A Layman's Guide to high access equipment

A mobile elevating work platform. The official name for access platforms. The description 'MEWP' covers most types of access machinery.

The colloquial name for a MEWP, usually meaning

a boom with a personnel cage, and usually

implying 'vehicle-mounted'.

A self-propelled machine, on wheels or tracks,

that is towed to a site by a trailer. It can be driven

to the workplace under its own power, which

can be diesel (outside) or electricity (indoors).

Once in position it lowers legs onto the ground

then hoists its body off the ground for stability.

It can then elevate a boom and cage. The tracks

create a very low ground pressure so it is less

likely to churn up lawns or damage floors.

It can climb some types of steps or ramps.

A machine with a heavy base normally running on wheels, using diesel or electric power. Often supplied with small non-marking white wheels for indoor work. The scissorlift does not use a boom, but elevates a platform by raising crossed hydraulic rams. This can take more weight and can sometimes be driven while elevated.  The crew benefit from having a wider, more stable platform to work from. This enables more complex tasks, especially in construction. Must only be used on level ground.