As the weather warms up and the days get longer, many people begin to turn their attention to outdoor projects. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, you know that having the right equipment can make all the difference. That’s where powered access solutions come in. At this time of year, the request for outdoor boom lifts or outdoor scissor lifts is predominant. These machines allow you to work at height safely and efficiently, making even the most challenging outdoor projects a breeze. In this article, we’ll explore three types of powered access machines – scissor lifts, tracked hoists and boom lifts – and discuss the types of outdoor work they’re best suited for.
At Drogheda Hire and Sales, we can provide manual and powered access hire solutions for indoor and outdoor projects. We can also advise on the range of equipment best suited to jobs in low-emission areas and Clean Air Zones, so get in touch here if you’d like more information.
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a versatile and popular type of powered access machine. They consist of a platform that can be raised and lowered using a set of linked, folding supports in a crisscross pattern – hence the name “scissor” lift. There are a great number of models and different sizes, with power sources including: manual, electric, hybrid and diesel.
Diesel scissor lifts are typically chosen for outdoor projects that require a stable and secure platform at height. As limitations on emissions disqualify most diesel machines from work indoors or in low emission zones, diesel scissor lifts typically include features that suit them to outdoor work on rough terrain, such as four-wheel drive and rough-terrain tyres.
That said, there is an increasing presence of electric and hybrid outdoor scissor lifts that include all the great features of diesel rough terrain machines. Scissor lifts are often used in building repairs, glazing, decorating and mechanical and electrical installation projects. The large platform is ideal for jobs that require bulky or heavy materials or equipment.
Tracked Hoists
Tracked hoists, also known as spider lifts, are a type of powered access machine that are designed for use on uneven terrain. They have a narrow chassis, tracks for moving over rough terrain and usually come equipped with legs that can be adjusted to level the machine on slopes and other uneven surfaces. They’re typically smaller than other types of powered access machines, making them ideal for projects where space is limited.
Tracked hoists are often used for tree maintenance, particularly in wooded areas where the ground is uneven or covered in undergrowth. They can also be useful for building repairs and painting and decorating projects where access is restricted. For example, if you need to repair a section of roof on a building with limited space around it, a tracked hoist can provide easy access to the work area without the need for scaffolding or other equipment.
Boom Lifts
Boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers, are a type of powered access machine that features a hydraulic arm, or “boom,” that can be extended and rotated to provide access to hard-to-reach areas. They come in various sizes, from small towable models to large truck-mounted versions, and are available in electric, diesel-powered and hybrid versions.
Outdoor boom lifts are great projects that require access to tall or difficult-to-reach areas. They’re often used in building repairs, particularly for work on roofs and other high-level areas. They’re also useful for painting and decorating projects, particularly when working on tall buildings or structures. Boom lifts are often used for carrying out repair work to electrical installations, signage and bridges. Electric models are used for facilities maintenance work in public buildings, shopping centres and airports. Their rotating platforms, extendable booms and cage positioning allow the operator to carry out work at height in awkward spaces, working over obstacles, under bridges or between trees or buildings. Cherry pickers are truly versatile machines for work at height.
Choose Drogheda Hire and Sales for powered access hire
Powered access solutions can greatly increase the efficiency and safety of outdoor projects. From scissor lifts to tracked hoists and boom lifts, a wide variety of machines are available to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, investing in the right equipment can make all the difference.
At Drogheda Hire and Sales, we offer a wide range of powered access hire services to help you tackle any outdoor project. Our machines are regularly maintained and serviced to ensure their safety and efficiency, and our team of experts is always on hand to provide guidance and support. Contact us today to learn more about our rental options and how we can help you achieve your project goals. For more information on outdoor scissor lifts, or any of our machines or tools, call our Drogheda centre on 0419 84 14 19 or our Dublin centre on 01-9108757. Alternatively, visit your nearest depot at Long Mile Road in Dublin or Cement Road in Drogheda. We look forward to hearing from you.