8 Different Types of Construction Lifts For Construction

In this article, we will discuss about ” types of construction lifts and their uses”. With the advancement of the era, people always prefer modern construction projects. For the construction of such projects, you need to work at height. The height of the building varies in the construction of the project. To deal with different heights, quality lifting gear is the best option to choose. And, there are a lot of options for construction lifts for you!   

The majority of lifting machines elevate or lowers objects, persons, and other machinery. In this article, you can find all information about constructing machines. It will help you out while choosing tools for a project. So, let’s go over the key categories you may find on most modern construction sites.

Also Read: 21 Types of Construction Equipment

What is a construction lift machine?

A construction lift is a type of motorized forklift that helps to reach high heights for tasks. It is also known as an aerial lift, aerial work platform (AWP), or man lift.

A construction lift machine has the following main parts:

• A motorized vehicle with sturdy tires
• A work platform that can be raised and lowered as needed for the worker.

Aerial lifts come in a variety of designs. Each variety is suitable for various building tasks. The type of construction lift determines the factors that are discussed below:

• Forklift’s height
• Weight capacity
• Platform size
• The direction of travel
• And other characteristics.

As construction lifts always vary in their ability to move. For example, lifts can move side to side as well as up and down. A few lifts can only accommodate one employee at once. Some support employees and their toolkits. Also, some lifts can lift many workers and their toolkits at once.

Applications and Tasks of Construction Lifts

During construction at heights, workers always go for construction lifts. These machines give efficient and safe access to elevated heights.

They can use these machines at any place. Construction workers can be raised while standing on the lift’s platform. The workers are raised according to the precise elevation they need. The machines may be electric or gas-powered.

Following are the tasks and uses of lift machines to be considered:

1. Roofing and soffit work
2. Construction site jobs 
3. Painting 
4. The exterior building or window cleaning
5. City maintenance 
6. Electrical and piping repairs or installation 
7. Tree trimming and landscaping 
8. Warehousing 
9. Erecting scaffolding

These construction machines can be used indoors as well. Remember that there are various construction lifts available. Each variety is connected with a specific purpose.

Also Read: Different Types of Forklift Trucks

Different types of lift equipment in Construction

Modern construction lifts come in a wide variety. Each variety is designed to tackle a certain job type. The selection of the right lift for a specific job is critical to choose. But the below-discussed types will guide you! So, here are the different types of lift machines:

1. Articulating Boom Lift

A boom lift is attached with an articulating arm. It is commonly referred to as a knuckle lift. It can reach great heights. The work platform of this lift has a flexible and bendable arm.

At the machine’s base, there is a turntable. It may use to turn the arm in different directions. It can get past barriers and access challenging spaces.

Best for:  Reach of high elevations in narrow or hard-to-reach areas.

Maximum lift height: 130 ft.

Maximum width: 3-8 ft.

Power source: Electric or gas

2. Telescopic Boom Lift

This type of lift is another variety of boom construction lifts. The boom lifters have arms that can be extended very far. The telescopic boom arm does not bend. Its arm can stretch diagonally. This feature enables a worker to reach very high elevations. 

These lifts are the most capable construction lifts in terms of height. It has an attached platform on the arm of the lift. So, it can accommodate one worker at a time.

Best for: Accessible to maximum heights and widths of the project

Maximum lift height: 180 ft.

Maximum width: 8+ feet

Power source: Gas or hybrid

3. Cherry Picker

Cherry pickers aren’t frequently used in construction. They bring in construction in a very rare situation. These machines can also be used as a more general aerial lift.

It can be used to climb trees, power lines, and orchard trees. A worker can be placed on its platform to do the following work:

1. Remodelling
2. Renovating
3. Or installing racks, systems, and lights.

4. Electric Scissor Lift

Electric scissor lifts have a large platform supported by a cross-brace. These lifts don’t have the support of arms. It can go straight up and down. 

That’s why; you can position yourself immediately on the platform. The large platform is a crucial component for teams. It must access one workplace.

Uses:

1.  Exterior building repairs
2.  Cladding installation
3.  Window installation
4.  Window washing.

Height: 41- to 50-foot electric

Most popular model:  SJIII 3219

Power source: Electric.

