Safety

Spider Lifts vs. Traditional Boom Lifts: Which Is Right for You?

November 30, 2023

An aerial lift is a must-have machine for any task involving elevated, difficult-to-reach areas. It helps workforces complete jobs safely and efficiently. Many industries rely on this type of equipment, including:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Warehousing
• Media and advertising
• Power and electricity
• Mining
• Oil and gas
• Landscaping

Aerial lifts come in numerous configurations, suiting them to different tasks and functions. Therefore, you have a few options to choose from if you’re in the market for an aerial lift. This guide will dive into spider aerial lifts and traditional boom lifts. We’ll explore the benefits, disadvantages and standard uses of each type, helping you make the most informed decision between the two.

What Are Spider Lifts?

Also called “compact tracked lifts,” spider lifts are lightweight, track-operated aerial lifts. They are designed for maneuvering high elevations and hard-to-reach spots, like narrow alleyways and uneven ground.

You can also work on steep inclines within the manufacturer’s gradeability limit. Remember — you should never attempt to raise or extend the boom while on sloped terrain. Only do so on firm, level ground.

A spider lift resembles a traditional boom lift but has a smaller base with four legs or outriggers that hold it firmly to the ground, giving it additional stability. Conversely, regular boom lifts typically have wheels.

Spider lifts can serve both indoor and outdoor applications, seamlessly reaching areas with overhead obstructions and accessibility challenges. Their outreach can exceed their height, letting them work around buildings, trees and other obstacles. Because they help work crews reach areas unobtainable by other machinery, spider lifts are ideal for the following tasks:

• Cleaning windows and gutters
• Painting buildings
• Installing and maintaining roofs
• Trimming and pruning trees
• Installing and maintaining cables, pipes or ducts
• Setting up lighting towers and temporary stages for outdoor events and concerts
• Reaching high-hanging lights and signs in stadiums, auditoriums, gymnasiums and other tall interiors

There are three types of spider lifts:

• Standard: Standard spider lifts run on fuel.
• Electric: Electric spider lifts operate using electrically charged batteries, allowing them to work indoors without pollution concerns.
• Hybrid: Hybrid spider lifts use a mix of electricity and fuel.

These lifts also vary depending on their uses and capabilities, like what heights they can reach. Whether construction projects, landscaping tasks or aerial advertising, spider lifts are a staple for nearly any job that requires aerial work.

What Are Traditional Boom Lifts?

A boom lift — also called a “man lift,” “telehandler,” “cherry picker,” or “basket crane,” among other things — is an aerial lift that can reach elevated heights. It has an attached work platform and hydraulic arm that moves the platform up and down.

There are two main types of boom lifts:

1. Articulating Boom Lifts

An articulating boom lift has an arm with pivot joints or knuckles, letting it bend in multiple directions. That’s why they’re often called “knuckle lifts.” The arm’s base is mounted to a turntable, enabling it to make a full circular rotation.

These features give the articulating boom lift more flexibility than its telescopic counterpart. It can reach tighter and more challenging areas, bending around beams and corners with ease. It can also accommodate both indoor and outdoor workspaces.

Due to its narrow and lightweight nature, articulating boom lifts can assist workers with the following tasks:

• Repairing power lines and streetlights
• Washing windows on a high building
• Cleaning gutters
• Performing electrical and piping repairs
• Painting walls and ceilings
• Hanging signs and lights
• Cutting, trimming and picking fruit from trees — hence why it’s often called a “cherry picker”
• Lifting shingles onto roofs

Articulating boom lifts and spider lifts are quite similar in their construction. You can see that they have many of the same uses. The main difference is that standard articulating boom lifts use wheels, while spider lifts have tracks and outriggers. Articulating boom lifts can also reach greater heights.

2. Telescopic Boom Lifts

A telescopic boom lift has an extendable arm, allowing it to reach various heights. Unlike its articulated cousin, however, it has a straight, nonarticulated mast attached to a rotating turntable. This mast can only extend in a straight line and swing into position rather than bending in different directions. For this reason, telescopic boom lifts are also referred to as “straight-mast lifts.”

This type of lift has an exceptionally long reach. It usually has a small bucket that holds one or two people at once, suiting it to specialized tasks by a single worker, such as:

• Trimming trees
• Performing electrical repairs
• Painting
• Inspecting buildings

You can find diesel-powered models with inflated tires for rough outdoor terrains and electric models with solid tires for indoor applications. Telescopic boom lifts are great for reaching multi-story buildings in large open spaces.

However, they’re often less ideal for worksites with limited space. Still, most telescopic boom lifts can reach greater heights than articulating boom lifts.

