Purpose-built personnel platforms are grouped by lift mechanism. Drive system, terrain rating and towable or tracked carrier are attributes rather than duplicate categories.
*Provisional measurement: manufacturer publications conflict. The selected technical-sheet value requires manufacturer confirmation; configuration notes retain the conflict.
Choosing aerial work platforms for the job
Build your shortlist
Choose the path to the work
Describe where people must stand relative to the work, including obstacles, access and the supporting surface. Scissor, telescopic, articulating and vertical-mast machines solve different access problems. Platform and working-height conventions must remain visible when comparing regional references.
Questions that shape the equipment choice
Job requirement
What to compare
Evidence to obtain
Work position
Vertical reach or outreach around obstacles
Check the actual operating envelope
Access
Stowed size and surface requirements
Review the route and supporting structure
Platform package
Capacity zones and installed equipment
Use the exact manual and required inspections
Choose the machine architecture
Aerial Work Platforms: subcategories
Scissor lifts
Platform elevates on a scissor mechanism.
Check: Platform height · Working height separately · Deck length including extension · Rails-up and rails-folded stowed heights
Configurations to check: Self-propelled or towable · Tracked or wheeled · Power source · Indoor or outdoor rating
Where this category begins and ends
Belongs here
Scissor, articulating-boom, telescopic-boom and vertical-mast access platforms.
Belongs elsewhere
Telehandlers or cranes carrying work baskets, warehouse order pickers, scaffolds and platforms sold as attachments.
Prepare a useful comparison
Dimensions and configuration to check
Stowed dimensions with rails specified
Platform height
Working height kept separate
Horizontal outreach
Platform dimensions
Outrigger footprint when fitted
Compare the same configuration, including attachments, folded parts, counterweights and stabilizers. Transport dimensions can differ substantially from the working setup.
Before comparing used machines
Review inspection history, platform controls, emergency lowering, structural joints and drive system. Never substitute working height for platform height.
Manufacturer references
Product-family references for this guide; individual model measurements require their own documentation.
Material Handling & Lifting
Access and Material Handling
Material Handling & Lifting