An aerial work platform is defined as a device providing temporary access to inaccessible height areas. Aerial work platform or AWP is also known as MEWP - Mobile Elevated Work Platform - Cherry Picker, Boom Lift and EWP - Elevated Work Platform.
As a manufacturer, we design aerial lifts mounted on vehicles like vans, chassis trucks, heavy trucks and on 4×4 pick up which offer a solution to many applications like telecommunication networks maintenance and repair, safety inspections, window washing, tree care work. This vehicles provide mobility, and may also help stabilize the unit – through outrigger stabilizers are still typical, especially as vehicle mounted boom lifts are amongst the largest of their kind.
What are the most common types of aerial work platforms ?
Different types of aerial work platforms exist to fit in the application areas they are used for :
- Self-propelled aerial work platform : Self-propelled AWPs are designed to move without external force and provide high mobility and flexibility. They can be used in various terrains, making them ideal for construction sites and large facilities.
- Aerial work platform on van : Van Mounted AWPs are integrated onto vans, offering a compact solution for maintenance tasks and utility works. Their easy mobility makes them a popular choice for small to medium-sized projects.
- Aerial work platform on truck : Truck-mounted AWPs are powerful platforms designed for extensive operations. They are commonly used in construction, telecommunications, and tree care industries, providing stability and extensive reach.
- Boom lifts : Boom lifts provide extended reach with telescopic and articulated arms. Telescopic arms allow linear extension, while articulated arms enable navigation around obstacles.
- Scissor lifts : Scissor lifts are a type of platform that can usually only move vertically. The mechanism to achieve this is the use of linked, folding supports in a criss-cross X pattern, known as a pantograph (or scissor mechanism).
AWP’s components
AWP are all made up with the same components that allow them to elevate operators in accessible areas. These components are
- an arm also known as jib
- an engine
- stabilizers
- control systems
- safety features
- accessories
AWP are technical devices that generally are powered by diesel or gasol engines. But nowadays, aerial lift manufacturers build more sustainable machines that are powered with electric engines (you can check out our range of electric van aerial platforms). Most of the lighter awp are also powered by electric engines instead of diesel ones.
Aerial platforms are often confused with cranes. This is due to the numerous models built with telescopic arms. Even if a large part of models are also built with articulated parts, specially truck mounted platform and scissor lift. The type of arm depends hugely on the type of platform.
In the Klubb’s range, all van mounted platform are, for example, build with a telescopic arm because of the applications purpose of these aerial devices (utilities, arborist)
Aerial devices can also be built with stabilizers or not. It all depends on the design of the platform and the vehicle fitted with. The more an AWP can reach height areas the more it will need stabilizers to stay in a balance and avoid operators to fall from the basket or get injured.
The presence of stabilizers will also depend on the application purpose of the aerial devices. Most van mounted lift has no stabilizers because these vehicles are suitable for urban areas where roads are plain.
Aerial work platform applications
Aerial work platforms are used for different work at height purposes. These mechanical devices are used in several industries like construction, maintenance and repair, emergency services like firefighting, utilities, agricultures, entertainment and sport event, mining,.
