What’s an Aerial Lift or Aerial Work Platform?
An aerial lift is a piece of mobile equipment that allows work at heights and in situations that aren’t practical for a ladder or scaffolding.
The mobility of an aerial lift makes this equipment more efficient than scaffolding in some situations, particularly since some scaffolding requires disassembly and reassembly to change work areas.
Some aerial lifts are self propelled and some are towable. Scissor lifts and boom lifts are two common types of aerial lifts.
Boom Lifts Extend Up and Out
A boom lift elevates a work platform upward and outward. These lifts can typically rotate the platform around the base and pivot the platform to keep the work area level. There are two configurations:
-
Telescopic booms extend the platform out from the boom and typically have the greatest reach.
-
Articulating booms have several jointed boom sections that allow more flexibility to reach over obstacles.
Scissor Lifts Extend Up
A scissor lift raises and lowers a work platform vertically. To move the platform left and right or forward and backward the operator needs to lower the platform and move the lift.
-
Scissor lifts don’t have the functionality of a boom lift, but they’re much more compact when not extended.
-
Scissor lifts are often drivable or self propelled.
How an Aerial Lift Works
Knowing the key parts of a typical aerial work platform help you understand how these lifts work:
-
Platform: The platform or bucket is the work area.
-
Scissor Legs: On a scissor lift, the hinged legs structure or lifting frame raises and lowers the platform by means of hydraulic cylinders.
-
Boom Arm: On a boom lift, the boom raises and lowers the platform and extends it outward by means of hydraulic cylinders. Articulating booms have multiple boom sections allowing more options for positioning the platform.
-
Jib: On a boom lift, the jib connects the platform to the boom, allowing additional reach.
-
Turret: On a boom lift, the turret or turntable supports the boom arm. The turret rotates, allowing more mobility for the platform.
-
Chassis and Frame: The chassis and frame assembly is the base of the aerial lift and houses the engine or motor and hydraulic power system. On a boom lift the chassis also supports the turret.
-
Engine or Motor: a diesel engine or electric motor powers the hydraulic system that moves the platform, and on self-propelled lifts, provides drive power.
-
Outriggers: Some lifts have legs that extend from the chassis or frame to engage the ground and stabilize the lift.
-
Control Panels: Two control panels, one at ground level and one at the platform, allow operation of the unit.
Boom and Scissor Lift Uses
Aerial lifts can be useful for many projects that require working at height, including:
-
Construction
-
Trimming trees
-
Working on lights, wiring, ductwork, etc.
-
Roofing inspections and work
-
Gutter work and cleaning
-
Washing windows
-
Painting
-
Photography and videography
-
Hanging holiday decorations
Renting Aerial Work Platforms With Lowe’s
An arial work platform or lift makes working at heights easier and more efficient, but unless this is your regular type of work, it might not make sense to purchase an aerial lift due to:
-
A large initial investment
-
Insurance costs
-
Long periods when the equipment is idle
-
Maintenance and repair costs
- Storage space
Lowe’s has these lifts available for rent at select stores, making it simple to get an aerial work platform when you need it without the ongoing cost of owning the equipment. Visit Lowe’s Rentals to see if these lifts are available to rent at your local Lowe’s. Check the rental details page to see requirements for renting an aerial lift, including:
-
An age of 21 years or more
-
Proof of insurance
-
A valid local driver’s license
-
A truck capable of towing the equipment
- Ownership or purchase of a fall-protection harness
Aerial Lift Safety
Safety considerations are critical when using an aerial lift. Lifts have common safety features including:
-
Emergency stop switches
-
Lockable power disconnect switches
-
Lockout switches that prevent operation
-
Emergency (unpowered) descent systems
-
Tie-off points for harnesses
-
Work platform railings
-
Data tags that indicate maximum weight and height capacities
- Decals with safety information
While this isn’t a complete list, safe operation of a lift includes:
-
Reading and understanding all operation and safety instructions
-
Adherence to capacity limits
-
Prechecks before starting the equipment
-
Use of fall-protection equipment
-
Continual awareness of your surroundings, including bystanders, obstructions, power lines, trees, etc.
-
Continual awareness of the position of the platform, boom, etc.
-
Continual awareness of obstructions or hazards above and below the platform
- Keeping bystanders clear of the platform and any moving parts
Follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and requirements for using an aerial lift on jobsites.
Lowe’s Has the Tools and Equipment You Need
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer taking on weekend projects or a professional on a job site, you can find what you need to handle many of your projects and jobs. Shop Lowes.com or visit your local Lowe’s to find the tools, materials and quantities you need to do the job and move on to the next one. Visit Lowe’s Rentals to see what we’ve got available for rent in your area. Lowe’s Rentals helps you get the tools and equipment you need for the job without the costs of purchase and ownership.