More About Aerial Work Platforms
United Rentals' aerial rentals are sourced from top-tier mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) manufacturers like Genie, Skyjack and JLG. These lift rentals are excellent for construction, tree trimming, elevated painting applications and more. Our gas and diesel aerial work platform rental options are built to navigate difficult outdoor worksite terrain, while our electric aerial lifts easily maneuver through indoor environments with clean, fume-free operation. United Rentals’ selection of lifts can be rented when you need them, where you need them.
Whether you’re a service professional doing indoor repairs and maintenance at 30 feet or a contractor completing a new construction fabrication at 185 feet, we have the aerial lifts for rent to fit your project needs. Scissor lifts, boom lifts and vertical mast lifts are three common types of aerial lifts, each with distinct features that make them suited for certain applications. Before renting an aerial lift, consider how many workers you need to lift and where they need to go, as well as how much space you have available and the terrain you’ll be traversing. Learn more about types of aerial lifts in our Project Uptime article. For more information on our lineup of aerial equipment for rent, visit our FAQ section below.
Platform height is the total height the base of the equipment cage reaches at its highest point, fully extended. Working height is the assumed height of an operator added to the platform height. Typically, the height of the operator is estimated at 6 feet.
United Rentals offers lift equipment rentals from top-tier manufacturers in the industry, such as Genie boom lifts, Skyjack vertical lifts and JLG boom lifts.
Yes, OSHA requires that any lift operator have a lift certification to legally operate scissor lifts, boom lifts and other aerial work platforms. United Rentals offers equipment operator training for those not yet certified. For more information on the design, safe use and training requirements for mobile elevating work platforms, read our Project Uptime article, ANSI A92: Your Guide to the New Aerial Lift Standards.
Aerial Work Platforms Glossary – Terms, Parts, Tips
An aerial work platform anchor point provides a secure point of attachment for an aerial lift, ensuring the safe connection of a lanyard, lifeline or deceleration device. These devices are used to secure the operator. Browse our aerial attachments for additional safety gear or other attachments.
An aerial work platform is a mechanical piece of equipment that allows operators temporary access to inaccessible areas at elevated heights. Platforms are moveable and elevate workers to reach building exteriors, windows, power lines and more. In addition to vertical reach, lift platforms can move operators up and over structures, providing more versatility and efficiency for completing tasks. Aerial work platforms are also commonly referred to as cherry pickers, boom lifts, aerial devices, work platforms, access platforms, lift platforms or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP).
When an elevated work platform is fully extended, a reliable braking system is critical for both operator and jobsite safety. Aerial work platforms have multiple brake types including dynamic and parking. A dynamic brake is an integrated system that can slow and stop the platform while in motion. Parking brakes are essential to keep the machine still when parked. An automatic brake control system automatically engages brakes when an operator switches the travel switch off for additional safety and peace of mind.
A fall arrest system is a system that helps to prevent falls from heights and lower the risk of aerial work platform-associated injuries and accidents. This safety system includes a full-body harness, an anchor point and a connecting device. To evenly distribute the force of a fall, a harness uses straps connected to the thighs, shoulders and pelvis to decrease the likelihood of serious injury to a worker. Harnesses also have connections for attaching lanyards, deceleration devices or lifelines for additional operator safety.
Maximum load capacity is the total amount of weight an aerial working platform can hold while remaining safe for operator and jobsite use. The maximum load capacity should always account for the weight of the lift operator and any additional equipment or tools onboard during operation. When the lift exceeds the maximum capacity, it is susceptible to tipping over and can cause unnecessary injury to operators or surrounding workers.
An outrigger is a piece of equipment used on aerial work platforms, like scissor and boom lifts, to help prevent tip-overs and instability. Commonly used on rough terrain or uneven ground, outriggers connect to the base of an aerial work platform, creating a wider footprint on the ground while lifting and leveling the machine.