the greatest height. Liftisa stands out in this aspect with its machinery for working at height.
• Low-height access platforms: Yes, we also work with this type of platform that can lift us from 2 to 6 meters. They are used for work at moderate heights as an efficient and safe way to replace stairs to carry out, for example, maintenance tasks in buildings.
• Single-person platforms or vertical masts: Allows access to a single person up to a height of 14 meters. They are very easy to transport, one of their many virtues.
• Material Elevator: They are designed for maintenance or repair work in confined spaces with the need for vertical access.
• Aluminium scaffolding: These are constructions, generally provisional, that allow workers access to different points of the construction, among other civil works, industrial maintenance, etc.
• Lifting platforms on vehicles: These are vehicles that include a telescopic basket that allows access to complicated places and at various heights.

Types of lifts according to different characteristics

Lifting platforms are a whole world and there is a great classification of them according to the different characteristics they have. Do you want to know them briefly?

Depending on the lifting system they use, they can be:

• Scissor
• Articulated
• Telescopic

According to its translation system:

• Self propelled
• Towable
• About Track
• About truck
• About van
• About 4×4 vehicles

Depending on how it stabilizes:

• Electric platform
• Diesel platform
• Hybrid Platform

A fact to take into account is that in the market all systems are combined to offer more coverage. An example is the combination of articulated and telescopic elevator types to achieve a device that is more versatile and efficient.

What is the best machinery for working at heights? Indoor or outdoor platform lift?

In reality, the ideal platform for your project will depend on the task you are going to use it for and the frequency, if you are looking to buy, instead of renting lifting machinery which is much cheaper. Have you already checked our prices?

How to choose a lifting platform according to the work I am going to do?

These are the different platforms that exist and what jobs you could use them in.

Diesel outdoor lifting platform: It is recommended if you are going to carry out work at height that requires the collaboration of several people and must support heavy material. If the machinery is going to be very exposed or in irregular areas, it should also be taken into account as the main option.

Indoor Lifting Platform: If you are going to do a simple job, it is perfect because they do not allow more than one meter of displacement. Think more about the environment in this product by having features that allow it to reduce consumption, pollution and also noise.

Single-person lift: It’s the one you need if you’re going to paint, remodel, or restore an interior. Of course, it is only for one person, it does not admit more. And you also have to pay attention to the load limit it allows. Always following the safety measures established by law and by the manufacturer are the only way for the user to maintain the security offered.

Do you have any questions? You can contact us whenever you prefer to ask us your questions, we will be happy to help you.