Aerial Lift Options: Scissor, Boom, or Cherry Picker?

Introduction: Selecting the Right Aerial Lift for Your Job

When it comes to lifting workers to elevated areas, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, and boom lifts each offer unique advantages. But choosing the right lift depends on multiple factors such as weight capacity, height, and where the lift will be used. This article compares these three aerial lifts in terms of their key attributes, so you can make an informed decision for your project.

Key Considerations: Choosing the Right Lift for the Job

To ensure that you’re selecting the right aerial lift for your needs, there are three key questions to address:

1. What weight needs to be lifted?
   • Does the lift need to carry multiple workers, tools, or materials?
2. How high or far do you need to reach?
   • The height and reach requirements will dictate which lift is suitable.
3. Will the lift be used indoors or outdoors?
   • Some lifts are better suited for indoor tasks, while others are built to handle tough outdoor conditions.

Lift Capacity: Which Lift Can Handle Your Load?

• Man Lifts: These are the smallest and most affordable options. They can typically handle 300-500 pounds, which makes them ideal for single-person jobs requiring limited tools and materials. These lifts are well-suited for indoor tasks, providing a stable platform for small-scale projects.

• Articulating and Telescopic Boom Lifts: With higher capacity ranges from 500 to 1,000 pounds, these lifts are designed for more demanding tasks. Articulating boom lifts can maneuver over obstacles and are ideal for accessing tough spots. Telescopic boom lifts have less maneuverability but offer greater horizontal reach, making them perfect for jobs requiring access from a distance.

• Scissor Lifts: Scissor lifts are perfect for lifting multiple workers and heavier loads. With a maximum capacity of 1,000 pounds or more, they provide a stable, versatile platform for tasks up to about 40 feet. These lifts are particularly beneficial when multiple workers or larger equipment is needed at height.

How High or How Far Do You Need to Reach?

• Man Lifts: Man lifts are ideal for overhead tasks that require direct access up to about 30 feet. These lifts are great for indoor use, especially when minimal height is required.

• Scissor Lifts: Scissor lifts are a versatile option for tasks up to 40 feet. While they don’t provide horizontal reach like a boom lift, they offer a stable platform and can handle multiple workers and tools.

• Articulating Boom Lifts: These lifts use a hydraulic arm that can extend up to 185 feet, providing workers with the flexibility to move up, over, and even under obstacles. This makes them ideal for complex tasks or those that require precise positioning.

• Telescopic Boom Lifts: While telescopic boom lifts offer less maneuverability, they allow for greater horizontal reach. They’re best suited for tasks requiring significant elevation and reach across large distances.

Indoors or Outdoors: What’s Your Work Environment?

• Indoor Use: Man lifts, especially vertical mast lifts, are designed for indoor environments. They have non-marking tires, so they won’t damage floors, and are often compact enough to fit through standard doorways. Electric scissor lifts, which are exhaust-free and quieter, are also ideal for indoor tasks like maintenance, painting, or renovation.

• Outdoor Use: Diesel-powered boom lifts and rough terrain scissor lifts are better suited for outdoor environments. Diesel scissor lifts are built for rugged terrain and can handle steep slopes. Boom lifts, whether articulating or telescopic, are ideal for outdoor use but should be on relatively level surfaces to ensure safety.

Scissor Lift Pros and Cons: A Detailed Look

Pros:

• High Load Capacity: Scissor lifts have some of the highest lifting capacities, making them perfect for jobs where multiple workers or heavy equipment are required.
• Stability: With a wide platform and vertical movement, they offer stability for tasks up to 40 feet.
• Common Usage: These lifts are commonly used for maintenance, warehouse jobs, and facility management where safety is a priority.

Cons:

• Limited Reach: Scissor lifts are designed for vertical movement, so they must be positioned directly beneath the work area. For tasks that require reaching over obstacles or accessing confined spaces, articulating or telescopic booms are better choices.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Aerial Lift

Selecting between a scissor lift, cherry picker, or boom lift ultimately comes down to the specifics of the job at hand. Here’s a summary of when each is best suited:

• Man Lifts: Ideal for small, indoor jobs with minimal height requirements.
• Scissor Lifts: Best for jobs requiring a stable platform with the ability to lift multiple workers or heavy loads up to 40 feet.
• Articulating and Telescopic Boom Lifts: Perfect for reaching heights beyond 40 feet or maneuvering over obstacles, especially for outdoor projects.