When looking for a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform), there’s a lot to consider. You need to decide what reach you need your platform to have, choose between different types such as cherry pickers or scissor lifts, ensure your workers have the correct training for your platform type, and more.
For someone new to access platform hire, this can be daunting. At Horizon Platforms, we want you to be confident when hiring one of our powered access solutions. But for those experienced at renting access platforms, sometimes a refresher can be useful for hiring the most efficient and safe lifter for job. So, we’ve created this guide to cover everything you need to know about the MEWP rental process and all the key questions you should ask.
What is a MEWP?
A MEWP is a Mobile Elevating Work Platform and also known as access platforms, powered access and lifters. It is any platform that can be moved from place to place and then raised or lowered safely for your work at height. You can learn more about MEWPs in our ‘What is a MEWP’ guide.
- What Type of MEWP do you Need?
Different types of MEWPs are most suitable for different uses. Whether you want to safely elevate towards hard-to-reach areas or need to navigate an access platform within a restricted space, you’re sure to find a powered access platform to suit your needs.
That said, it’s important to thoroughly research what type of equipment you need, to ensure it will be fit for purpose and help you to complete your job safely.
Scissor Lift
A scissor lift, such as the Dingli JCPT1012AC or Manitou 120, is an access platform that raises up and down on a chassis for direct work at height. You can learn more in our scissor lift guide.
Cherry Picker
A cherry picker, also known as a boom lift, raises the basket through an extending arm with a knuckle for up-and-over movement. A cherry picker is therefore the most useful access platform for when you need more than straightforward up and down movement. E.g. moving up and over an obstacle. The Haulotte Star 10, Niftylift HR12, HR15 and JLG 450AJ are all classed as cherry pickers.
For more information, head to our guide to cherry pickers.
Personnel Platform
For narrow spaces, such as between warehouse and supermarket shelves, a smaller one-man lift, such as a personnel platform, may be needed.
Personnel Platforms include the SkyJack SJ12, JLG 1230ES and Genie GR15.
Push Around Platform
A push around platform is most suitable for indoor tasks. It is manually pushed from place to place, hence the name, and therefore requires less power to function.
A Youngman Boss X3 and Power Tower Peco fall under the push around access platform category.
How to Choose Which Type of MEWP You Need
The main considerations to think about when selecting a MEWP are:
- What height distance needs to be reached?
- How heavy is the equipment I need to use?
- What is the machine’s safe working load?
- Does the access machinery need to be mobile?
- How large or narrow is the space?
- What is the turning radius?
- Will I require both horizontal and vertical reach?
- Might there be overhead obstructions?
- What will the ground condition be like?
- How will the site be accessed?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you accurately select a cherry picker or scissor lift that suits your specific needs.
Use our Platform Finder to help you quickly and easily discover the right MEWP for the job. Or you can call our team, who will be more than happy to help!
Do You Need an Indoor or Outdoor Access Platform?
Different access platforms are manufactured for specific uses. For example, some are suitable for outdoor use or working on rough terrain. MEWPs most suitable for outdoor use have additional features, such as special tyres, that make them safer and more efficient when working in certain conditions.
Outdoor ground surfaces can be uneven or sloped, so you’ll need to make sure your machine’s gradability is suitable. Depending on the ground conditions, you may also need to consider hiring a cherry picker with outrigger boards to help stabilise the equipment. You should also check the machine’s maximum safe wind speeds when working in potentially challenging outdoor conditions to ensure there’s no risk of tipping.
Diesel or bi-fuel access platforms can be the go-to for some who need to work at height outside, or if there is no energy charging facility available. But with advancements in electric powered access platforms this trend is shifting in favour of these more environmentally friendly machines.
If you’re working indoors, however, or where there’s little ventilation, an electric MEWP is a better option.
How Long Do You Need Your Powered Access Equipment For?
When looking for a powered access hire quote, you’ll need to specify how long your hire period will be. This allows us to give you the most accurate cost of your access platform rental.
The length of your hire period is dependant on how long you need to work on a specific work-at-height project. At Horizon we rent out powered access for as long as customers need, from 1 day to several weeks or months. But in some instances buying a lifter is the most cost-effective.
