3 Types of Man Lifts

Man lifts, also known as aerial lifts, are specialized machines that enable workers to perform tasks safely and efficiently at heights. They have an enclosed platform attached to a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers workers and their tools as needed. Using a man lift makes it easier and safer to reach areas inaccessible by ladders and other means. Examples of work settings that benefit from man lifts include warehouses and distribution centers, retail stores, construction sites and building exteriors that require maintenance.

Types of Lifts for People

Man lifts encompass several categories, each of which contains a variety of machine types. Below are the three main groups.

1. Boom Lifts

These lifts feature a movable arm, known as a boom, with a bucket for holding a worker attached to the end. The two general types of boom lifts include:

• Telescopic: These man lifts consist of a telescoping beam that can extend in almost any direction. They're a good choice for outdoor applications that require a maximum reach of 100 feet or more.
• Articulating: An articulating boom lift is also known as a knuckleboom. It includes multiple joints that enable the arm to move around obstacles. Typical applications include power line repairs, tree trimming tasks and building maintenance.

2. Scissor Lifts

A scissor lift is a railed platform that rests atop crisscrossed metal supports that serve as the lifting and lowering mechanism. Scissor lifts provide extra stability for accommodating heavier loads of people and equipment, although they have less height capacity than boom lifts — approximately 40-60 feet, depending on the model. The scissor lift types include:

• Electric: These lifts do not require combustible fuel to operate and produce low noise levels, making them ideal for indoor use.
• Rough terrain: A rough terrain scissor lift has larger tires and other features that provide stability when working on rugged or uneven ground. They're also capable of navigating all types of terrain when approaching the job site.

3. Vertical Personnel Lifts

These man lifts typically accommodate one worker and have a weight capacity of around 300 pounds. They work well for applications such as reaching higher shelves or order picking slots in warehouses. Like scissor lifts, most vertical personnel lifts move in a straight up and down direction.

The Cat® Rental Store Offers Several Types of Man Lifts for Rent

For many companies, renting provides the most practical and cost-effective solution for acquiring a man lift. The Cat® Rental Store in your area offers a wide assortment of high-quality man lifts from top manufacturers such as Genie, JLG and Haulotte. We also offer competitive rates, flexible terms and comprehensive repair and maintenance services. Our knowledgeable staff is available to help you select the ideal machine for your applications and budget.

About Our Man Lift Brands

While the types of man lifts we rent come from multiple sources, much of our equipment comes from Genie and JLG. These experienced manufacturers have a stellar, decades-long reputation for producing the safest, most technologically advanced models on the market. They're a preferred choice of warehousing operations, construction contractors and exterior building maintenance companies. 

These brands  have delivered consistent quality over time: 

• Genie: Genie has been providing industry-leading aerial lift equipment since 1966. The business derived its name from the "magic in a bottle" term used to describe the ease of raising and lowering the aerial work platform's hoist. "Quality by Design" is the company's motto. The Genie engineering and design teams strive to develop innovative equipment that gives business owners and their crew members unwavering confidence when working at heights. 
• JLG: McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania-based JLG Industries, Inc. is another well-known and respected aerial work platform pioneer. Since its founding in 1969, the company has continued to set the bar high regarding man lift quality, safety and performance. As the world's leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of access equipment for a wide range of industries, JLG offers a diverse product portfolio featuring innovative technologies that add value to any work-at-height application.

Contact The Cat Rental Store to Learn More

Do you have questions about the various types of lifts for people? Feel free to give The Cat Rental Store a call 24/7 at 1-800-RENT-CAT for immediate, reliable answers. You can also browse our current man lift inventory and contact us online for a fast quote.