If you are new to the access industry, learning the lingo of the aerial equipment market is important to safely, and productively, working with this type of equipment. You dont have to be an expert, but it does help to have an understanding of the basics.
Lets start out first by defining aerial lift equipment: ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) defines a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) as a machine/device intended for moving persons, tools and material to working positions, consisting of at least a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis. Globally, MEWP is the term most commonly used to refer to these machines, but they are referred to by many other names, including aerial (or access) platforms, aerial work platforms (AWP), cherry pickers, elevating work platforms (EWP) and lift platforms.
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There are several different classifications of MEWPs available to get work done at height, including boom lifts (articulating, straight or telescopic, crawler, electric & hybrid and towable), low-level access lifts, scissor lifts, stock pickers (also known as order pickers) and vertical lifts.
*It is important to know that telehandlers are not considered a MEWP; they are classified by OSHA as a Class 7 rough-terrain forklift*
Now that you know what a MEWP is, it is important to quickly learn the lingo the access industry relates to these machines. Below is a list of common terms associated with MEWPs that are important for you to know:
Floor Pressure Also known as floor load, it is the weight the floor is capable of sustaining, measured in pounds per square foot (PSF).
Gradeability The percent of grade of the incline the machine can climb (front to rear).
Ground Control Panel The control panel that allows the machine functions to be operated from the ground. Ground controls operate all functions except drive and steer. The ground controls can also override the platform controls.
Ground Bearing Pressure The pressure exerted on the ground by a machines tires or tracks, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Load Capacity The amount of weight the machines platform is rated to hold, lift and/or carry safely during machine operation.
Machine Height The maximum height of the machine in stowed position.
Machine Width The maximum width of the machine in stowed position.
Machine Length The maximum length of the machine in stowed position.
Manually Operated Machines operated by hand.
Manually Propelled Machines that must be physically pushed or pulled to move.
Oscillating Axle Axles that pivot, keeping the tires on the ground and compensating for uneven terrain during operation.
Outriggers Hydraulic or manual devices that, when deployed, increase the stability of the machine by creating a wider footprint, as well as by lifting and leveling.
Platform Control Panel The control panel in the machines platform. Platform controls operate all functions.
Platform Height The maximum vertical distance the machines platform is capable of extending, measured from ground level to the platform floor.
Restricted Platform Capacity Weight restrictions within a machines working envelope usually shorter boom lengths and higher boom angles.
Self-Propelled Machines that can be driven.
Sideslope The angle of the slope the machine can be driven across (left to right).
Stabilizers Devices deployed to increase the stability of the machine (not capable of lifting or leveling the machine).
Tailswing When a lift is rotated, this occurs if the rear end of the turntable extends beyond any edge of the drive chassis.
Travel Speed The maximum speed that a machine can go.
Turning Radius The circle that the out-most tire follows when the machine is turned in the smallest possible circle.
Working Envelope The entire working area that a lift is able to extend and reach.
Working Height Platform height plus 6 ft (1.82 m) to account for an operators overhead reach.
Working Width The maximum width of the machine with the outriggers deployed.
Unrestricted Platform Capacity The weight capacity of the machines platform for the machines entire working envelope.
Want to learn more? JLG® training can provide you with the information you need to know about the aerial industry, bringing safety and confidence to your team. From supervisor training to MEWP and telehandler operator and equipment service training, JLG offers comprehensive training programs developed by industry experts to meet all your needs. To learn more about JLG training options, click here.
To access additional tools, reference materials and resources from JLG that can help you get your job done safely and more effectively, visit here.
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December 14,
An essential realm in many modern industries, aerial work platforms (AWPs) are integral to getting the job done. From warehousing and building maintenance to farming and construction, there is a family of AWPs that offers workers a safe alternative to ladders and scaffolding to work on projects at elevated heights. This guide explores the diverse array of AWPs, including mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) and aerial lifts, unfolding their pivotal role in facilitating safe and efficient operations. The following delves into the types, uses, and other aspects of these indispensable tools, providing a comprehensive overview of these vital machines.
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An aerial work platform (AWP), also known as an aerial lift, elevating work platform (EWP), cherry picker, bucket truck, or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), is a mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. AWPs are designed to lift limited weights, usually less than a ton, and are usually capable of being set up and operated by a single person. They are commonly used for maintenance, construction and warehouse work, along with other tasks that require temporary, flexible access to high places.
There are several distinct types of AWPs, and each machine has its own pros and cons. Selecting the proper AWP varies based on the specifics of the task, such as working inside or outside, working height and in particular, the nature of the project. The features of each type make them more or less desirable for different tasks.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms or MEWPs are platforms that were previously known as Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) until the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) updated the terminology. Like other AWPs, MEWPs encompass a wide range of equipment used to provide powered access to elevated work areas and are classified based on group and type. The group classification is determined by the location of the platform in relation to the tipping line, with Group A MEWPs having a platform that moves vertically while staying inside the tipping lines, and Group B MEWPs moving their platforms beyond the tipping line. The type classification is based on how the machine is able to move around, with Type 1 MEWPs being able to move only when the platform is in the stowed position, Type 2 MEWPs having additional features for movement, and Type 3 MEWPs being able to travel with the platform elevated and controlled from within the work platform.
There are multiple types of MEWPs and like with other aerial lifts, the proper machine depends on the task at hand. Interestingly, MEWPs rely on classification standards to differentiate the types of machines. Each type of MEWP is designed for specific purposes, and understanding their classifications is important for selecting the appropriate machine for a job.
The principal difference between AWPs and MEWPs is terminology and classification. Previously, the term AWP was used to refer to various elevated work platforms such as scissor lifts and boom lifts. However, the new term MEWP, has been introduced to encompass a broader range of equipment. MEWPs are now categorized based on group and type, whereas AWPs were identified by the name of the aerial lift. For example, scissor lifts and boom lifts, are not only AWPs, but specific types of MEWPs, and the term MEWP is now used as the more comprehensive and standardized term for this category of aerial lift equipment.
AWPs and MEWPs are increasingly common in a variety of industries because they provide safe access to areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Aerial lifts provide the unique ability to cut on-the-ground costs, which makes the investment in the equipment pay for itself very quickly in productivity gains. As a result, many industries rely on the family of AWPs to get the job done each and every day.
AWPs and MEWPs are crucial in numerous industries for their safety and efficiency in high, hard to reach tasks. Understanding the types and their applications helps in choosing the right equipment for specific needs. Of course, Aerial Equipment Parts is always here and ready to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Finally, if you need to replace any of your AWP parts, then search our inventory to find the right part for your lift today. Plus, keep in mind that we keep our inventory stocked in a warehouse located in the U.S., so when we say fast shipping, we mean it. And, if you have any questions, just call our team at 303-704- (or us at ), where you can speak with an experienced person with years of industry knowledge if you have any questions.
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