Platform Spider Lift Maintenance Guide for Contractors
Platform Spider Lifts
Platform spider lifts are designed to allow workers to safely access worksites at various heights within close proximity or areas in which it would be otherwise difficult to utilize conventional equipment. Due to its relatively small footprint and tracked capabilities, a platform spider lift is ideal for such jobs as tree trimming/ removal or building maintenance in areas with uneven surface. If your work is located within a backyard, an enclosed interior area, or on uneven terrain, an understanding of this type of lift will enable you to determine whether this type of equipment is best suited to meet your needs.
What Is a Platform Spider Lift?
A platform spider lift, also known as a tracked spider lift or spider man lift, is a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP). A MEWP has a boom arm connected to a tracked base with extendable outriggers that mimic the appearance of spider legs — hence the name. The outriggers provide additional stability by extending outward and leveling the machine on slopes and/or soft surfaces. Unlike standard boom lifts mounted on trucks, spider lifts have tracks rather than tires. Tracks keep the overall weight of the machine down and improve the machine's traction. For example, models similar to the GCA66 can attain a working height of approximately 66 ft. (20 m.) while providing a horizontal outreach of about 27’ 7.” The standard platform capacity of most spider lifts is generally around 500 lbs. or so — sufficient for one worker along with tools, or possibly two workers.
Tracked bases allow for slow and precise movements once established in place. Additionally, dual- power options offer greater flexibility; diesel powered for outside use and electric powered for inside work. Most manufacturers build-in safety measures including: load moment limiters (limiting the amount of weight lifted), outrigger sensors (notifying the operator when an outrigger has been extended beyond the maximum allowable), and emergency stops (used to prevent injury in case of loss of control of the machine).
How do Tracked Spider Lifts Operate?
Upon arrival at the worksite, the operator sets-up the outriggers one at a time. After all outriggers have been deployed and leveled using an automatic leveling system built into many of today's models, the operator raises the boom using an articulate or telescoping motion to position the basket exactly where needed.
Weight distribution is evenly distributed throughout the machine via tracks, protecting surfaces such as lawns or interior floors much better than wheeled vehicles. Some new units now come equipped with wireless remote controls allowing operators to control machine travel, outriggers and boom function remotely for improved visibility. The 180 degree rotating capability of the platform enables workers to face the correct direction without having to reposition the entire machine.
While there are certainly faster methods to gain access, the benefits offered by a spider lift far outweigh the longer time it requires to establish. These lifts can navigate through standard doorways in their narrowest form and operate on grades that limit larger equipment.
Applications of Tracked Spider Lifts
Tree service companies depend upon spider lifts to prune and remove limbs within small residential yards due to their compact size and light ground pressure resulting in significantly reduced damage to lawns versus large trucks.
Maintenance personnel at facilities utilize them for inspections and repairs of structures that are at a high elevation such as sub-station towers, bridge abutments and building façade components. Within indoor environments such as atriums, warehouses or convention centers, electric models run quietly and produce no exhaust fumes.
Additionally, other applications for spider lifts include:
1. Window cleaning
2. Sign installations
3. Utility line maintenance
4. Painting in remote areas
5. Landscaping or construction of hillside developments.
Their ability to stabilize on sloping ground make them ideal for use in such applications as landscaping or hillside development projects.
Advantages of Utilizing a Tracked Spider Lift
One advantage of utilizing a tracked spider lift is that it excels in areas where space is severely limited. Its narrow width and tracked mobility enable it to go to places a traditional aerial lift cannot. On soft or uneven ground, the outriggers provide a level base without requiring extensive site preparation.
In addition, due to their lower weight, transportation costs are greatly reduced. Many models can be towed behind a pick-up truck or placed on a flatbed without obtaining a commercial drivers license in certain regions. The dual power options allow users to easily transition from diesel for rugged outdoor terrain to electric for indoor sensitivities.
Safety Features Stand Out Too
Real-time load monitoring, auto-leveling, emergency hand-pumps — all contribute to giving operators control over the machine while minimizing potential tipping hazards when properly set-up.
This design provides an added benefit to both rental fleets and contractor customers who perform numerous types of jobs. One machine can effectively cover both indoor and outdoor jobs.
Limitations & Key Factors To Consider When Selecting A Tracked Spider Lift
Set-up requirements for a spider lift demand a great deal of caution. Operators must thoroughly evaluate the ground conditions prior to deploying the outriggers. Only then can the boom be raised. Properly trained personnel ensure safe usage of controls and safety devices on a tracked spider lift.
Speed-wise, they move more slowly than truck mounted booms, and establishing each job adds more time. Also, because the platform capacity is generally less than larger booms, heavy tool loads should be planned accordingly.
Additional challenges exist when transporting a tracked spider lift. Depending on local laws and permits required for oversized loads on public roadways — transportation could become an obstacle. Maintenance for tracks and hydraulic systems is critical to prevent downtime.
Finally, cost is yet another consideration. High quality tracked models tend to be more expensive initially than basic booms — however, versatility provided by long term utilization often results in offsetting that expense for frequent users.
All users must comply with manufacturer instructions and local regulatory bodies. Detailed safety standards regarding aerial work platforms can be found on OSHA's website: OSHA Aerial Lifts
Selecting The Appropriate Model
Before making any decisions based on your needs — consider your typical jobsite. For tree care operations in small residential yards — look for models capable of strong outreach and non-damaging tracks. For indoor facility operations — focus on lightweight, electric models that generate little noise. Determine doorway dimensions, slope measurements and required heights before selecting your model.
If possible — test drive or rent your selected model prior to purchasing. Be sure to pay particular attention to control response times — visibility from the basket — and how quickly the machine levels itself.
Finally,
Platform spider lifts, or tracked spider lifts — represent a specific niche in access equipment. Their unique blend of compactness — mobility via tracks — and stabilizing outriggers provide value for work in restricted or difficult locations. Although it takes longer to establish than some alternative products — the access that spider lifts provide — often justifies the increased time.
Those familiar with the capabilities and limitations of tracked spider lifts — will accomplish their work — more safely and efficiently. As with any equipment — proper training and routine maintenance are crucial elements to ensuring consistent reliability.
Regardless of whether you're performing tree services — building maintenance — or utility work — finding the right spider lift for your crew — provides an opportunity to access your workplace — without excessive risk — nor interruption.
COMMENTS