Do You Need to Hire or Buy a MEWP?
If you consistently require the same cherry picker or scissor lift for numerous jobs in one location, over years, for example, and have suitable storage facilities, it could be more cost-effective over time to purchase either new or used powered access equipment: there’s a potential for up to 70% savings.
However, if you are looking for a certain MEWP to help you complete a one-off project or several projects on several sites, hiring equipment is the best option. You won’t need to worry about the long-term costs of storage and maintenance – simply select the equipment you need and enjoy flexible hire lengths and fast delivery. In some cases, you can choose your equipment and have it delivered on the same day!
See our blog weighing up the benefits of buying or hiring an access platform to make your decision.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Cherry Picker or Scissor Lift?
The cost of hiring powered access varies depending on several factors. The easiest way to get an accurate rental quote is either calling or email Horizon Platforms or getting a MEWP rental quote online via our online portal, HireHub.
Before contacting us for a rental price, consider the following:
- the type and height of machine you need
- how long you need it for
- how many machines you need for a job
Do You Have The Right Licence To Hire An Access Platform?
Anyone over 18 can hire a cherry picker or scissor lift. However, you will need to have the right licence to be able to operate it.
Employers are legally required to demonstrate adequate training for people operating machinery. Both the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) state that individuals must be able to show that they have completed appropriate training, which allows them to be considered competent to operate powered access equipment.
IPAF training courses are industry standard leading the way in safety best practices when it comes to powered access. You will need to select the most suitable course for your needs depending on your job role or the equipment you intend to use.
You might also be wondering if you should have insurance when hiring a scissor lift or cherry picker, which is available via the hire company. Alternatively, you can source your own and give proof when renting a machine. When you rent a powered access platform, it’s ultimately your responsibility to look after the equipment when in your possession. Having adequate plant insurance or a Damage & Loss Waiver Agreement gives you peace of mind that should accidental damage or theft occur, you have a level of cover.
Don’t Forget a Full Safety Assessment
You should never leap straight into action without carrying out an inspection of your hired access platform. Even though Horizon Platforms do pre-delivery inspections and ensure machines are well-maintained and have a LOLER, it is best practice to do a pre-use check, plus familiarising yourself and testing out all functionalities before use. Also, a risk assessment before a work-at-height project is vital.
Whether you’re using your own MEWP or a hired access platform, always refer to the operator’s manual beforehand to make sure you are completely familiar with the powered access machine.
What is Your MEWP Budget?
When budgeting for using powered access you need to understand whether it is best to hire or buy a machine. Several factors influence this, as discussed below.
Cherry picker or scissor lift hire rates differ based on the size and reach of the machine, project requirements, how long you need the machine for, and more. Hiring is more appropriate for one-off or regular short-term projects or when hiring for multiple jobs across many sites.
When regularly hiring powered access it is best not to hire solely based on price. If you hire based on the cheapest rate, be on high alert! This can prove to be a false economy as cheap rates lead to less investment in service and machine quality, resulting in regular breakdowns and delays.
Read more on this subject in our blog on the cost of failed access platform hire explains.
Buying or contract hiring a machine is an option for people who regularly work at height in manufacturing or warehouse facilities over years. This can be very cost effective as some access machines can be a little as £26 per week.
Read more in our article about hiring or purchasing a MEWP.
To get an accurate quote for buying or renting access platforms, contact us by phone, email, or online via HireHub (hire only) in just 15 minutes.
Choosing The Right Powered Access Platform Provider
Working with a MEWP specialist, such as Horizon Platforms, will ensure you get fast, efficient delivery of your hired cherry picker or scissor lift without disruption or delay. We have access to an extensive fleet of equipment that gives you over 16,000 platforms to choose from, with our expert team on hand to advise which machine is most suitable for the job. We also offer same day delivery and an out of hours service to support those night owls!
Furthermore, we only offer quality powered access platforms from reputable manufacturers nationwide and take responsibility for MEWP maintenance. Regular services and inspections mean you have full peace of mind that your hired equipment is fully operational and compliant from the moment it arrives on site, allowing you to work safely and efficiently.
For more information about hiring an access platform, visit the Horizon Platforms blog or take a look at our FAQs.