Manlifts: What Are They and How Can You Use Them?

Working at great heights can be challenging if your workers only have the basic equipment in their arsenal. The purpose of a manlift is precisely to aid these tasks that involve reaching difficult elevated workspaces without having to risk the safety of your workers.

In this article, we’re going to be talking about what manlifts are, how they work, the different types of manlifts available for your projects, and their common uses.

So, What is a Manlift?

Also known as a personnel lift or an aerial lift, manlifts are a type of equipment specifically used to raise workers to various heights that are typically inaccessible by conventional means. You can use them in a range of projects like construction, maintenance, warehousing, and any other task that involves reaching heights.

There are various manlift sizes specifically used for projects, and their purpose could change depending on what type of job you want to do.

For example, there are manlifts like the Genie AWP-20s mainly used to carry personnel. This manlift can be used for simple maintenance tasks that don’t require a lot of equipment. On the other hand, the Genie GS-2669 DC is used to carry personnel that’s transporting heavier loads for bigger projects like construction tasks.

Regardless of which manlift you use, this piece of machinery can definitely make it easier for you or your workers to reach difficult heights. It’s a safer alternative to your usual climbing equipment and can give you better opportunities to implement jobs more efficiently.

How Do Manlifts Work?

Now that you know what a manlift is, here are the basics of how it works for you to truly understand the benefits that it offers. Some of the key components seen in most manlifts are:

• Base: This is the foundation of the manlift. The base may vary whether it’s stationary or mobile, depending on the lift model and application.
• Platform: The platform is where you or your worker usually stand and where your work equipment is placed while you are elevated.
• Controls: The operator navigates the movement of the platform using a set of controls located on the platform itself or on the base of the lift. The controls include a set of joysticks and buttons that allow the movement of the platform whether it’s in vertical or horizontal maneuvers.
• Mast or Boom: The mast or the boom is the vertical or horizontal arm that extends from the base and lifts the platform. It can either be telescoping or articulating depending on the model you’re using.
• Power Source: Manlifts are typically powered either by electricity, gasoline, or diesel engines that usually provide for hydraulic or electric systems.

Manlifts are designed to be stable and safe for jobs that require accessing or working in high areas. However, it’s still important for your operators to follow the proper safety protocols when operating this type of machine. Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety harnesses and hard hats is still included in the safety training that manufacturers provide.

With safety in mind, manlifts are also equipped with features to protect you or your workers from falls and other accidents. Some of these safety features include:

• Safety Harnesses: As part of your worker’s PPE, safety harnesses are usually required to use manlifts. You would attach this to the railing of the platform to have an additional layer of protection when using the lift.
• Guardrails: The lift platform is typically surrounded by guardrails to prevent any accidental falls. This is where the safety harnesses are clipped onto to add more security for your workers.
• Emergency Controls: This protocol is in place in case there are any emergencies when the operator needs to immediately stop the machine.
• Stabilizers: These give additional control for the manlifts to stay sturdy and upright especially if it’s running on uneven ground or sloping surfaces.
• Load Capacity Sensors: The lifts are usually equipped with sensors that will notify you if you have exceeded their capacity to carry loads. Some of the key differentiators of elevated work platforms are gauged from how heavy a manlift is and how much they can hoist.

Most manlifts have similar functions and basic parts that make them work. Their differences lie in how their mechanisms work based on the capacity they can carry loads. However, their overall basic design is made to ensure the safety of the workers being elevated so that they may perform their respective tasks seamlessly.

The Two Manlift Types You Need to Know

Now that you’re aware of the basic functions and features of a manlift, we can discuss the different types of manlifts and their respective uses.

As you already know, manlifts differ depending on their main function. Some lifts serve to only carry people, while some are made to carry heavier loads, and others can reach higher heights.

The two main and most common types of manlifts are:

• Boom Lifts: These lifts are also known as cherry pickers or articulating booms designed for outdoor applications. Boom lifts have extendable arms that you can move both horizontally and vertically and can be mounted on vehicles like trucks, trailers, or self-propelled chassis.

This lift is perfect for construction, tree trimming, and other outdoor maintenance applications you want to do since it can reach up to 185 feet and can work in more challenging conditions. An example of this machine is the Genie SX-180 which is perfect for extreme jobs.

• Scissor Lifts: These lifts are commonly referred to as vertical lifts ideally made for jobs that require a more stable and compact platform needed to access elevated workspaces. This platform uses crisscrossing arms as part of its mechanism to provide more stability when carrying heavier loads.

Scissor lifts are preferred for tasks like maintenance and installations as your workers can easily work better with this machine than with ladders or scaffolding. There are a lot of types of elevated work platforms under scissor lifts, such as electric lifts, which are perfect for indoors; and rough terrain lifts, ideal for outdoor construction.

A great example of a scissor lift is the Genie GS-2669 DC, which has rough terrain capabilities and can carry up to 1500 pounds of weight on its platform.

While these two types of manlifts are suited to carry heavier loads, there are slimmer manlifts, like the Genie AWP-25s and the Genie AWP-30s, which you can use for smaller-scaled tasks.

Using a manlift for any elevated project will greatly help you or your workers accomplish tasks. All you need to figure out now is the type of jobs and tasks you need to execute, so that you can finalize which manlift would work best for you.

What are the Common Uses of a Manlift?

When you think about manlifts, the first thought that comes to mind is that these machines are only used for construction purposes. And while that is true, there are a lot of other applications you can use them on. Some common examples include:

• Repair and Maintenance: You can utilize manlifts for settings like factories, warehouses, and stadiums; where you need to constantly check if the different equipment you use in these places are in working order. For example, in stadiums, you can use manlifts to check if the ceiling-mounted lights are working well or if the suspended speakers are functioning.
• Tree Trimming: Boom lifts are commonly used for tasks like tree trimming since they can be maneuvered through obstructions that you or your workers may have.
• Film and TV Production: For entertainment settings, you can use manlifts to take high-angle shots and provide elevated camera positions.
• Disaster Response: Manlifts can be used for disaster response situations like earthquakes or hurricanes where you would need to access various heights to repair damaged infrastructures or buildings.

Knowing the common tasks you might use the machine for is essential in knowing how to choose a manlift. Once you’ve pinpointed the specific task you need the lift for, it will be easier for you to choose which type of manlift to use.

And if the projects you will be performing require different types of manlifts per job, you can opt to check out manlift rentals so that you wouldn’t have to invest in only one type of lift in one go.

Hastings Motor: Your Trusted Manlift Supplier

Manlifts are an essential tool for many industries because it provides a safe and efficient way for you and your workers to access raised workspaces.

Here at Hastings Motor, we have a list of various manlifts that can help your project needs.

If you are unsure of whether to buy equipment, you can always opt to utilize our power equipment rental services for your lift needs.

You can check out our website to learn more about our products and services, or get in touch with us for more information!