Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts have revolutionised how many New Zealand businesses perform tasks at height by providing access equipment that is a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional scaffolding. These chunky aerial lifts are designed to navigate various terrains, making them highly desirable for both indoor and outdoor applications. So, what actually constitutes rough terrain in the context of using a scissor lift? Read on to discover how these machines could work to enhance your productivity and enable more robust health and safety practices for your business.
Understanding ‘Rough Terrain’ Scissor Lifts
If you need a machine that can handle the jandal with large, heavy-duty tyres and higher ground clearance, you should look into hiring a Rough Terrain Scissor Lift. These aerial lifts are designed to operate efficiently on uneven, unpaved, or challenging outdoor surfaces with more powerful engines and some great specialised features included.
Unlike their indoor counterparts, which are equipped with wheels suitable for flat floors, rough terrain scissor lifts come equipped to handle much more rough and rugged landscapes.
Key Features for Rough Terrain Navigation
One primary feature distinguishing rough terrain scissor lifts is their large, foam-filled tires that are awesome across gravel, dirt, mud, or grass. These specially designed tires can provide better traction and grip on uneven surfaces, enhancing safety across all your projects – and you can also choose to opt for a four-wheel drive configuration for extra grunt.
Additionally, rough terrain scissor lifts have higher ground clearance, allowing them to pass over obstacles or debris which may be scattered about in outdoor environments.
Safety Considerations & Proper Usage
While rough terrain scissor lifts offer enhanced capabilities for outdoor applications, safety should still be considered before you set out to work across rough terrain. At Castle Access, we can provide you with all the information you need to get the best out of these easy-to-operate machines, and we offer a range of configurations and really competitive pricing for all our rental customers.
One good tip to start with is always to inspect the site for potential hazards and ensure that the lift you plan to use suits the specific terrain conditions. You should also always refrain from operating the lift on slopes exceeding the manufacturer’s guidelines, as this is a recipe for disaster!
Applications of Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Rough terrain scissor lifts have applications across a wide range of outdoor tasks and industries. On construction sites, these lifts are invaluable for accessing elevated areas on rugged terrains, enabling workers to perform roofing, siding, or painting tasks.
Landscapers often use rough terrain scissor lifts for tree trimming, landscaping, and maintaining green spaces. Furthermore, these lifts play a significant role in infrastructure projects, outdoor event setups, and maintenance tasks in parks or golf courses.
The Versatility of Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Choose a rough terrain scissor lift that can drive with the rollout deck fully extended to save time. While this option is not common, sometimes you may be able to plug into an AC-wired platform to overturn the need for extension cords or stopping to charge batteries.
Whether it’s a construction site with rough, muddy terrain or a remote location with uneven ground, rough terrain scissor lifts provide the flexibility to access these areas safely and efficiently.
Tips For Safe Operation
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Comms Up!
Because you will not be within talking distance of your workmate on the ground, you must establish some way of clearly communicating that will keep you both safe. Some businesses use two-way radios, but it also pays to establish some simple hand signals that you can add to your standard safety processes.
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Slow & Steady Wins
Avoiding jerky, rapid or abrupt movements will help keep you and your team safe. A slow and steady approach will maintain stability and offset the risk of contact with holes, steep edges, or sudden drop-offs.
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Look Up
Being in a position to address vertical maintenance or building tasks comes with a set of hazards that you won’t need to think about on the ground. Be aware of tree branches, powerlines and the eaves of any structure nearby.
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Safety First
Don’t neglect your PPE just because you are floating above your worksite. You still need your high-vis gear and your hard hat, and in many cases, you would be well advised to add a harness to your safety mix.
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Secure Your Platform
Be like Santa Claus and check this one twice. Be 100% certain that all your chains and gates are properly locked and that your platform is always secure before you start your aerial lift.
- Inspect Your Equipment
Check your emergency stop buttons, motion alarm, guardrails, and all the other components of your machinery before every use. Look for signs of wear and tear and damage.
Get in Touch
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts are increasingly being used across a broad range of industries – especially those involving outdoor projects requiring access to elevated areas on challenging terrains. From construction sites to landscaping projects and infrastructure maintenance, rough terrain scissor lifts offer unmatched versatility and efficiency.
By using Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts, your business can maximise productivity by completing projects more efficiently.
Get in touch with Castle Access now to chat about how a reliable scissor lift might work for you.
