The main purpose of an aerial lift is to lift the employees and their equipment to do work above the ground level. Aerial lifts come in different varieties. These lifts are used in retails stores, manufacturing plants, warehouses, utility work, construction or any place that is hard to reach. While choosing an aerial lift you need to consider how high you need the lift to reach. Before you make a buying decision, among other things you would need to measure the height of the shelves be accessed, consider location of the work, and the equipment that would be required.

What do I consider before buying an Aerial Lift?
Before choosing an aerial lift you need to consider the following:

• Platform height- How high the floor of the lift platform goes.
• Lifting capacity- How much weight is needed to be supported by the lift or the operating capacity, which can range from 300 to more than 2,000 lbs.
• Power choices- Most aerial lifts are self propelled, using gas, diesel, electricity, or propane as a power source.

What are the main types of Aerial Lifts?
The aerial lifts as per the industry, are divided into two major categories.

• Slab Lifts- Designed to be used on flat or smooth surfaces, mainly indoors, thus they are electric powered and have non- marking solid rubber tires.
• Rough Terrain Lifts- Work on uneven ground and are gas, dual –fuel or diesel powered, having pneumatic tires for traction and better stability.

How to choose an aerial lift design?
You can choose from the three main designs available in the market.

• Boom Lifts- Are used when you need to reach up or over obstructions as they have buckets on the end of extended arms. Platform height of boom lifts is from 20’ to 110, and lifting capacity around 500lbs. Boom lift is of three types.

1. Telescopic boom lifts- Their long extended arms reach up to 120’ at any angle and are mainly used in construction or places where the reach needs to be high or a long one.
2. Articulating boom lifts- Their bendable arms can reach over and around obstacles to place the bucket where its needed and are used in plant maintenance, power lines and trees, allowing workers to reach over equipment that can’t be moved.
3. Trailer mounted boom lift- Are battery powered lifts. The can reach heights of 30’ to 50’ and are towed to work locations behind other vehicles.

• Scissors Lifts- Are used best to move large number of equipment, people or products up and down as they have larger workspaces, more lifting capacity than bucket lifts. These aerial lifts have platform extension that provides a good amount of flexibility. Platform height of scissors lifts is from 19’ to 50’, and lifting capacity around 500 to 2,500lbs.
• Vertical Personnel Lifts- These Aerial lifts move straight up and down and are the most economical choice for single user operations requiring vertical travel. Platform height of the lift is from 12’ to 50’, and lifting capacity around 300 lbs.

What are the different types of tires for aerial lift?
There are mainly two types of tires to choose from.

• Pneumatic Tires are the best choice, being least expensive and good at smoothing the uneven surfaces, though there is a chance of getting a flat. Foam filled tires are costly but impervious to flats.
• Non-marking Tires are much thinner than pneumatic tires and made of solid rubber. They never go flat and are designed not to mark up warehouse floors.

What additional safety features should an aerial lift have?
Aerial lifts are dangerous machines putting workers to great heights of 20’ or more, creating certain amount of risk. Look for the following safety features.

• High speed cutout- limits the overall speed to an easy crawl when the lift is above a certain height.
• Pothole protection- enables arms to come out to stabilize the unit when the lift is raised.
• Level warnings- sound an audible alarm and disables boom operation if they sense the lift is not level.
• Static straps- ground the lift, preventing dangerous static build up from shocking the workers.
• Manual descent valve- can be used by someone on the ground to lower the lift or platform in case the lift looses power while the workers are up in the air.
• LCD displays- provide information from sensors and diagnostics, improving maintenance and safety operations.

What other things should I keep in mind while purchasing an aerial lift?

• Choose a good dealer- as the lifts require maintenance and servicing, choose someone who has been in the business for a long time and are knowledgeable about the product. Ask about their service policies. Check several references before choosing the right dealer.
• Maintenance- along with prompt oil and hydraulic fluid change as well as annual inspections by the dealer. 
• Check the hour meter or odometer. Does it match with the condition of the aerial lift?
• Measure- aisles, doorways, overhead clearance before you finally shop for your lift.
• Warranty on the aerial lift should be filled up and checked properly.

How much does an aerial lift cost?
Pricing depends on the type of lift, manufacturer and your location. So that you get the best deal and a reliable dealer, always compare aerial lifts from multiple distributors in your area to find the right one for your needs.

Consider renting a lift if the total cost of ownership is higher than what you would spend on a rental.