MEWPs, ‘Mobile Elevating Work Platforms’, are versatile machines and are suitable for a range of applications that require working at height. Within the category of MEWPs, there are various different types, variations and brands, each with unique capabilities.
In this piece, we’ll explain everything you need to know about MEWPs. For further insights around acquiring a machine for your next project, check out our Guide to Hiring Access Platforms.
What is a MEWP?
MEWP stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform and encompasses a range of different types of machines. They’re used for working at heights and completing jobs that would otherwise be extremely difficult or unsafe without an elevated platform.
MEWPs are an excellent and much safer alternative to static equipment (though they can be complex, so it’s important that only sufficiently trained employees operate the equipment), such as steps and ladders, as they allow for fluid mobility and additional security with features such as guardrails.
Powered access platforms are available with different outreach lengths, platform widths and working heights. There are plenty of choices when searching for the perfect MEWP, but it’s important to know what types are available and their benefits.
What Are The Different Types Of MEWPs?
There are various types of MEWPs, each suitable for various projects and unique in its operation. No two MEWPs are the same, and each will offer its own myriad of benefits.
Knowing how each machine works and the advantages of specific types will allow you to make a well-informed decision when choosing your powered access platform.
Below is a list of the different types of access platforms to rent from Horizon Platforms can provide:
Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts are easily recognisable due to their distinct raising mechanism, which resembles the way that a pair of scissors would work. This design allows for the platform at the top of the mechanism to be raised directly up or down.
They’re extremely sturdy, can hold a large amount of weight, and can reach heights of over 20m (65ft), with suitable undertakings including maintenance, inspection, fit out, construction, and installation.
To learn more about scissor lifts, read our blog: ’What is a Scissor Lift’ and the ultimate guide to choosing a scissor lift.
Cherry Picker
Cherry pickers are a versatile MEWP, suitable for indoor or outdoor work requiring an elevated platform that can be easily manoeuvred.
They are also known as ‘boom lifts’ and feature an extendable boom that raises and lowers the platform. This boom is often mounted on a base that can swivel, allowing for the raised platform to manoeuvre within a 360° radius – with common uses of cherry pickers including building maintenance, installation work, construction, and filming/
Head to our handy blog, ‘What is a Cherry Picker’, for further insights.
What is the difference between an articulating boom lift and a telescopic boom lift?
An articulating boom lift features multiple joints in the boom, allowing the platform to be raised at an angle and reach over obstacles. A telescopic boom lift, meanwhile, has no joints in its boom and only extends vertically. The base remains stationary, whilst a second moveable section provides mobility.
Cherry picker vs scissor lift
The key difference between these two types of mobile elevating work platform is that scissor lifts are a simpler machine, allowing for direct up and down movement. Cherry pickers, however, can offer more diverse movement and are suitable for more dynamic environments. Typically, cherry pickers also have a higher reach than scissor lifts, making them more suitable for work at greater heights.
Personnel Lift
Personnel lifts, or ‘man lifts’ are a compact and agile MEWP, consisting of a platform attached to a raising and lowering mechanism. The mechanism extends vertically, raising the platform directly upwards and allowing the user on the platform to reach large heights. Because of their size, personnel lifts can be used in restricted environments, and are perfect for navigating narrow aisles and corridors in supermarkets or warehouses.
We have a variety of personnel lifts available for hire, with platform capacities of up to 250kg. Our range includes access platforms from leading brands such as Genie and JLG.
Personnel lifts vs scissor lifts
Although similar in their vertical movement, personnel lifts are more compact than scissor lifts, making them more suitable for use in more restricted areas. The lifting mechanism is also different, with personnel lifts featuring a boom which lifts the platform, whilst scissor lifts use a ‘scissor-like’ mechanism.
Personnel lifts vs. cherry pickers
Personnel lifts offer much simpler manoeuvrability compared with cherry pickers. They only move vertically, whereas cherry pickers can move in different directions and navigate obstacles more freely.
Push Around Platforms
This type of MEWP is the smallest of the four variations and isn’t driven by a power source. Instead, the mobile elevating work platform is pushed by a trained professional and only utilises a power source when the platform is being raised or lowered.
Push around platforms are ideal for environments that do not allow fuel or electric machinery, with common tasks including maintenance, cleaning, decorating, and electrical work. Due to them not needing power to be moved, they can also last much longer than other machines which require charging or refuelling.
We have a range of brands of push-around platforms available, including Youngman, Genie and Power Tower.
Personnel lifts vs. push around platforms
While both MEWPs are smaller in size, personnel lifts are typically electric or battery-powered, whereas push around platforms need to be manually moved. Push around platforms are perfect for smaller environments that are even too restricted for personnel lifts.
Can You Hire MEWPs?
Hiring an access platform is one of the most effective ways to utilise the machines. At Horizon Platforms, we provide a range of MEWPs for hire that can be delivered onsite when you need them and collected at a specific time.
Hiring a MEWP can be extremely beneficial for those who require an access platform but don’t have the space or capacity to store it onsite, or who only require the equipment for a shorter period of time.
Hiring a MEWP also allows you to choose from a wide selection of machines to get the specific type you require. For more insights on the advantages of using MEWPs, see our blog on the benefits of hiring powered access platforms.
Can You Buy MEWPs?
If you’re looking for a MEWP to keep on-site permanently, buying is a great alternative to hiring. At Horizon Platforms, we offer both new and used MEWPs for sale via PlatformSupermarket.com.
You can choose from a range of purchasing and finance options and you can choose a aftercare package too. You can also part-exchange your old MEWP when you buy a new machine, which allows you to minimise upfront costs.
Control Measures To Help Limit Risks When Operating A MEWP
Mobile elevated work platforms can make accessing and working at heights much easier, but it’s important to take the correct precautionary measures to avoid accidents.
What is a MEWP operator?
A MEWP operator is a trained professional responsible for safely manoeuvring and operating the platform. They must undergo specific training, such as IPAF, to ensure they can operate the equipment safely and efficiently.
What training do I need to operate a MEWP?
IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training will teach you important health and safety processes, best-practice and other lessons crucial to MEWP operation. This training is essential as it’s a legal requirement to be adequately trained to operate a MEWP.
To learn more about the training required to operate a MEWP, you can learn more in our access platforms training guide.
Do I need an access platform rescue plan?
One of the most important lessons you’ll learn in MEWP training is what a rescue plan is and how to create one. Devising a MEWP rescue plan before beginning any work is crucial to ensure you’re properly prepared for possible emergency situations.
Learn more about access platform rescue plans in our blog.
What Environments Can MEWPs Be Used In?
MEWPs can be used on a range of different terrains, but it’s important to make sure that you choose one which is suitable for the environment. For example, in a supermarket, an electrical contractor using a MEWP with non-marking tyres will be more suitable. This prevents them from marking the floor and leaving unsightly and potentially unhygienic tracks.
Our MEWPs are used across a wide variety of industries, including construction, warehousing, facilities management, racking and more. It’s likely that the terrain will differ depending on the industry and may require an assessment before the MEWP is chosen.
What Is Horizon Platforms’ Hirehub?
HireHub is a platform that allows you to get quotes, hire MEWPs, extend contracts, off-hire and more, all in one place. You can access HireHub at any time to review your information, and see updates and change order details.
Visit HireHub to hire your access platform today or explore our MEWPs for sale to get the machine you need.
Looking for more information on HireHub? Read our guide on everything you need to know about HireHub.