Buying an EWP (elevated work platform) for your Australian business is a big decision. You must do your research to land on the perfect machine for your operations. Getting it right means enhanced productivity and a safer, more efficient team. Get it wrong and you’re stuck with an expensive piece of equipment that doesn’t quite fulfil the task you need it for.
As a Brisbane based EWP provider, Altequip has helped countless Aussie businesses and tradies find the perfect EWP for their worksite. We’re always here to answer questions and guide you to the right machine for your business, and below we’ve put together the important things to think about before committing to a machine.
1. The Type of Work You’re Doing
Nobody knows the job at hand better than you do. Where does your elevated work platform fit into what you are doing? Is it for painting, signage, building maintenance, tree lopping, warehouse stock picking, or general construction?
Different jobs place different demands on your EWP. If you’re doing outdoor work on rough terrain, you’re going to need to prioritise stability. In this case a truck-mounted EWP with its extendable boom lift might be the way to go.
If you’re working at great height, plus 50 metres, and require a big load capacity for multiple team members and tools, a machine like the Socage ForSte 54 TJJ would be a good fit. It has a working height of 54.3 metres and a basket load capacity of 600 kilograms.
If you’re working indoors, such as in a warehouse or an internal paint job, a simple scissor lift might be sufficient. If you need a mobile solution that can reach out over obstacles, one of the range of Raptor Spiders from Socage is a solution worth looking at.
2. The Height You Need to Reach
We touched on this above, but it’s so important it gets its own section! The height you’re working at is one of the most important considerations when choosing an elevated work platform. Many buyers end up underestimating how high they need to go.
It can be tricky landing on a maximum height you’ll work at, because of course all jobs are different. You’ll have a general idea of the height the majority of your jobs take place at, so make sure that is within the reach of your EWP.
Another question to ask is how much room for horizontal movement, or outreach, you need. Boom lifts generally offer greater height and horizontal reach and are popular in a variety of industries for this. They may be overkill for jobs that just require vertical lift, such as working on a high-ceilinged interior. A scissor lift may suffice there.
It’s worth building in a little margin for error too when deciding on an EWP. If you’re unsure, you can always contact the EWP experts at Altequip for guidance when buying an EWP.
3. The Portability You Require
Will your EWP be regularly on the move from site to site? How much on-site manoeuvring will be required? The level of portability of your EWP is key to a seamless experience of working at height.
If you’re working in a tight or indoor environment, you need to consider the turning radius and overall width of the working space.
How often will you be moving your EWP, and how easy does it need to be to transport or manoeuvre on-site? The ease of navigation through doorways or between obstacles needs to be considered, as do weight restrictions on flooring or the platform.
If you’re looking for portability, the Socage ForSte 14A is very popular on work sites. It’s mounted on a 4×4 ute. This makes it easy to transport between sites and around larger sites, meeting the daily work routine needs of many businesses.
4. The Weight Capacity You’ll Need
Overloading your EWP goes against all manufacturer recommendations, never mind breaking the law. For safety purposes, it’s essential you don’t exceed the weight capacity of your basket. Ask yourself how many people will be using the platform and whether they will be carrying tools or equipment with them.
Most EWPs clearly state the maximum capacity of the basket in kilograms. For example, on the ForSte 37 DJ Speed its 300 kilograms. On the Raptor 21S from Socage, its 230 kilograms.
Exceeding the weight is dangerous for the person on the platform and for the integrity of the equipment. We advise opting for a higher capacity than you think you’ll need, so as to not find yourself in a situation where you don’t ahve the machinery to complete a job.
5. The Terrain You’ll Be Operating On
Terrain matters more than many people realise. Where will your EWP be used on smooth warehouse floors or uneven outdoor ground? Indoor working at heights normally means easier surfaces to handle, conducive to machinery like scissor lifts or a Raptor 18S that has a battery-powered, emission-free running option.
If you’re operating outdoors on uneven or sloped ground, stabilisation becomes a priority. You want to go for a truck-mounted EWP, or a boom lift with stabilisers that stop it tipping over. High ground clearance to travel over rough terrain could also be required.
You want an EWP that can cope with the challenges the surface of your worksite presents, so definitely factor this into the decision-making process when choosing a machine.
Buying an EWP? Get in Touch with Altequip
If you choose the right Elevated Work Platform, it’s going to support you in the role required of it for years to come. If you get it wrong though when buying an EWP, things could get very frustrating. You’ll end up with an EWP that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
At Altequip, we’ve been operating and maintaining elevated work platforms for decades. We know these machines inside out, and we’re here to share our knowledge with you and guide you to the perfect EWP. We’re the official Australian suppliers for Socage, the world-leading Italian EWP manufacturer.
Whatever you need your elevated work platform for, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. Then our maintenance department will keep it in exquisite condition for you! Get in touch today and let’s make sure the next step on your EWP journey is a good one.
