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How does a self-propelled elevating lift move?

Sep. 02, 2024

Manually Propelled vs. Self-Propelled MEWPs

Mobile elevating work platforms, or MEWPs, come in a variety of sizes and options. Choosing the right one for your jobsite isn&#;t as easy as knowing what height you need to lift to. You also need to consider how your MEWP is powered. A unit&#;s emissions, noise levels and engine type also need to be factored in the choice when selecting whether you need a manually propelled versus a self-propelled MEWP.

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Manually Propelled MEWPs

Manually propelled MEWPs must be physically pushed or pulled to relocate. These products are elevated by electric power and often known as an aerial work platform (AWP, an aluminium lift, a manlift, a personnel lift or a push-around.

Applications best suited are work at height tasks in a single location. Manually propelled products tend to be both economical and easy to transport. For example, the ability to stow one of these units in a truck-bed could also save on delivery charges from the rental store or add flexibility for equipment owners with multiple facilities.

Manually propelled MEWPs offer a similar work height to many powered lifts, as well as comparably low floor load for sensitive surfaces such as gymnasiums, theaters and stages. They also offer similar degrees of compact maneuverability for congested jobsites, single or double door access and emission-free elevation.

Self-Propelled MEWPs

Self-propelled MEWPs are equipped with drive systems that allow the machine to be driven to the work area, such as a scissor lift. For larger applications, the ability to cover ground to quickly rotate between worksites makes self-propelled MEWPs a more productive solution. Especially where operators travel significant distances or make frequent trips. The gradeability (the ability to drive up slopes) and terrainability (the ability to travel over rough terrain) also help make self-propelled MEWPs high performers in construction projects.

Other needs requiring self-propelled MEWPs are the capacity and deck to carry multiple workers, their tools and materials to height. For example, scissor lifts offer up to 1,200- to 2,500-lb platform capacity with up to 21 ft of workspace.

At a Glance

To compare more features and benefits for your application, here is a quick, at-a-glance reference chart to help you best understand which model is right for your jobsite:

Manually-Propelled

Self-Propelled

Aerial / Industrial Work Platform

Vertical

Mast

Scissor

Boom

Power Source

Electric

Diesel/ Electric/

Hybrid Options

Diesel/ Electric/

Hybrid Options

Total Lift Capacity

Up to 350 lb

Up to 500 lb

1,200 &#; lb

500 &#; 1,250 lb

Vertical Lift (Platform Height)

Up to 40 ft

Up to 20 ft

Up to 53 ft

Up to 180 ft

Up-and-Over Obstacles

N/A

Up to 75 ft 6 in

Floor Loading (Weight)

677 lb - 1,430 lb

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Self Propelled Aerial Lift. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

1,580-2,450 lb

2,575 lb - 16,567 lb

8,080 lb - 46,500 lb

Access Width (Stowed)

2 ft 5 in &#;

3 ft 4 in

2 ft 5.5 in - 2 ft 7.5 in

30 &#; 90 in

3 ft 11 in &#;

8 ft 2 in

Slope Climbing

(Gradeability)

N/A Power Assist Option

30%

25 &#; 50%

30 &#; 45%

Genie Product Examples

AWP&#; & IWP&#; Series

GR&#; Series

GS&#; Series

S&#; and Z&#; Series

What are Self-Propelled Scissor Lifts?

The most prevalent kind of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are self-propelled scissor lifts, which employ a scissor mechanism consisting of folding supports that move vertically in an 'X' pattern.

These lifts are divided into two main categories based on their power source and intended usage. Battery-powered (or electric) scissor lifts are commonly used indoors on level surfaces, while engine-powered lifts are typically used outside on uneven terrain (hence their designation as 'rough terrain' lifts).

Regardless of their power source, self-propelled scissor lifts are equipped with numerous sensors and controls to regulate their movements, ensure safety, and, most importantly, maintain stability (as operators on the platform are susceptible to fall hazards, safety is of utmost concern).

Rough Terrain (engine-powered) scissor lift. Image Credit: Sensata Technologies, Inc.

Slab (battery-powered) scissor lift. Image Credit: Sensata Technologies, Inc.

Solution

Operator Controls

Sensata has been a leading supplier of complete platform control systems for scissor lifts powered by either batteries or engines for several decades.

The control systems consist of a platform control unit and an electronic control unit (or a ground control unit for engine-powered lifts) that can connect and manage various digital and analog machine interfaces, such as joysticks, sensors, limit switches, motor controllers, pushbuttons, and alarms, through a dedicated CAN-bus system.

The latest K610 generation of scissor lift controllers features an open-source platform, CoDeSys, that allows manufacturers to create custom functionality for their lifts.

Motor Controls

Sensata's M700 motor controller is a high-power hydraulic pump that provides fully programmable control of DC series wound motors. It employs microprocessor-based logic with programmable parameters, providing maximum flexibility at a minimal cost. Both hardware and software are redundant to ensure reliability.

Sensors

Sensata can also provide a comprehensive range of primary sensors, including the PTE series high-pressure sensor that regulates the hydraulic pressure of the main cylinder, the series angle sensor used to determine platform height, and the T series inclinometer, or other suitable sensors, used to monitor the chassis inclination for safety purposes.

By combining the pressure and angle sensors, the platform overload condition can also be controlled, which is crucial when it comes to ensuring compliance with the ANSI 92 and EN280 safety standards.