Selecting the Right Boom Lift: Ensuring Optimal MEWP Reach Capabilities - AFI Rentals
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Selecting the Right Boom Lift: Ensuring Optimal MEWP Reach Capabilities


Selecting the Right Boom Lift: Ensuring Optimal MEWP Reach Capabilities


When embarking on a construction project, one of the critical considerations is selecting the right Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP). Understanding the MEWP height reach requirements is crucial to ensure efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. At AFI Rentals, we offer a comprehensive range of MEWPs tailored to various sectors, and in this guide, we'll help you navigate the process of selecting a suitable machine for your needs and choosing MEWP height.

Cherry Picker Lift Hire - MEWP reach capabilities

Understanding MEWP Reach Capabilities

MEWPs are designed to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, typically at height. The primary types of MEWPs include boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, and cherry picker lifts. Each type has unique height reach and outreach capabilities, making them suitable for different applications.

Another general term for MEWPs is cherry pickers. The term covers boom lifts, scissor lifts, spider lifts, truck-mounted lifts and more. They are versatile MEWPs for all types of indoor and outdoor use. They are used in all sectors for a variety of works. With heights varying from 5 to 75 metres, cherry picker lifts provide excellent manoeuvrability and ease of use.

Telescopic Boom Lifts to Hire

Boom Lifts

Articulating Boom Lift: These are ideal for projects requiring high versatility. They have multiple jointed sections, allowing up-and-over access, making them perfect for navigating obstacles on a construction site. With a typical height reach of up to 43 metres, articulating boom lifts are excellent for maintenance tasks, electrical installations, and construction work.

Telescopic Boom Lift: Known for their straight, extendable arms, these lifts provide maximum horizontal and vertical reach, up to 58 metres. They are ideal for tasks that require extended outreach, such as bridge inspections, high-rise building construction, and large-scale industrial projects.

Choosing the Right MEWP Height

Selecting the appropriate MEWP height involves assessing the maximum height you need to reach and considering any obstacles that may impact the lift's operation. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Determine the Maximum Height Requirement: Measure the highest point you need to access. It's essential to consider both the vertical and horizontal distances.

Evaluate the Work Environment: Identify any obstacles affecting the MEWP's operation, such as overhead power lines, tree branches, or building structures.

Consider the Task at Hand: Different tasks may require different MEWP capabilities. For instance, a telescopic boom lift is ideal for tasks requiring a straight reach, while an articulating boom lift is better suited for navigating obstacles.

Examples from AFI-Rentals MEWP Hire fleet:

At AFI-Rentals, we offer a diverse range of MEWPs to meet your construction project needs:

JLG 1250AJPThis articulating boom lift offers a working height of 40.10 metres and a horizontal outreach of 19.25 metres. It's perfect for projects requiring a high degree of manoeuvrability.

JLG 860SJ: A telescopic boom lift with a working height of 28.21 metres and a horizontal reach of 22.86 metres, ideal for construction and maintenance tasks on tall structures.

Niftylift HR21 Hybrid AWD: This cherry picker lift has a working height of 20.80 metres with a working outreach of 13m and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, offering flexibility for various applications.

Sector-Specific Considerations

Different sectors have unique requirements when it comes to selecting a MEWP. For instance:

Construction: Telescopic boom lifts are often favoured for their extensive reach and ability to handle rough terrain.

Facilities Management: Cherry picker lifts are ideal due to their versatility and ease of use in maintaining building exteriors.

Industrial: Articulating boom lifts provide the flexibility to navigate complex environments with multiple obstacles.

Scissor Lift Hire - MEWP height reach

By carefully considering the height and outreach requirements, the specific tasks to be performed, and the unique conditions of your work environment, you can select the perfect MEWP for your construction project. At AFI Rentals, our expert team is here to assist you in finding the ideal equipment to ensure your project's success. 

Renting a MEWP with AFI Rentals is a straightforward and efficient process designed to meet the needs of various projects. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainability makes us a trusted partner for your access platform hire needs. For more information and to get started, open an account with us to unlock exclusive hire rates and get a quick MEWP hire quote today.

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