Many industrial tasks require the ability the work at elevation, so it’s essential to make sure you’re using the right aerial lift for the job. Doing your research beforehand and choosing the perfect piece of equipment for a specific purpose can save you time and make your project as cost-effective as possible. This article will outline how to rent aerial equipment to meet your needs and match your budget.
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Types of Lifts
Learning the different types of lifts is the first step to understanding how to rent an aerial lift for your application. At Carolina Cat, we have three main lifts in our inventory, including:
- Boom lifts: Boom lifts — also known as cherry pickers — are versatile lifts with a height range of 30 feet to 180 feet. This equipment consists of a base, hydraulic lifting system, crane and platform. Depending on your working environment and requirements, you can choose between straight boom lifts and articulated models. Articulated cherry pickers have more maneuverability, while straight boom lifts can support more weight.
- Scissor lifts: Scissor lifts have a simpler construction than boom lifts and are more limited in their applications. These lifts consist of a platform that a hydraulic system can raise or lower. Scissor lift rentals are a great alternative to scaffolding, as they can reach up to 40 feet tall and support anywhere from 500 pounds to 1,200 pounds.
- Telehandlers: The telehandler — also called a telescopic handler — is ideal for construction, landscaping, material handling and more. The durable construction and four-wheel drive capabilities make it the perfect piece of equipment for rugged terrain. These sturdy lifts have a maximum reach of over 50 feet and a load capacity ranging from 5,500 to 12,000 pounds.
Site Terrain
The type of terrain on your job site will also help you decide which aerial lift to choose. Some construction and landscaping sites have muddy terrain or soft, wet conditions. A boom lift or telehandler with four-wheel drive or a crawler undercarriage is a must on these sites.
On the other hand, a lift with excellent gradeability is ideal if you’ll be working on a sloped surface. Finally, a higher ride height is perfect for terrain with scattered debris.
Necessary Height
The height you’ll be working at — and the location of the work — will determine the necessary design of your aerial lift. If you need to maneuver around obstacles to reach a certain height, an articulated cherry picker could be your best option. Scissor lifts are ideal for overhead work, while a telehandler is perfect for outreach applications.
Number of People
You should ensure that the number of capable personnel on your work site matches the number needed to operate your selected lift, as you need enough workers to use the equipment safely. However, you also need to check that the machine is large enough for your workforce. If you need to elevate multiple workers for a given job, you might need a lift with a larger platform or higher weight capacity.
Safety Requirements
Safety is a top priority when renting industrial equipment, and aerial lifts are no exception. Your operators need to have the proper training, and they should have experience working with the specific lift you rent. What’s more, your team must be familiar with operating lifts on the terrain at your current job site.
Equipment Storage
Consider how you’ll safely store your aerial lift before committing to a long-term rental agreement. While scissor lifts have a small footprint and are easier to protect when not in use, cherry pickers and telehandlers are much larger and require more storage space.
Aerial Lift Rentals at Carolina Cat
No matter which equipment you decide on, Carolina Cat has reliable aerial lift rentals ready for your next project. Contact us online today to learn more about our rental services or get a free quote. If you’re not sure what you need, our experienced team can guide you in choosing the right aerial lift rental.