As the construction and maintenance industries continue to evolve, so do the tools and equipment used to tackle various challenges. Spider lifts, a unique and versatile category of aerial work platforms, have emerged as an innovative solution to overcome the limitations posed by traditional access equipment. As a trusted plant and tool hire company based in Drogheda and Dublin, Ireland, we understand the importance of providing our customers with cutting-edge solutions, including spider lift hire. 
In this blog, we explore what spider lifts are, the problems they were designed to solve, and some excellent use cases for these remarkable machines.

Understanding Spider Lifts:

Spider lifts, also known as tracked aerial lifts or spider booms, are compact and highly manoeuvrable aerial work platforms. They derive their name from the long, spider-like legs that extend from the base, providing stability and flexibility in a wide range of terrains and confined spaces. The main purpose of spider lifts is to grant safe access to elevated areas that would otherwise be challenging or even impossible to reach using traditional aerial platforms or ladders.

Problems Spider Lifts Solve:

- Restricted Access: Many worksites, particularly in urban areas, are plagued by limited access due to narrow alleyways, small entrances or congested spaces. Spider lifts can be easily transported and set up in confined areas, allowing workers to access elevated spots with ease.
- Unstable Ground: Traditional aerial lifts require flat and stable ground to operate safely. However, spider lifts are equipped with rubber tracks or outriggers that can adapt to uneven, rough or sloped terrains. This feature makes them ideal for construction or maintenance tasks in challenging outdoor conditions.
- Height and Reach: While ladders and scaffolding have their uses, they may not offer the necessary height and outreach required for certain tasks. Spider lifts come with various boom configurations, enabling them to reach impressive heights and extend horizontally to access distant areas.
- Indoor Operations: Working indoors can present unique challenges due to limited space and flooring concerns. Spider lifts, being compact and lightweight, can be used indoors without causing damage to sensitive flooring and providing access to ceilings, high shelves or tight corners.

Examples of Great Uses for Spider Lifts:

- Window Cleaning and Maintenance: High-rise buildings with complex facades demand specialised equipment for window cleaning and maintenance. Spider lifts offer a safe and efficient solution for reaching all areas of the building, ensuring sparkling clean windows and well-maintained exteriors.
- Electrical and Lighting Repairs: When dealing with streetlights, stadium floodlights, or indoor lighting fixtures, spider lifts provide the necessary elevation to access the equipment securely. Electricians can work safely at height, performing repairs or installations without the need for elaborate scaffolding.
- Tree Care and Arboriculture: Pruning or felling tall trees can be hazardous without proper equipment. Spider lifts are invaluable for tree care professionals, allowing them to reach the upper branches safely and remove deadwood or perform selective pruning.
- Film Production and Photography: In the film and photography industry, capturing aerial shots can be pivotal for storytelling. Spider lifts offer a stable platform for cameras and equipment, allowing filmmakers and photographers to achieve unique perspectives and stunning visuals.
- Building Maintenance and Inspections: When conducting building inspections or routine maintenance tasks, spider lifts enable professionals to access roofs, facades, gutters and other elevated areas safely and efficiently.
- Telecommunications and Antenna Installation: Spider lifts play a crucial role in the installation and maintenance of telecommunication antennas and equipment on rooftops or elevated structures. Their compact size and manoeuvrability make them ideal for urban settings.
- Industrial Maintenance: In industrial settings, such as factories and warehouses, spider lifts can access elevated machinery and equipment for regular maintenance or repairs.
- Event Setup and Decorations: Whether it's setting up stages, installing decorations or hanging banners for events, spider lifts offer a reliable and safe solution to reach high points without disrupting the event space.

Drogheda Hire and Sales: Your Tracked Spider Lift Solution

We offer top-of-the-line tracked spider lift hire in Dublin, Drogheda and surrounding areas. Our inventory includes high-quality lifts from reputable brands like Hinowa and Almacrawler. These lifts are perfect for working at heights in confined or uneven spaces, providing remarkable working heights and outreach. With various power options, our lifts offer optimal performance and versatility. Available models include:

HINOWA 15.70M/51FT Spider Hoist:
The Hinowa 15.70 Lightlift Performance IIIS is designed for confined spaces, functioning flush against walls. It's compact, lightweight and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with a working height of 15.4m and maximum outreach of 6.6m. Powered by diesel, petrol, mains electric or lithium-ion batteries for emissions-free operation.

HINOWA 20.10M/65FT Spider Hoist:
The Lightlift 20.10 features Hinowa's Performance IIIS system, enhancing productivity with auto-speed control and wireless remote. Compact enough to pass through narrow doorways and gateways, it provides a working height of up to 20.1m and a maximum outreach of 9.7m. Powered by diesel, mains electric or lithium batteries.

Almacrawler 15.70M/50FT Self Levelling Tracked Boom:
The JIBBI U-1570 EVO by Almacrawler is an ultralight crawler platform reaching heights of 15.40 metres. It has a special aluminium alloy boom for sturdiness and lightness, weighing less than 2,900 kg for easy transportation. Equipped with Dynamic and Pro-Active Levelling for slopes up to 22°.

HINOWA 33.17M/109FT Spider Hoist:
The Hinowa 33.17m Lightlift Performance IIIS offers high performance in tight spaces. Combining high-reach boom benefits with spider lift versatility, it has a safe working load of 230kg, reaching 33.17m height and a maximum outreach of 16.5m. It's bi-energy, switching between diesel and battery power for indoor and outdoor use.

Serving Drogheda, Dublin and the surrounding areas, at Drogheda Hire and Sales we are proud to offer cutting-edge spider lifts to our customers, empowering them to efficiently and safely tackle their elevated challenges. If you have any requirements for spider lifts or other access equipment, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Call us on 0419841419 for our Drogheda depot or on 01 9108757 for our Dublin depot, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.