Mobile equipment working platforms (MEWPs) already have productivity gains compared to ladders and scaffolding, however, there are even greater productivity gains when it comes to MEWP type, machine features, and how you accessorize the machine.
It can be difficult to keep up with innovations within the MEWP category. There are scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts, articulated boom lifts, all with different advantages. Scissor lifts allow for straight-up access and offer the lowest maximum height of the three kinds. Telescopic booms extend straight out and up and articulated booms unfold in multiple sections, which allows for numerous extension configurations and easier maneuverability around obstacles.
Choose the right lift
Top aerial lift manufacturers like Genie now offer several different ranges to meet the diverse lifting needs of various applications.
- The Genie J Range. These jibbed boom models provide operators with access at the top of the envelope and are ideal for nearly all work-at-height applications, such as general construction, maintenance, inspection, and painting tasks.
- The Genie Xtra Capacity (XC) Range. Made for heavy construction, this range features both telescopic and articulated models that provide an unrestricted platform capacity of 660 pounds and a restricted capacity of 1,000 pounds and are ideal for heavy trades work, such as commercial construction, structural, electrical, and plumbing.
- Genie FE Range of hybrid articulating booms. Made for working both inside and outside, and due to their two modes of operation—hybrid and all-electric—these models offer zero-emissions operation for use indoors and in other emissions-restricted environments and zero-noise operation for use in urban or nighttime environments.
“Efficiency is key to driving rROIC for rental companies, as well as productivity for end-users. And, globally there is an increasing importance for MEWP manufacturers like Genie to offer the right mix of specialized equipment, like boom lifts, to meet the needs of rental customers who require the right MEWPs to perform specific tasks,” says Sean Larin, Senior Product Manager for Genie Lifts. “Keeping all these things in mind, with these three distinct offerings, there is now a right-sized Genie boom lift option to meet every jobsite need.”
Increase productivity with the right accessories
Once you’ve selected the right machine for the job, you’re able to customize it, so it will better serve you in the applications in which you’re working.
For example, the Genie Lift Power system for boom lifts includes a new generation of hydraulically driven generators of various power levels. The modernized system results in fewer interruptions when using generator-to-power tools, increasing productivity. An optional three-phase, 240V (60 Hz) 12 kW generator is configured to run North American heavy-duty weld machines.
Access Decks
Available on boom lifts, these provide operators with an approved, elevated, secondary surface from which to work. Genie’s elevated platform provides greater access to restricted areas, an extra 22 inches of work height, and 300 pounds of capacity.
Panel Cradle
A panel cradle aids in lifting panels of material, such as drywall, glass, and lumber. The panel cradle sits outside of the platform and includes two foam cushions to prevent damage when placing material in the cradle and a strap to contain the material.
Pipe Cradle
A pipe cradle allows users to rest the pipe on the cradle instead of balancing it on the rail and it transfers the load of the pipe onto the platform deck instead of onto the rails and the person holding the pipe.
Scissor lifts also come with accessories that can enhance productivity.
For example, the reach can be improved through the use of either an access deck or an outreach option. An access deck provides operators with a secondary, elevated work surface. Genie’s access deck provides 225 pounds of capacity and a collapsible guardrail for uninhibited maneuverability. Genie’s outreach option (available only on the Genie IWP-20S) provides two feet of horizontal reach, which makes it well-suited for maneuvering up and over obstacles.
Also, a material carrier is suitable for many types of material, such as lumber, pipe, HVAC materials, siding, and shingles.
Ease of operation drives productivity
The less time you spend fiddling with controls, positioning a machine, and making adjustments to a machine or performing maintenance to a machine, the more productive you can be.
MEWPs can be set up in seconds, which is significantly faster than scaffolding; it’s still a little slower than a ladder, but ladders require two people whereas MEWPs require only one person and you can drive at height with many MEWPs, which increases productivity.
Proportional lift and drive controls provide a smooth ride. And performance features, such as a zero-degree inside turning radius and 30 percent gradeability, drive productivity. And a self-leveling platform rotates 90 degrees to either side for greater access and productivity.
Platform controls on Genie models are equipped with onboard diagnostics for quick diagnostic work. The company’s Tech Pro Link allows users to monitor a machine’s gauges, including engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel levels, and battery voltage, as well as calibrate the machine, make speed adjustments during the pre-operation inspection, get service alerts and reminders, track maintenance intervals, receive fault code information, and more.
Also, modern electric battery systems used in MEWPs have fewer components than diesel engines and are easier and less costly to maintain while offering the power and longevity to complete jobs.
Finally, telematics simplifies machine and fleet management with fault code alerts, maintenance reminders, GPS-enabled machine tracking,
“Genie Lift Connect telematics solutions provide fleet managers with actionable information to help increase rental return on invested capital (rROIC),” says Carly Renoudet, Genie Operations Manager, Telematics. “Using telematics as the hub for fleet management can do a lot for rental companies and their customers. Ensuring that all preventative maintenance is performed according to schedule is no longer a tedious process and fleet managers can use telemetry data to understand fuel level and battery health to prevent machine downtime in the field. When a customer has an issue with a machine, rental staff can read any fault codes, real-time from their computer, while on the phone with the customer.”
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