There are a great number of professionals whose jobs involve working at height. Glazers, construction workers, mechanical and electrical installers, ductworkers, air conditioning technicians and decorators are amongst the many individuals whose day-to-day involves “time in the air.”  The nature of this work can be challenging and perilous. This has led to the development of powered access machinery to increase efficiency and reduce risks in this kind of work.

What do we mean by powered access?

Powered access refers to the use of machinery or equipment to gain access to elevated areas. This typically involves the use of devices such as cherry pickers, scissor lifts, boom lifts and other aerial work platforms. These machines are designed to safely lift workers and equipment to perform tasks at heights. These tasks include: construction, maintenance work, repairs, installations or cleaning. At Paragon Tool Hire we offer a range of powered access equipment from leading brands like Snorkel, Genie and Niftylift alongside general construction and DIY tools and machines.

How much does it cost to hire powered access equipment?

Hiring powered access equipment can be relatively inexpensive, with scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts being on the lower end of the price range. While prices vary, it is advisable to budget £100 - £200 a week when hiring a scissor lift or vertical mast lift. Spider lifts, cherry pickers and boom lifts, on the other hand, require a higher budget of at least £300 a week. Machines can be hired for a day, though it is usually cheaper per day when hired out for an entire week.

Different types of powered access machines:

Powered access machines are designed for specific scenarios and can include a variety of features suiting them to different projects. Some access machines are suited to working at different heights along a building's facade, whilst others may be more practical for dynamic positioning, perhaps for working under bridges or around trees. Machines may also be suited to indoor or outdoor work and may include rough terrain tyres for driving on rugged terrain, or electric motors for working in low emission environments. Let’s have a look at some typical powered access machines and their uses:

Scissor lifts: A scissor lift is a type of mobile aerial work platform used to raise workers and equipment vertically. It consists of a platform supported by crisscrossing metal arms, or scissor mechanisms, which extend and retract to raise and lower the platform. Typically powered by hydraulics, electric motors or pneumatic systems, scissor lifts operate by extending the scissor arms to lift the platform to the desired height.

Scissor lifts like the Genie GS2632 or the Snorkel S2755BE are commonly used in construction, maintenance, warehouse operations and other industrial settings to provide access to elevated areas safely and efficiently, allowing workers to perform tasks such as installation, maintenance, repair, and inspection at various heights.

Boom lifts: Whether telescopic or articulated, boom lifts are self propelled aerial work platforms used across industries for access at height. The telescopic variation features a straight, extendable arm for vertical movement, while the articulated type comprises multiple hinged sections for flexibility over obstacles. Both types normally use hydraulic systems for boom extension. 

Telescopic boom lifts are preferred for vertical tasks in construction and utility maintenance, whereas articulated boom lifts like the Niftylift HR17 are able to reach over obstacles for activities such as tree trimming and building maintenance.

Cherry pickers: Cherry pickers and boom lifts are terms often used interchangeably, although cherry pickers are typically mounted on trucks, vans or trailers, and therefore not self propelled. They consist of a bucket or platform attached to an extendable hydraulic arm. Cherry pickers offer vertical and horizontal reach, facilitating access to rooftops, tree branches and utility poles. 

Towable cherry pickers such as the Niftylift 120T, featuring telescopic or articulated booms mounted on trailers and use outriggers for maximum stability. With hydraulic systems enabling access to elevated areas, they find applications in construction, maintenance, landscaping, and facility management, offering quick setup and versatility for tasks like painting, pruning, installation, and repairs.

Vertical mast lifts: Vertical mast lifts, also known as personnel lifts, are compact and lightweight aerial work platforms designed for accessing elevated areas with limited space. Unlike other lifts, they feature a single mast that extends vertically, with a platform at the top for the operator to stand on. 

Vertical mast lifts are typically electrically powered and can be easily manoeuvred into tight spaces, making them ideal for indoor maintenance and construction tasks. They offer a stable and secure platform for tasks such as ceiling repairs, electrical installations and warehouse stocking. Vertical mast lifts are commonly used in facilities like warehouses, retail stores, airports and theatres where space is limited, and precise vertical access is required. Their simplicity, ease of operation and small footprint make them essential tools for working safely at height in confined areas.

Spider lifts: Spider lifts, also known as tracked aerial platforms or spider boom lifts, are a specialised type of aerial work platform designed for accessing elevated areas in challenging terrain or confined spaces. They feature a multi-jointed boom with articulating sections, mounted on spider-like outriggers equipped with tracks for stability and mobility. 

Spider lifts are highly versatile, capable of navigating uneven surfaces, slopes and narrow passages with ease, making them ideal for outdoor landscaping, construction and maintenance tasks. With their compact size and low ground pressure, they can access areas inaccessible to traditional lifts such as urban environments, parks and gardens. Spider lifts are commonly used for tasks such as tree pruning, window cleaning, facade maintenance and installation of outdoor lighting or signage.

Powered access equipment offers a solution for working in elevated areas across various industries. From scissor lifts to spider lifts, these machines provide safe and efficient means for tasks ranging from construction to maintenance and beyond.

Choose Paragon Tool Hire for your powered access needs

At Paragon Tool Hire, we understand the importance of having access to high-quality equipment for your projects. Our extensive inventory of tools caters to all your construction needs, ensuring efficiency and professional results. Whether you require scissor lifts, cherry pickers or boom lifts or other elevated work platforms, we've got you covered. With our competitive rates and expert advice, you can set yourself up for success.

To find out more about our powered access hire services, please get in touch. Call our experienced team today on 01280822282. We look forward to hearing from you.