The Benefits of Spider Lifts

Spider lifts have many advantages that make them a go-to for work crews. Below are the different benefits spider lifts can bring to your job site.

1. Small and Lightweight Design

Spider lifts are compact and light, allowing them to fit through standard doorways, navigate tight spaces, climb steep slopes and maintain stability on irregular surfaces. You can work in various terrains and job sites, maneuvering to stable, comfortable and convenient positions to perform aerial tasks.

You can tow most spider lifts behind pickup trucks due to their lightweight nature, simplifying transportation immensely. Their compact design also makes them easy to store when not in use.

2. Efficiency

Spider lifts have numerous qualities that can help increase productivity and efficiency on your worksite:

• Compact and lightweight construction
• Seamless maneuverability and accessibility
• Ability to navigate different spaces, job sites and surfaces
• Low ground pressure
• Variable-width outriggers and rubber tracks for stability

You can experience more uptime and greater customer satisfaction due to the ability to complete jobs faster.

3. Safety

Spider lifts have a range of features to improve safety on your job site, such as:

• Stabilizers: Spider lifts’ outriggers keep the platform stable on uneven surfaces, providing an extra security layer for aerial workers.
• Auto-levelers: Many spider lift models have auto-leveling capabilities. This feature helps operators set up without guesswork, even on irregular terrain.
• Durable components: Despite being compact and lightweight, spider lifts are strong and robust, protecting the equipment against falling branches and other debris.

Remember that safety features on their own aren’t enough — your team should undergo extensive safety training to ensure they operate the lift properly.

4. Versatility

Spider lifts can tackle a variety of tasks, allowing you to complete a wide array of jobs. They also have a low ground pressure, letting them work on soft or uneven surfaces without inflicting damage. For these reasons, spider lifts are used across multiple industries, including landscaping, facility maintenance, stadium upkeep and construction.

The Benefits of Traditional Boom Lifts

Next, let’s look at some worthy advantages of traditional boom lifts.

1. Extensive Reach

Telescopic and articulating boom lifts tend to excel at greater heights than other types of lifts. Many traditional boom lifts can reach heights up to 185 feet or more. In comparison, a typical scissor lift can only reach heights of just under 60 feet. This type of lift only moves up and down and doesn’t have any horizontal reach.

All boom lifts have a horizontal reach to some degree, so you’ll need a boom lift for any task you cannot access vertically. However, scissor lifts tend to have larger platforms than both spider lifts and traditional boom lifts, allowing them to accommodate more workers and materials at a time.

2. Versatility

Like spider lifts, traditional boom lifts can suit multiple tasks, jobs and worksites. Boom lifts let you work at impressive heights and perform several functions, such as cleaning buildings, installing windows, fixing power lines and putting up stages for outdoor performances.

3. High Weight Capacity

Many traditional boom lifts can comfortably handle material loads of up to 500 pounds. This makes them suitable for heavy-duty tasks, like bringing large bundles of shingles up to a roof. They can also retain optimal stability while carrying these hefty loads.

4. Outreach and Over-Obstacle Capabilities

Due to their impressive height-reaching capabilities, traditional boom lifts — especially telescopic models — are ideal for tasks that require extended horizontal and vertical outreach. You can also move over different obstacles with ease. For instance, articulating boom lifts are often used to perform inspections since they can easily move over parking structures and other stationary obstacles.

Here are some other examples:

• Fire and rescue operations: Boom lifts can help rescue crews reach elevated heights safely and quickly. They can transport equipment, firefighters and victims in emergencies. For instance, a boom lift might help rescue individuals trapped on the top floor of a burning building.
• Warehousing: Boom lifts can assist personnel with tasks like stocking and retrieving inventory on high racks or shelves.

Disadvantages of Spider Lifts

While spider lifts have many perks and features, it’s also important to note some of their drawbacks.

1. Height and Reach Restrictions

As mentioned above, most boom lifts can reach heights of 185 feet or more. Meanwhile, many spider lift models can only reach heights of just over 75 feet when fully extended. This makes traditional boom lifts better for higher-reach applications than spider lifts.

2. Payload Limitations

Spider lifts tend to have more weight limitations than traditional boom lifts due to their compact, lightweight design. Of course, payload capacity — the maximum weight an aerial lift can safely carry — will vary depending on the model you choose.

Disadvantages of Traditional Boom Lifts

Traditional boom lifts have various features that make them a worthy addition to your job site. Like spider lifts, however, they also have a few limitations.

1. Storage and Transportation Challenges

Most traditional boom lifts are considerably heavier than spider lifts. To put it in perspective, spider lifts typically fall in the range of 6,000 to 9,000 pounds. Meanwhile, a traditional boom lift might weigh anywhere from 10,000 to over 30,000 pounds.

