A facade lift, or basket lift, is an indispensable piece of equipment for any high-altitude operations. It not only allows these operations to be performed without the tedious erection of scaffolding but also ensures the highest level of safety. Let’s explore the capabilities and advantages that a facade lift provides.
Renting basket lifts is becoming increasingly popular, allowing construction companies to test all the functions and adapt this type of equipment to their own needs and requirements with minimal costs.
Types of Facade Lifts
There are several main types of facade lifts on the market, differing in design and functional capabilities:
- Telescopic lifts – the boom consists of several sections that extend from one another, providing a large operating radius.
- Articulated lifts – the boom consists of several segments connected by hinges, allowing it to bend and maneuver around obstacles.
- Knuckle boom lifts – the boom has one or more knuckle joints, providing additional flexibility and maneuverability.
- Extendable boom lifts – the boom extends from the main section, increasing the operating radius and lift height.
The choice of lift type depends on the specific tasks, operating conditions, and requirements for mobility and operating radius.
Safety in Lift Operation
Working at heights involves increased risks, so ensuring personnel safety is a priority when using lifts. Modern models are equipped with a range of safety systems:
- Load and tilt limiters
- Emergency switches and stoppers
- Anti-theft and anti-tip systems
- Safety belts and helmets for workers
Additionally, lift operators must undergo special training and have the appropriate qualifications for the safe operation of the equipment.
Economic Justification
Compared to alternative methods of working at heights, such as scaffolding, using lifts is often a more cost-effective solution. Despite the high cost of renting or purchasing equipment, lifts provide significant long-term savings through:
- Reduced labor costs for erecting and dismantling scaffolding
- Time savings and accelerated work completion
- Reduced risks and associated insurance costs
- The ability to quickly relocate personnel and equipment between sites
Thus, the initial investment in renting or purchasing lifts can quickly pay off through increased productivity and reduced ancillary costs.
Choosing the Right Lift
When selecting a facade lift, the following factors should be considered:
- Maximum required lift height and operating radius
- Required load capacity for personnel and materials
- Object features and operating conditions (confined spaces, terrain, etc.)
- Requirements for mobility and maneuverability when moving
- Availability of additional functions and equipment (baskets, grips, etc.)
A thorough analysis of these factors will help choose the most suitable lift model, ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the work.
Leading Global Manufacturers
The global market for facade lift equipment features many well-known brands offering a wide range of models and high levels of service support. Among the leading manufacturers are:
- Genie (USA) – one of the largest global manufacturers, offering telescopic, articulated, and knuckle boom lifts.
- JLG (USA) – a company with a wide range of lifts, including models with extendable booms and extra-large operating radii.
- Haulotte (France) – a manufacturer of innovative lifts with a focus on safety and ergonomics.
- Manitou (France) – a well-known brand offering lifts for the most challenging operating conditions.
- Aichi (Japan) – one of the leaders in producing high-quality lifts with unique technical solutions.
Choosing a reliable manufacturer with a developed service network is an important factor, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of lifts and timely maintenance. Leading brands offer operator training, equipment selection consulting, and supply spare parts and repairs when necessary.
Wide Range of Applications for Facade Lifts
A facade lift is a type of mobile platform. The most characteristic part of this machine is the movable hydraulic boom, at the end of which is a special construction basket with safety devices. The lift serves as a working platform for high-altitude workers or as a platform for lifting materials.
The boom of the facade lift can move freely both vertically and horizontally. This high mobility allows the working platform to be installed almost anywhere, and with additional equipment, it can be used in the most challenging terrain conditions.
The characteristics of construction lifts allow them to be used in various fields of activity:
- Cleaning services – cleaning high premises, washing windows in office buildings, roof maintenance;
- Building and structure maintenance – bridge maintenance, lamp and traffic light repair, accident aftermath removal in buildings;
- Installation services – scaffolding and ramp construction, large-format advertisement posting, installation of external and internal building elements;
- Seasonal work – snow removal from roofs, icicle removal, tree branch trimming;
- Agricultural work – fruit harvesting, tree care in gardens;
- Construction work – object erection, facade repair, site maintenance, material transportation;
- Rescue operations;
- Firefighting operations.
The possibilities of using lift platforms are virtually limitless. This equipment is useful wherever there is a need to perform any work at height and ensure maximum employee safety. Compared to available alternatives, such as ladders or scaffolding, working on facade lifts is much more convenient.