How to choose the right MEWP for restricted or complex sites
Some jobs can’t be reached with a standard scissor lift or boom. When you’re working in tight, awkward or hard-to-reach locations, your choice of MEWP hire becomes even more important. Spider lifts and truck mounts both offer high-level access with specialist features, but they’re built for different situations.
This is especially relevant if you’re working in sectors like:
- Telecoms and utilities
- Film and TV
- Facilities Management
- Rail, aviation or highways
- Heritage and conservation
Let’s break down when to choose which.
Spider Lifts: Compact and versatile
Spider lifts are lightweight, track-mounted machines designed to work in challenging or sensitive environments. They’re great for:
- Internal atriums and glass structures
- Sites with limited ground pressure
- Buildings with restricted access points
Spider lifts excel where space is limited. They can pass through single or double doors, climb steps and work on fragile flooring. You’ll often find them in shopping centres, theatres, museums, and historic buildings.
Examples include:
- Tree work in courtyards
- FM access in atriums
- Internal maintenance in airports and sports arenas
If your project demands indoor height access but a scissor lift hire won’t reach, a spider lift could be the answer.
Truck Mounts: Fast set-up and maximum outreach
Truck mounts are MEWPs mounted on HGV chassis. They’re ideal when you need to:
- Cover multiple jobs across wide areas
- Reach up and over tall or wide structures
- Work in time-critical locations
Think bridge inspections, road lighting, rail stations or film shoots in built-up urban areas.
You can hire truck mounts self-drive or operated. AFI’s MEWP hire service includes a trained operator, saving you time and reducing risk.
Typical truck mount users include:
- Local authorities
- Utilities and infrastructure contractors
- TV and media production crews
So, spider lift or truck mount?
Ask yourself:
- Do I need compact access inside a building? > Spider Lift
- Do I need to reach over buildings or roadways? > Truck Mount
- Do I need to work across multiple locations in one day? > Truck Mount
We offer a nationwide range of MEWPs for hire, backed by expert advice and fast delivery. We work with contractors and site teams across specialist sectors where access is never straightforward.
Get help choosing the right machine for your job
Explore our MEWP hire range.
Hire Using Your AFI Online Account – We make the hiring process seamless with a user-friendly online account system. By creating an AFI Online Account, you can access a streamlined booking process to get a quote, accept a quote and hire MEWPs quickly and efficiently. The online portal offers real-time availability, enabling you to select and reserve equipment conveniently. You can also manage your bookings, track your rental history, and place hire orders online, simplifying the administrative aspects of MEWP hire.
Our online services include access to detailed equipment information, operator training courses, and safety guidance, ensuring you are well-prepared for your project. The online platform also provides maintenance and inspection reports, giving you peace of mind that the equipment is in optimal condition. To explore these features, visit the AFI Online Services page.
Hire Online, See Instant Rates - Our booking system gives you two simple options, Weekly Hire or 20 Days and Above (with special discounted rates). Simply select your hire dates online, and the system will automatically display the best available rate- no phone calls required!
Benefits of Hire & Off-hire Online - AFI-Rentals will offset 200% of the emissions associated with the delivery of every machine. When you off-hire a machine online, we’ll also offset 100% of the emissions generated during its collection. By investing in renewable energy offset programs, AFI is committed to not only reducing our environmental impact but also leading the way for a greener future.