Naturally, traditional boom lifts’ bulky, heavyweight design makes them far more difficult to store and transport. Fortunately, you can always consult a professional for these services if you don’t have the means to store or transport your boom lift.

2. Limited Accessibility

Between their weight and extensive reach capabilities, traditional boom lifts can pose some challenges when working in tight, confined spaces. Spider lifts are better for maneuvering smaller spaces and moving between obstacles.

For instance, if the job requires you to navigate around trees, through doorways or into slender alleys, a traditional boom lift may not be practical. If you’re thinking of renting or purchasing a traditional boom lift, it’s important to invest in a model that accommodates your workspace.

Your boom lift should comfortably move, turn and fit around other pieces of equipment. If you’re working with uneven or rough terrain, make sure you choose a boom lift with larger, more durable tires for better maneuverability.

When to Choose Spider Lifts

To recap, we’ll look at the best use cases for spider lifts and traditional boom lifts to help you make the most feasible decision. You could benefit from a spider lift if you frequently work in the following environments:

• Confined areas: Spider lifts have rubber tracks that help them maneuver confined, hard-to-reach spaces while maintaining excellent traction.
• Fragile surfaces: Spider lifts won’t scuff up flooring or leave behind unsightly marks and scratches. They also won’t dig up and damage outdoor surfaces like soil and grass. Therefore, spider lifts are well-suited to worksites with fragile surfaces, such as lawns and indoor spaces. You can also use this equipment on uneven surfaces, like hills, gravel and raised sidewalks.
• Indoor spaces: You can easily use spider lifts inside shopping centers, theaters, schools, hospitals and other tall structures. The platform basket can safely transport workers and materials around corners, along walls, up to ceilings and through other compact spaces.

When to Choose Traditional Boom Lifts

On the other hand, you may prefer a traditional boom lift in these situations:

• High-reach tasks: If a job requires you or other crew members to work at heights over 75 feet, it makes more sense to rent a traditional boom lift than a spider lift. Traditional boom lifts are great for high-reach requirements, such as working on tall trees, cathedrals and multi-story buildings.
• Heavy-duty construction projects: Traditional boom lifts are bulky and heavyweight, making them ideal for projects in vast, open spaces. They’re well-suited to residential, commercial and industrial construction projects that require ample space, materials and personnel. These heavy-duty machines can lift large material volumes up to elevated surfaces.
• Over-obstacle requirements: Traditional boom lifts are fantastic for over-obstacle applications, as well as horizontal and vertical outreach tasks. They’re great for performing building inspections, maintenance, installations and repairs, among many other jobs.

Find the Right Aerial Lift for the Job at Wellbuilt Equipment Inc.

Now that you know the best uses of spider lifts versus boom lifts, you can select the right type for your unique requirements. At Wellbuilt Equipment Inc., we have both spider lifts and traditional boom lifts available for rent and purchase.

Since 1987, our mission has been to provide the public with safe, efficient machinery. We’re your one-stop-shop for all things aerial lifts, including sales, rentals, repairs, inspections and maintenance. We also offer free on-site estimates and flexible financing options, making it even simpler to get the solutions you need.

Find the aerial lift you’re looking for from our high-quality equipment selection. Browse our extensive inventory, then contact our team to discuss your renting or purchasing needs today!

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Spider Lift for Your Projects

November 29, 2023

A spider lift, also called a spider boom lift, is an elevating work platform with stabilizer legs for steadiness and leveling to access hard-to-reach spaces. This specialized equipment can help improve your team’s productivity and make your workspace safer. As a result, you’ll want to weigh several factors to choose the best type and model for your company. The appropriate spider lift will assist in worker safety and align with your job requirements and constraints.

In our guide, we’ll discuss all you need to know about spider lifts so you can choose the best one for your operations.

What Are Spider Lifts?

Spider lifts can access confined or challenging spaces where traditional equipment might not fit. They take their name from the various articulated sections and extendable outriggers that resemble a spider’s legs. Three types of spider lifts include the following.

1. Telescopic lifts: These lifts have a rotating base and a straight, extendable boom with a long reach. The arm movement extends and retracts in one direction, allowing operators to reach higher places with plenty of space.
2. Articulating lifts: These spider lifts feature multiple joints in their booms, allowing operators to reach heights while offering greater flexibility than telescopic lifts.
3. Crawler lifts: Crawler spider lifts come with rubber or steel tracks that contribute to lower weight and help operators move around on rugged terrain.

Each type of spider lift comes with articulating booms, extendable outriggers, hydraulic systems, versatile platforms, compact designs and remote controls for elevated access.

