Tracked and self-propelled aerial lifts: reaching heights with efficiency

When it comes to working at heights, choosing the right lifting platform can make the difference between efficiency and safety. Two popular options that stand out in this field are crawler elevating platforms and self-propelled platforms. Both serve the purpose of providing safe access to elevated areas, but their differences in design and functionality can influence the choice depending on the specific needs of the project.

How crawler elevating platforms work: 

Crawler elevating platforms are machines designed to operate on rough terrain and adverse conditions. Their operation is highlighted by: 

  1. Stability on uneven ground: The most distinctive feature is the presence of tracks instead of wheels. This provides a stable base that minimizes the risk of tipping over on uneven ground, soft soils, or steep slopes. 
  1. Optimal traction: The tracks offer superior traction, allowing the platform to move safely on slippery or unstable surfaces. This capability is essential in areas where soil conditions are unpredictable. 
  1. Vertical and lateral reach: Crawler platforms often offer impressive lifting capacity and considerable lateral reach. 
  1. Maneuverability on terrain: The combination of stability and traction allows these platforms to maneuver efficiently on difficult terrains, improving accessibility in remote or rural locations such as on earthworks or construction sites. 

Agility on paved surfaces with self-propelled platforms: 

On the other hand, self-propelled elevating platforms are designed to operate on paved or stabilized surfaces. Their operation is characterized by: 

  1. Maneuverability in tight spaces: The ability to move swiftly and the more compact design of self-propelled platforms make them ideal for working in narrow spaces, such as warehouses, industrial halls, or urban environments. 
  1. Speed and efficiency: These platforms tend to be faster than crawler elevating platforms, which allows users to cover more ground in less time. 
  1. Ideal for urban settings: Their ability to move quickly and maneuver around obstacles makes them ideal for use in busy urban environments with limited access or restricted spaces. 

Which platform should you choose? 

Choosing the ideal platform depends on various factors such as terrain, space limitations, and specific project needs. In general, if you need to work on rugged terrain or in more difficult conditions, a crawler elevating platform is a safer and more effective option. However, if the work requires mobility, speed, and maneuverability in tight spaces, a self-propelled platform is the better choice.

Both platforms have their advantages and drawbacks, so the most important thing is to consider the particular requirements of the job and choose the one that guarantees both safety and performance in the best way possible.

The importance of personnel training on lifting platforms

Due to the rise of the logistics sector and the revitalization of the construction industry, training personnel to use aerial work platforms is one of the current topics. Aerial work platforms are versatile and useful machines in the daily operations of many sectors, but basic knowledge is required for their proper use.

This type of training is mandatory for any user of an aerial work platform and becomes an essential part for the staff. At Manain, we believe that these trainings provide long-term benefits that help improve worker integrity by preventing, for example, accidents and ensuring greater safety for the operator during their tasks.

According to the 2022 IPAF Global Safety Report, the number of deaths caused by elevating machinery accidents has decreased compared to previous years. It concludes that the most common causes of fatal accidents or injuries are falls, electrocutions, entrapments, and overturns. In 2021, there were 603 reports from 28 countries, involving 628 people, resulting in 109 deaths. This marks a slight decrease in the number of deaths from 2020, when there were 126.

Providing training to workers comes at a cost and requires extra time from employees. However, the return on investment in time and money is guaranteed. This also translates into better machinery knowledge, which provides greater safety to the worker. Regarding knowledge, it leads to better use, preventing potential mistakes and improper use of platforms.

Benefits of internal training and personnel

  • Less supervision: A well-trained employee will be familiar with the work and will need less supervision. Additionally, the worker can perform tasks with greater stability and confidence.
  • Fewer accidents: The more training an employee has, the lower the chances of workplace accidents, and they become more efficient in their tasks. This creates a much safer environment.
  • Greater productivity: Well-trained employees demonstrate both quantity and quality performance. There is less waste of time, money, and resources.

Training adapted to technological and social changes

With the arrival of new technologies and changes, there has been a rise in new systems and innovations that reflect a product more adapted to the current reality and needs. Mechanisms are being adapted to ensure greater efficiency and benefit the user in their tasks, making everything more convenient.

In this regard, we can highlight the incorporation of the anti-entrapment bar or Safe Man System, which prevents the user from getting trapped in risky situations once the bar is activated. Compared to the introduction of the first platforms in the market in the 1980s, the change has been remarkable, bringing new ideas to the lifting machinery sector.

In conclusion, thanks to these types of business initiatives, the benefit achieved is often much greater. Both the company and the worker benefit, as the knowledge tends to be reciprocal, thus both win.