The responsibility for a safe, comfortable and efficient building rests on a facility manager's shoulders. Some maintenance tasks, like roof repairs or tree trimming, need extra height. The facility manager is responsible for maintaining the highest level of safety while boosting efficiency — say hello to the all-electric lift and goodbye to dangerous ladders!
Tracked Lifts transform facilities management from fine to cloud nine. These electric platforms offer increased reach and versatility compared to old-school ladders, scaffolding or crawler booms. Tracked Lifts, the most versatile electric spider lift, have revolutionized facility management. They enable you to do the job faster, easier and with less downtime in the typically most inaccessible places.
Explore different lift types and which is best for your facility.
A Bird's Eye View of Aerial Work Platforms
Maintenance lifts come in various heights, load capacities and boom extensions to suit different job requirements. As providers of high-quality lifts, Tracked Lifts are experts on machine types and uses.
Scaffolding
Scaffolds are temporary elevated working platforms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to two main types:
- Supported scaffolds: These structures have one or more platforms connected by poles or legs. Most supported scaffolds are static. Mobile aerial and scissor lifts fall into the "other" supported scaffold category.
- Suspended scaffolds: Ropes or other overhead supports suspend these scaffolds from above. Common applications include window washing, facade maintenance and building inspections.
Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift's name comes from its scissor-like lifting mechanism. OSHA classifies these machines as mobile-supported scaffold work platforms rather than aerial lifts. The platform of a scissor lift moves up and down only. Scissor lifts are ideal for installing light fixtures, painting and window cleaning.
Boom Lifts
These lifts have a “boom” arm for vertical and horizontal reach. Operators stand on a platform at the end of the boom to access high locations. The two types of boom lifts are:
- Articulated: An articulating boom is like a human arm with joints that let it bend to reach around and over obstacles.
- Telescopic: These lifts have a straight arm for a longer reach and higher lifting. They suit hard-to-reach areas.
Applications of boom lifts include roofing, accessing high windows and washing building exteriors, where the extra-wide, wheeled base can access.
Spider Lifts
Spider lifts are compact articulating lifts, sometimes referred to as “cherry pickers,” which have a boom ending in a bucket. Contrary to their namesake, spider lifts have four legs instead of eight (and you won't scream if you see one). These legs, commonly called "outriggers" or “stabilizers,” hold the machines to the ground for extra stability. Spider lifts are multifunctional chameleons that adapt to many job types. Their varied uses include landscaping, window cleaning, tree work, painting and facade repair.
Here's how spider lifts stack up against the other platform types:
- Spider lifts vs. scaffolding: Scaffolding provides a larger work area for many workers. It takes more to set up and remains stationary once erected. Spider lifts have a lightning-quick setup, better mobility and exceptional maneuvering.
- Spider lifts vs. scissor lifts: A scissor lift's vertical lifting mechanism limits its range of movement. Spider lifts have vertical and horizontal reach, allowing them to access challenging areas.
- Spider lifts vs. boom lifts: Spider lifts have the edge over boom lifts for maneuverability and adaptability. These compact, lightweight machines can move in any direction and navigate obstacles.
Advantages of Using Spider Lifts for Maintenance
Why choose spider lifts over other lift types for your facility? Consider the following benefits.
Small but Mighty
Their compact design makes using spider lifts in confined spaces a breeze. Choose spider lifts for indoor facility maintenance, especially in environments with limited access. For extra-narrow spaces, ask us about our Platform Basket (PB) tracked spider lifts that can travel through spaces with a 36-inch-wide opening, like gates and standard doorways.
Safe and Stable
Spider lifts keep your operators safe with advanced safety features. Some of these features include:
- Armored areas: Spider Lifts by Platform Basket were designed and engineered for the demanding work of arborists and tree trimmers. This means that all key components are protected from accidental impact, where falling debris would normally cause damage to other types of lifts.
- Stabilizers: The four outriggers distribute weight to stabilize the working platform, even when deployed on uneven terrain. These stabilizers reduce the risk of tipping over and allow for further outreach, giving you and your team the safety and confidence to work at height!
- Auto-leveling: Self-leveling technology balances the lift. The machine maintains a stable position on slopes or uneven terrain.
Multifunctionality
Facility management involves diverse tasks. In a single day, you might need to wash windows, change light bulbs or repair HVAC systems. Spider lifts can handle these jobs and more. Tracked Lifts' range of electric or hybrid spider lifts adjusts to working heights between 44 and 177 feet for extra reach when needed.
Spider lifts suit indoor or outdoor maintenance applications. Rubber non-marking tracks give extra grip on rough terrain, while the lightweight design is gentle on surfaces.
Efficiency and Productivity
Spider lifts come to the rescue with quick access to hard-to-reach spots. Here's how they boost efficiency and productivity:
- Quick access: These lifts provide instant access to elevated areas with next-to-no setup time.
- Agility: Watch your lift glide through narrow spaces with ease. This enhanced mobility lets you complete more tasks in less time.
- Adaptability: Spider lifts are the workhorses of facility management. Use them for maintenance, installation, inspections or hanging signage.
- Fewer accidents: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 22,710 ladder-related injuries in 2020. Say goodbye to rickety ladders and hello to improved worker safety.
- Streamlined workflows: Greater efficiency leads to faster project completion and improved operations.
Choosing the Perfect Aerial Lift for Your Facility
Are you ready to harness the power of Tracked Lifts for your facility? Follow these tips to find your perfect match.
1. Understand Your Needs
A little homework can help you choose the right lift. First, list the tasks you expect the machine to perform. Then, estimate the maximum height and weight requirements. Finally, consider any working condition restrictions like challenging terrain, narrow doorways, or interior operation with zero emissions. At Tracked Lifts, our experts can recommend the ideal product for your needs.
2. Put Safety First
Choose a lift with technology such as auto-leveling or emergency shutdown. Our Platform Basket (PB) and OMMELIFT products have advanced features that keep your operators safe.
3. Check Dimensions
Discuss the lift's dimensions with our team, including width and height. Compare these measurements to ensure it can fit through doorways and navigate tight spaces as needed.
4. Assess Maintenance
Tracked Lifts stands behind our products for their durability, reliability and high-quality construction. We partner with reputable providers nationwide that service our aerial lifts. Bring your machine to our York, PA headquarters, visit one of our authorized service partner locations, or choose the convenience of on-site field service.
5. Be Budget-Savvy
The long-term efficiency and productivity savings can offset your initial investment. Imagine all the jobs you can accomplish, like roof maintenance and tree pruning, that can save money on costly repairs or outsourcing.
Elevate Facility Management With Spider Lifts From Tracked Lifts
An aerial working platform takes facility management to the next level. Discover how an electric or hybrid-powered spider lift simplifies maintenance tasks, saving time and boosting productivity. Tracked Lifts is a trusted supplier of high-quality multi-terrain lifts. Our products prioritize safety, reliability and versatility, allowing easy access to elevated areas. We are the exclusive U.S. importers and suppliers of Platform Basket and OMMELIFT.
Raise your operational efficiency to new heights! Contact us today to speak to one of our experts about your needs.