Assessing Your Project Needs

Before choosing a spider lift, you’ll want to determine your project’s scope and nature. Here are some essential factors to account for.

• Height: What maximum height can your chosen machine reach when fully extended? Most spider lifts range from 50 to over 100 feet, so select the model with the appropriate height for your specific job.
• Outreach: You’ll also want to consider the spider lift’s outreach, or how far horizontally it can extend. Some can extend up to 60 feet, making it essential to consider if you’re working with an unusually shaped building or structure.
• Terrain and site conditions: Where will you use your spider lift? Some models can handle rough terrain, while others are better for flat surfaces.
• Weight and capacity limits: Consider the maximum weight your spider lift can safely elevate and hold. Ensure your chosen model’s weight capacity aligns with your job requirements.

Safety Considerations

You must have OSHA certification to know how to conduct safety inspections for your spider lift and use it properly. The right processes can help you increase your equipment’s longevity and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Skipping inspection can be dangerous and impact your bottom line due to expensive OSHA fines.

• Conduct ANSI and OSHA standard inspections: Review the OSHA operator guidelines and safety standards to inspect your equipment. It’s best to perform initial, frequent and annual inspections to ensure the equipment has no defects and is operating safely.
• Look for specific safety features: Choose a spider lift with the proper safety features. For instance, the mechanical fasteners and locking pins should be in place, and the outriggers and stabilizers must be in working condition. Check for fluid leaks and ascertain the wheels and tires are at their minimum PSI limit. Lastly, look over the steering wheel, brakes, emergency controls and air, fuel, electrical, hydraulic and insulating components.
• Invest in operator training and certification: OSHA certification will train workers to use the equipment following safety standards and know when a machine has reached its limits. Meet OSHA standards to protect your workers and prevent fines or project delays.

Choosing the Right Spider Lift

When selecting a spider lift for your task, think about factors like lift specifications, models and brands, user feedback and cost.

Matching Lift Specifications With Project Requirements

Ensure your aerial work platforms meet your project requirements, including outreach, type, height and weight specifications.

Comparing Different Spider Lift Models and Brands

Consider popular lift brands in the industry right now, such as:

• JLG
• Genie
• Haulotte
• Snorkel
• Skyjack

Compare these brands and their different models to help you determine the right spider lift for your task.

Reviewing User Feedback and Recommendations

You must review user feedback to ensure your chosen brand and model will perform as needed. Check with a reputable equipment provider and ask for recommendations. The best provider will have an extensive selection of top-quality equipment and parts for rent or purchase. Search for a provider that can provide expert service and lift recommendations based on your project requirements.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting

Consider your budget and needs to choose the correct spider lift. Your equipment cost can differ based on the following:

• Type and height
• Diesel, electric, battery or dual-power operator source
• Number of rental days
• Type of task
• Indoor or outdoor use
• Heavy or light-duty operations

Renting vs. Buying

It’s best to consider your project duration and budget before renting or buying a spider lift.

For instance, renting your spider lift can offer more flexibility and cost savings for short-term projects, as it doesn’t require a long-term investment. You can also appreciate maintenance coverage, a lower upfront cost and access to new models. However, rental prices can accumulate if you use your equipment for extended projects.

Buying a spider lift is ideal for long-term projects as it offers asset value and customization options. Pros include long-term savings and equipment availability. However, you’ll pay a higher upfront cost and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Maintenance and Service

Regular maintenance can extend your equipment’s life span while ensuring it runs efficiently. Create a routine inspection and maintenance schedule, clean it properly, check for signs of wear and tear and store it properly.

Check your equipment’s warranty and after-sales service to ensure you can get proper maintenance or repairs as needed. Find a reliable service provider that offers prompt services so your equipment always operates to the best of its abilities.

Case Studies and Real-Life Examples

Spider lifts can help with various projects, offering many benefits when successfully implemented. For instance, your team might use a spider lift for exterior building maintenance to prevent costly repairs and address issues before they worsen.

Other examples include:

• Tree trimming and removal
• Window washing for skyscrapers
• Telecom tower repairs
• Orchards and vineyards
• Stadium light maintenance
• Bridge inspection and maintenance
• Power line maintenance

Spider lifts can provide precise access to elevated areas, enhancing safety and efficiency for various projects.

Empower Project Success With the Right Aerial Access Equipment

A reliable spider lift can help you complete jobs more efficiently and safely when working at heights. You’ll want to find a safe model and train your employees to maximize the equipment’s potential.

At Wellbuilt Equipment Inc., we can help you find the right equipment and provide training resources to ensure you use it effectively. Our wide selection includes new and used equipment aerial work platforms and rental options.

Contact us to learn more about our equipment or consult with our team.

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