MEWPs 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, 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. MEWPs are used for working at heights and completing jobs that would otherwise be extremely difficult or unsafe without an elevated platform.
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.
MEWPs are an excellent and much safer alternative to static equipment, such as steps and ladders, as they allow for fluid mobility and additional security with features such as guardrails. Powered access platforms can be complex pieces of equipment and it’s important that only sufficiently trained employees operate the equipment.
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:
What Is A 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.
Scissor lifts are extremely sturdy, can hold a large amount of weight and can reach heights of over 70ft.
To learn more about scissor lifts, read our blog, ‘What is a Scissor Lift’.
Scissor lifts are suitable for undertaking various jobs at heights, such as:
- Maintenance
- Inspection
- Fit Out
- Construction
- Installation
Scissor lifts utilise different power sources, so you can find one that perfectly suits your required application. These include diesel, electric battery-powered, and bi-fuel scissor lifts. When working indoors, a battery-powered MEWP will be more suitable, as it produces no emission fumes as a diesel machine would.
In order to receive a licence to operate these MEWPs, you will need to have training on how to use each different type. At Horizon Platforms, we offer IPAF training to teach you the required skills.
For more information, read our ultimate guide to choosing a scissor lift.
What Is A Cherry Picker?
Cherry pickers are a versatile MEWP suitable for 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.
The controls for the machine are located in the cherry picker’s bucket, allowing a trained professional to easily operate the machine.
Head to our handy blog, What is a Cherry Picker, for further insights.
The diverse ability of cherry pickers means that they’re perfect for:
- Building maintenance
- Installation work
- Construction work
- Filming and events
Cherry pickers’ flexibility allows them to reach various heights and difficult-to-reach spaces, both indoors and outdoors, depending on the machine’s capabilities.
Some types of cherry pickers Horizon Platforms provides include:
- Self drive
- Articulated
- Telescopic
- Rough terrain
- Vehicle-mounted boom lifts
Looking for more information? Read our ultimate guide on cherry pickers.
Cherry picker vs scissor lift
Typically, cherry pickers have a higher reach than scissor lifts, making them more suitable for work at greater heights.
The key difference 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.
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 has no joints in its boom and only extends vertically. The base remains stationary, whilst a second moveable section provides mobility.
What Is A Personnel Lift?
Personnel lifts are compact and agile. They consist 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. Typically, personnel or ‘man lifts’ are used for smaller applications as they likely can’t reach the same heights as other MEWPs.
The size of personnel lifts means that they are perfect for navigating narrow aisles and corridors in supermarkets or warehouses. It’s not always feasible to have larger equipment in restricted environments and personnel lifts provide the perfect solution.
Personnel lifts are suitable for a range of jobs, including maintenance and installation.
We have a variety of personnel lifts available for hire with platform capacities of up to 250kg. Our range includes MEWPs 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.
Wondering why you should choose a scissor lift? Read our blog on the benefits of scissor lifts.
Personnel lifts vs. push around platforms
Both smaller in size compared to cherry pickers and scissor lifts, 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.
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.
What Are Push Around Platforms?
This type of MEWP is the smallest of the variations mentioned above and isn’t driven by a power source. Instead, the MEWP 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 MEWPs. Due to them not needing power to be moved, they can also last much longer than other machines which require charging or refuelling.
Push around platforms are ideal for tasks such as:
- Maintenance
- Cleaning
- Decorating
- Electrical work
We have a range of brands of push-around platforms available, including Genie and Power Tower.
Can You Hire MEWPs?
Hiring MEWPs 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 MEWP for a shorter period of time.
Hiring a MEWP when you need it 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 from us which allows you to minimise upfront costs.
When deciding between buying or hiring, check out our guide on buying or hiring an access platform.
Control Measures To Help Limit Risks When Operating A MEWP
What is a MEWP operator?
A MEWP operator is a trained professional responsible for manoeuvring and operating MEWPs safely. 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?
At Horizon, we only supply the very best indoor access platforms, which are especially suited to applications inside. 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, for supermarket floors, and similar ground which needs to remain clean, using a MEWP with non-marking tyres or minimal tread 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, manage orders 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 MEWP 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.