5. Rough Terrain Scissor Lift

RT Scissor lifts are designed for rough terrain. These lifts are capable of working well on a variety of surfaces. These surfaces are including rocky and gravelly ones. They are strong machines for outdoor operations. 

Heavy-duty tires and four-wheel drive is its best feature. Rough terrain scissor lifts have a maximum height of about 60 feet. These lifts can move vertically (up and down). It has a lower height in wider work platforms and a higher weight capacity.

Best for:  strong enough to deal with Outdoor and rough landscape

Maximum lift height: 60 ft.

Maximum weight: 2,500 lbs.

Power source: Gas

6. Telescopic Forklift

Telehandler is the second name used for telescopic forklifts. They have an extensible boom with a lifting attachment. These machines allow you to use forks at greater heights. It is possible by combining the advantages of a standard forklift and a telescopic boom lift. 

This forklift’s increased capacity in the upward and forward directions. This feature makes it a useful option for building projects. It can call for moving objects in challenging situations.

Top-tier manufacturers of telescopic forklift: JCB, Genie, Bobcat, Haulotte, and Caterpillar.

Best for: Larger capacity jobs are well suited for such machines.

Maximum Lift height: up to 55 feet.

Power source: Electric or hybrid.

7. Rough Terrain Forklift

Rough terrain forklifts are used for building supplies and other objects. Despite the difficult terrain, they can efficiently transport objects. They can move objects from one workplace to another over great distances.

These forklifts are capable of powerlifting and have exceptional balance. They can typically lift objects to 21 feet. They can carry loads up to 8,000 pounds. The forks can be adjusted so that they can be placed closer together or farther apart as needed. So, you can get support for objects of any size.

Best for: transportation of objects over difficult terrain

Maximum Height lift: up to 21 feet

Power source: electric.

8. Heavy Duty Forklift

Heavy-duty forklifts can move objects in a vertical direction. Upward lifting is its common feature. These lifts can support up to 36,000 pounds. They used sturdy pneumatic tires for uplifting objects. 

They are often made for indoor use in industrial projects or warehouses. There are around 20 well-known forklift manufacturers because of their numerous uses. Mitsubishi and NACCO Industries are well-known brands.

Best for: Heavy-duty forklifts transfer objects in the vertical direction

Maximum Weight capability: Up to 30,000- 36,000 pounds of weight

Power source: Electric or hybrid.

Also Read: Different Types of Cranes Used in Construction

How to Choose the Right Construction Lift?

Choosing the right construction lift is a difficult task for a construction project. It can be challenging to select the type of construction lift according to your needs. There are many factors that you should consider before your purchase. The important factors are mentioned below:

• Size Restrictions: Different lifts are suitable for different types of small places. For instance, a tall building with a small doorway will need an aerial lift. If a large space is available, you can go for other lifts.
• Weight Capabilities: weight limit is an important point to consider. You should think about the number of personnel and equipment’s features. So, it prevents you to overload the machine.
• Movement Type: There are possibilities of both single-mast or multiple-mast aerial lifts. Machines with a single mast can only move vertically. Multiple- masts can move both vertically and horizontally. So, choose it according to your project.
• Power Source Compatibility: Different power sources are favorable for construction lifts. Due to its availability and torque, diesel is a preferred option. Electric motors are quieter and emit no emissions. They are good for indoor use. Dual fuel motors are another option if you want extra versatility.
• Worksite Conditions:  The kind of lift you’ll need will depend on the condition of the terrain. Tires are essential for any vehicle. There are many options available for tires including:
  • Foam-Filled
  • Non-Marking
  • Solid Rubber
  • Normal Pneumatic
  • Flotation.

So, always choose your vehicle’s tires according to your location on the site.

Conclusion 

In short, every construction projects need lifting machines to move and carry weight. There are many different types of lifting equipment. The success or failure of building projects is determined by the choice of the right equipment. 

If you use the correct tools, you might complete tasks more successfully. So, you should select lifting tools for a future project with the help of this article.

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Construction Equipment