Aerial Work Platform

Introduction to Aerial Work Platforms

With respective nations today focusing on upgrading their cities and in India particularly, with the government focusing on developing smart cities, aerial work platforms (AWPs) have seen unprecedented demand from various infrastructure projects. 

Everywhere we look around, various infrastructure development projects across the country, such as airports, housing projects, highways, buildings, bridges, etc. are being undertaken and AWPs are being used extensively to make work faster and more efficient.

For those who are not aware of these highly productive and economical machines, AWPs are used to lift people or materials to high places. Known by several names such as aerial lifts, mobile elevating work platforms, or cherry pickers, these machines have revolutionized diverse industries, particularly construction. The demand for aerial work platforms is rapidly rising, globally. In India itself, the demand for such technology-backed, cost-effective, secure, and efficient elevated work solutions to assist in construction and maintenance work has seen a manifold rise in the last few years. 

Use of Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial work platforms have broad applications across diverse industries that require equipment installation, regular maintenance, and repair work. Industries like construction, transportation, logistics, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, oil and gas, and telecommunications require regular maintenance of structures and installed equipment. Aerial work platforms manufacturers in India are using the latest and innovative technologies in their machinery to improve efficiency, ensure safety and enhance productivity. These machines provide safe access to elevated areas and are typically used to transport construction materials, tools, and equipment, to construction workers, and install communication and safety infrastructure. They hold an advantage over traditional methods of reaching high-rise or elevated areas using ladders and scaffoldings by offering increased mobility and enhanced safety, thereby reducing risks of accidents and falls.

Different types of Aerial Work Platforms Available

There are different types of aerial work platforms available in India, each designed for specific applications. The most common types of aerial work platforms are:

Scissor Lifts

They provide vertical movement and have a platform that rises and falls between two vertical masts. Scissor lifts are generally used indoors in a variety of maintenance work such as for plumbing, electric work, welding, and HVAC work.

Boom Lifts  

They are generally used in both outdoor and indoor maintenance work such as erecting scaffolding, and painting walls and ceilings. Boom lifts offer both vertical and horizontal access and have a platform that extends horizontally from the vertical masts. With greater flexibility and access to hard-to-reach areas, boom lifts are an essential piece of construction machinery that you will find on most construction sites. Boom lifts are generally of two types i.e. articulated boom lifts, one that has a horizontal platform that can pivot in multiple directions and the other is telescopic boom lifts that provide a vertical platform. Telescopic boom lifts offer better reach and are usually used in large-scale construction projects.

Spider Lifts

They are compact, lightweight, and designed to be used in narrow or confined spaces. Spider boom lifts have four stabilizer legs and provide a firm grip on all surfaces be it terrain, sandy, soft, or covered with snow. Spider lifts are generally used for facade cleaning, and painting of buildings or houses, and offer better maneuverability and comfort for aerial work.

Benefits of Using Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial work platforms or mobile elevating work platforms offer numerous benefits over traditional platforms such as scaffolding and ladders. The first and foremost benefit is safety. These platforms allow safe access to high and elevated areas. Second, they offer increased mobility and help reach hard-to-access locations with ease. They are maneuverable,  with adjustable height, and can be easily adapted for various tasks. Overall, they improve productivity, save time and effort and provide complete safety to the construction worker. 

How to choose the right aerial platform for your needs

Aerial work platforms are available in different sizes and capacities. You can select the right aerial platform as per your requirement. Majorly, one has to consider factors such as work type, height and reach requirements, weight capacity, the surface on which the aerial platform will be used, and any other specific features or attachments before selecting the suitable type and model. It is also very important to consider safety features, maneuverability, maintenance, ease of operation, and platform stability.  Additionally, check that the aerial platform manufacturer has provided you with all the necessary training to operate the machine and that it meets relevant safety regulations and certifications.

Top Aerial Work Platforms Manufacturers

Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have increased the demand for aerial work platforms. The construction industry is growing across the globe and has majorly contributed to a surge in demand for safe and effective high-access platforms. Some of the top aerial work platform manufacturers include names like JLG Industries, Skyjack, Haulotte, Tadano, Manitou, Genie, and Snorkel. These top aerial work platform manufacturers offer a wide range of aerial work platforms and provide ample support in terms of maintenance services and spare parts availability to ensure optimal performance and longevity of their machinery.

It’s not surprising that developed nations like the US, and UK hold the major share of the global aerial work industry. And Japan and China are also not far behind. However over the last decade in India too, the AWP industry has witnessed rapid growth. With the list of building newer and smarter cities increasing by each day, the demand for AWPs has also increased manifold. Because these platforms offer improved safety, enhanced productivity and are a more efficient alternative to traditional methods, stakeholders are shunning age-old methods of transporting material to heights and embracing these highly customizable machines. Having said that, regular maintenance, adherence to safety protocols, and proper training are essential to get the maximum benefits of these aerial work platforms. And companies dealing with AWPs are offering their services in training staff too.