What Is an Aerial Work Platform?

An aerial work platform — also called an aerial lift — is a type of heavy equipment designed to lift workers to elevated areas while keeping them safe. The standard features of aerial lifts are:

• Work platform: The work platform is the area where the worker stands while using the aerial lift. There is also space to store the tools and equipment the worker needs for the specific task. The entire platform is enclosed with a gate or fence for safety.
• Controls: The control panel allows the worker to move the machine horizontally and adjust the platform vertically. These controls are accessible from inside the work platform.
• Lift system: Aerial work platforms use a boom arm or a support system to raise personnel to the work area and keep the machine steady as they work.

Aerial lift rentals are versatile, so you can use them for nearly any project or repair requiring technicians to work at elevated heights. You can use an aerial work platform to:

• Install ductwork
• Wire buildings
• Harvest fruit
• Inspect buildings and structures
• Prune trees
• Wash windows

Why Should You Get an Aerial Work Platform Rental?

Whether you choose a Genie aerial lift rental or a unit from another top equipment brand, your business will experience numerous benefits:

• Compatibility: When you rent an aerial lift, you can match equipment with specific tasks, increasing productivity and efficiency.
• Flexibility: Renting makes it easy to expand and contract the size of your fleet as your needs and project volume change.
• Immediacy: Renting allows you to fill an urgent need, like when a machine in your fleet breaks down and you need a quick replacement to keep a project on schedule.
• Certainty: If you’re thinking of purchasing an aerial lift, renting it first enables you to take it for a risk-free test-drive before making a substantial financial commitment.
• Affordability: The rental process eliminates the upfront purchase cost and the need to pay for equipment-related expenses like maintenance and repairs, enabling your business to save money.

How to Choose the Right Aerial Lift Rental for Your Operations

The right aerial work platform rental for your project depends on numerous factors, including:

• Platform size: Wider platforms have a reduced load capacity than smaller options to factor in the weight of the platform itself.
• Weight capacity: Your aerial lift rental must be able to safely bear the weight and size of the workers, equipment, tools and materials. If you need to lift multiple workers or heavy materials, you’ll need an aerial lift with a higher weight capacity.
• Lift height: Determine how high you need to reach, and find an aerial lift with a lift height that matches your requirements.
• Reach: If you need to navigate tight areas or numerous obstacles, consider an aerial lift with an articulating boom.
• Jobsite terrain: Each aerial lift model is designed for specific conditions, like uneven outdoor terrain or flat indoor surfaces.

The team at Holt of California will review your project requirements and help you decide which aerial work platform is best for your needs.