When Should You Rent a Man Lift?

Projects across industries require accessing great heights safely and efficiently. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for promoting worker safety, saving costs, and sticking to timelines.

When you need to ensure productivity at great heights, a man lift is the answer. From installing a roof to painting a building, teams use man lifts to ensure stability and efficiency on the jobsite. There are several types of man lifts, and understanding your options is crucial for maximizing your investment.

What Is a Man Lift?

A man lift or aerial lift is a piece of equipment that raises workers to complete tasks at varying heights. Man lifts feature an enclosed platform that attaches to a lifting mechanism, allowing workers to access high areas safely and easily. These lifts are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making them beneficial for many project types. For example, common use cases include event setup, warehouse operations, landscaping, tree-cutting, and construction and maintenance tasks.

Some of the main benefits of using a man lift include:

• Improved safety: Without a man lift, teams must rely on scaffolding or ladders to access heights, which can cause safety issues. Ladders also require constant repositioning and offer less room for workers to move around. Man lifts feature secure platforms with guardrails, reducing fall risks and allowing workers to move more freely and confidently. Modern man lifts also implement safety features like harness attachments and stop buttons to further protect workers.
• Enhanced productivity: The constant need to reposition ladders or assemble scolding takes time away from performing crucial tasks. Man lifts boost productivity by eliminating these issues. As a result, teams can reduce labor costs and stick to tighter deadlines.
• Increased versatility: Man lifts also increase versatility. Using a man lift means your team can tackle more opportunities they may otherwise be unable to complete. You can find several types of man lifts to suit various project needs, allowing you to expand service offerings and meet unique project demands.

Types of Man Lifts and Their Applications

Aerial lifts come in many sizes and types. Understanding the types available is crucial to choosing the right model for your project. The main types to note are:

• Articulating boom lifts: Boom lifts come in two distinct models — articulating and telescopic. Articulating lifts feature a jointed, bendable arm. The arm's base mounts to a turntable, which allows the arm to move in a circle. The arm also has multiple joints, so workers can bend it in various directions to navigate obstacles and work in hard-to-access or tight spaces. Common applications for articulating boom lifts include exterior cleaning jobs, piping and electrical repairs, and maintenance projects.
• Telescopic boom lifts: This type of boom lift has a straight arm, offering an exceptionally long reach. They also feature a small bucket, allowing them to hold one or two people at a time. The small bucket makes this lift type ideal for specialized tasks such as tree trimming or electrical repairs that require one worker.
• Scissor lifts: Scissor lifts use cross-brace supports to elevate a wide platform, which only moves up and down. Their up-and-down functions and platform space make scissor lifts ideal for applications like exterior cleaning, painting, window installation, and building repairs.
• Vertical lifts: A vertical personnel lift can elevate one worker. Like a scissor lift, this type only moves up and down. Vertical lifts are more compact than other lift types, allowing workers to fit them through passenger elevators and doorways. The smaller nature of these lifts makes them ideal for warehousing applications, such as order picking slots or reaching higher shelves.

Renting a Man Lift to Meet Your Needs

Due to the versatile nature of man lifts, it's important to consider which type will most benefit your project. Finding this answer is the best way to boost productivity, enhance worker safety, and ensure cost-effectiveness. The two main factors to consider are:

Terrain Considerations

Your first consideration is your working environment. If working indoors, you'll likely need the compact nature of a vertical lift. However, if you're working outdoors, you'll need to assess a few other factors, including:

• Uneven terrain: If you're working on uneven or steep terrain, you must consider models that will offer stability and ensure worker safety. When working in environments where ground integrity is crucial to your project, you must consider elements like lift weight, tire options, and added weight from workers and equipment on the lift.
• Height: The height you need to reach will be another significant consideration. You can find varying height capacities for each type of man lift, so understanding your needs is crucial for finding a suitable model. You must also consider weight and capacity restrictions.
• Space maneuverability: While considering height, you must also evaluate space constraints. Articulated lifts can give you the maneuverability to navigate obstacles, while telescopic boom lifts can help you achieve greater heights.

Costs and Budgeting

Your budget is likely part of your decision-making process. However, calculating and comparing costs can be tricky. There are several factors that impact price, but you can often make general assessments about the different types. For example, the cost of renting a boom lift will generally be more expensive than renting a vertical lift because a boom lift is much larger and more complex. 

How much does it cost to rent a man lift? Common factors that impact the cost of a man lift include:

• Lift type: Lifts with higher reach capacities and maneuverability will often be more expensive than other types. The complexity of the equipment and its capabilities increase total rental costs.
• Rental duration: Your rental duration will also impact your costs. Renting for just a few days is often more affordable, but you can also typically find discounts for longer rental contracts. Speak with your rental equipment provider to learn more.
• Work location: Jobsite location will also impact your spending, mainly in two ways. First, if your jobsite is difficult to access, you may need to pay more in delivery and pickup fees. Second, choosing a local provider can save money over requesting long-distance equipment movement.

Why Choose Thompson Rents for Your Manlift Rental?

Choosing the right rental provider is as important as selecting the right equipment. A trusted provider will ensure you choose suitable equipment, provide access to comprehensive support, and help you stay within your budget.

At Thompson Rents, you can find high-quality rental equipment to meet even the most challenging demands. Our rental equipment is in peak operating condition, so your team can rent with confidence. We proudly serve those in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, and our commitment to service helps us stand out in the local market. We ensure you always have the support you need to improve business performance by providing:

• Competitive pricing
• Flexible rental terms
• On-time delivery to any location in our territory
• Responsive on-site repair

Find Expert Guidance for Your Next Project

The experts at Thompson Rents understand all the ins and outs of our equipment. Whether you need to rent a lift to cut trees, repair electrical work, or clean window exteriors, our team can help you find the right model to suit your needs. Explore our inventory, and contact us today for expert guidance for your next project.