Similar to cherry pickers and boom lifts, man lifts have a base consisting of wheels and a motor, with a boom that lifts upwards. The main difference is man lifts generally can only raise completely vertically, and won't be able to angle to meet specific tight corners or areas.
Some models do have an additional hinge for the work platform, however this usually only supports weight at a 90 degree angle. This will provide a small amount of maneuverability, but not as much compared to a cherry picker.
Of course, there are some benefits to man lift hire which makes it such a popular option. One of the biggest benefits is the size and convenience of the machine. As they only lift vertically, the boom lift itself can be stored inside the body of the machine. This means it takes up far less space than a cherry picker as it doesn't need to have large hinges or extra supports to operate.
Their small size makes them an ideal choice for warehouses or indoor sites where there are tight aisles or corridors that another lift would struggle to access easily. And, like a lot of warehouse machinery, man lifts are available with electric motor options. In fact, the majority of man lift hire models are electric, rather than diesel or LPG. This obviously makes them the ideal choice for any enclosed environment where fumes would become a hazard.
Due to their lightweight design, most man lifts need to be moved manually, though some makes and models have self-propelled options available. While you may need to move the machine manually, controlling the actual lift to raise or lower the work platform is done via the control panel that will usually be attached to the work platform itself.
For safety reasons, most man lifts will have a second control panel that is located on the base of the machine. This is in case something malfunctions or an accident occurs and someone can lower or shutoff the machine in a situation where the operator can't. In some cases this is just a simple shutdown switch that allows someone to stop and lower the machine from the ground.
Hire companies have a range of man lifts available to choose from, so there's sure to be something to suit your needs. Contact your local man lift hire company to discover your options today.
