From safely lifting workers for elevated tasks to transporting heavy loads stories high, aerial lifts are a crucial part of efficient construction. Common aerial lifts — such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers — streamline material and personnel transport. Moreover, they allow workers to access hard-to-reach places, simplifying complex installation and maintenance tasks.
It’s not a question of whether or not to use these machines but which model to utilize. Identifying and reviewing the best aerial lifts can help industry professionals select the lift and provider that best suits their needs, enabling informed purchasing decisions.
Understanding Aerial LiftsÂ
An aerial lift is a vehicle-mounted platform used to elevate workers. Project managers can benefit from leveraging construction lift machines to access hard-to-reach places and transport heavy loads. Different types of lifts come with particular features.
Types of Aerial Lifts
- Articulating boom lifts: These lifts have flexible, jointed arms for accessing tight places.
- Telescopic boom lifts: This lift’s straight arm is suitable for hard-to-reach tasks.
- Scissor lifts: These lifts provide a large platform that moves vertically. They are ideal for moving multiple workers, equipment or large material loads to specific heights.
- Cherry pickers: Cherry pickers extend using a telescopic or articulated arm and can be mounted on a specially designed trailer or truck.
- Atrium lifts: These lifts are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for indoor use. They are designed to fit through doorways and stairways.
Key Features
Different types of construction lifts have different working heights, platform capacities and maneuverability levels. Management should carefully consider which solution will best suit their project needs and timeline.
Some aerial lifts are diesel, while others are electric. Looking as far ahead as 2030, experts anticipate electric aerial work platforms will have the most substantial growth due to their lower emissions and compact design. Fewer components to maintain also mean electric aerial lifts can be more cost-effective than diesel.
Safety is a major consideration. As always, contractors should comply with OSHA guidance. Aerial lift equipment should include fall arrest systems, OSHA-compliant guardrails, outriggers and working lights and alarms.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aerial Lift for Construction
Not all aerial lifts are created equal. For instance, electric models are quiet and clean enough to run indoors but may not have enough power to handle sloping terrain. Contractors should carefully consider the following factors when acquiring an aerial lift.
Project Requirements and Site Conditions
Indoor projects require models that can fit through doorways and stairwells. High maneuverability is usually necessary for working around beams, columns and walls.
For outdoor projects, aerial lifts with four-wheel drive are crucial for operating on rough, uneven or sloping terrain. Platform stability is just as important. Models should have the height and reach needed for specific tasks. Compatibility with attachments and tools can increase adaptability.
Equipment Versatility and Attachments
Aerial lifts offer expansive versatility, making them crucial to the success of all kinds of construction projects. Different attachments best suit specific tasks. For instance, bucket or platform attachments can be used in conjunction with telehandlers to lift personnel. Desk access extensions are great for providing additional reach and access to small spaces.
These various attachments allow construction teams to cut down on costs associated with large, heavy equipment transportation and delivery. Taking advantage of attachments increases the versatility of a single machine.
Cost Considerations
If a project requires the daily or frequent use of an aerial lift, purchasing the equipment is a good option. However, repair, refueling and replacement costs can add up. Even with preventive maintenance, no component lasts forever.
In many cases, renting is better than buying. In addition to eliminating long-term maintenance costs, managers can swap models whenever their project requirements change. Companies often offer competitive rates and flexible rental periods. Whether contractors need a construction lift for one day or one month, renting provides options.
What Are the Benefits of Renting Aerial Lifts for Construction?
Aerial lifts are a game changer when it comes to safety concerns. However, the benefits of renting aerial lifts extend even further.
- Safer access to difficult-to-reach spaces
- Better operator mobility and flexibility
- Enhanced productivity for routine tasks like cleaning and maintenance
- Reduced need for ladders and scaffolding
- Decreased likelihood of falls and other workplace injuries
- Increased efficiency and versatility
- Lower costs compared to purchasing options
Top Three Best Aerial Lifts to Rent for Construction
Out of all construction lift rental solutions, the rough terrain scissor lift, electric knuckle boom lift and drivable one-person lift are the most versatile.
1. Cat® Rental Store Rough Terrain Scissor Lift
The Cat® Rental Store’s rough terrain scissor lift has a lift capacity ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. Its platform height capacity reaches up to 53 feet. A stable platform makes navigating even the most rugged jobsites or uneven surfaces easy.
This lift’s four-wheel drive, heavy-duty tires and self-leveling axle system offer unparalleled speed and gradability. Some models have enough room for multiple crew members, which optimizes productivity.
2. Cat Rental Store Electric Knuckle Boom Lift
The electric knuckle boom lift is among the best aerial lifts for construction. Its 500-pound lift capacity and maximum platform height of 45 feet outperform stiff boom cranes, making it suitable for most indoor and outdoor tasks.
This construction lift folds in on itself and can switch arm attachments, offering unparalleled versatility. Since these models are all-electric, they are quiet, have minimal vibration and produce no tailpipe emissions. Given that the construction and buildings sector is responsible for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, this level of sustainability is key.
3. Cat Rental Store Drivable One-Man Lift
This drivable one-person lift elevates a single worker up to 25 feet and 9 inches. Its 350-pound capacity allows room for heavy tools and equipment.
While this drivable one-person lift only offers vertical lifting, it is compact, lightweight and easy to maneuver. It’s ideal for indoor construction applications, but workers can use it outdoors — ideally on relatively smooth and level terrain.
Top Companies Offering Aerial Lift Rentals for Construction
Construction professionals planning on ordering a construction lift should consider renting from the best aerial lift companies.
1. Cat Rental Store
The Cat Rental Store boasts one of the largest, most diverse aerial equipment inventories. Each model prioritizes safety. For instance, even at the maximum platform height of 180 feet, both the articulating and telescopic boom lifts are stable.
Cat has one of the most extensive dealer networks in the world, with over 1,300 locations worldwide. Its reach allows it to provide timely equipment deliveries.
The easy-to-use customer portal lets business owners manage jobsites, rent equipment, view telematics metrics, request service and more. For around-the-clock support, professionals can call (800) 736-8228 (1-800-RENT-CAT) or complete a form at www.caterpillar.com/en/contact.html.
2. United Rentals
United Rentals has an extensive aerial equipment rental lineup. While it offers fewer models, it rents out several attachments. Whether project managers need a fall arrest platform, a pipe rack or a straddle kit, this company has them covered. By revenue, United Rentals is among the largest equipment rental companies in the country.
Although other aerial lift companies have more diverse product lines, United Rentals boasts plenty of branches. It has over 1,400 locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. While some branches only provide climate, fluid, power or storage solutions, many offer equipment leasing. To find out if United Rentals meets their aerial lift needs, interested parties can contact their customer care team at (844) 873-4948.
3. Sunbelt Rentals
Sunbelt Rentals has atrium lifts, bucket trucks, scissor lifts and scaffolding. There are also one-person drivable and push-around models available in addition to power and straddle accessories.
With over 1,200 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Sunbelt Rentals offers both in-store pickup and round-trip delivery — even in remote locations like Hawaii and Alaska. Industry professionals can call (800) 667-9328 to reach Sunbelt Rentals’ customer service team.
Renting Aerial Lifts From Top-Rated Dealers
Choosing the right construction lift machine isn’t solely about cost. The highest quality aerial lifts will increase productivity and efficiency, leading to greater earnings down the road. Business owners should consider their current and future project needs to determine which solution is right for them. For improved efficiency, safety and productivity, consider renting high-quality aerial lifts from the top-rated providers of construction equipment.
