When it comes to working at height, aerial work platforms (AWPs) are the go-to solution across construction, maintenance, and industrial job sites. Also referred to as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), these machines provide a safe and efficient way to access hard-to-reach places. But with various types and sizes available, choosing the right equipment for your job can be a challenge.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of AWPs — including scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers — and explore the size ranges and ideal applications for each.

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Types of Aerial Work Platforms

Understanding the different types of aerial work platforms is essential when determining which equipment is best suited for your project. Each type comes with its own set of capabilities, advantages, and ideal use cases. The following breakdown highlights the most common categories of AWPs, helping you identify the right machine based on your specific needs and jobsite conditions.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are vertical-only platforms that extend straight up, using a crisscrossing metal support structure. They are best suited for jobs that require stable, vertical elevation and have limited horizontal reach.

Applications:

• Indoor construction or maintenance
• Sign installation
• Electrical or HVAC work

Key Benefits:

• High load capacity
• Compact footprint
• Easy to operate on flat, firm surfaces

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts include both articulating and telescopic varieties. Articulating booms have jointed arms that allow the platform to bend and move around obstacles, while telescopic booms offer straight reach with higher maximum heights.

Applications:

• Exterior building maintenance
• Tree trimming
• Utility work

Key Benefits:

• Extended horizontal and vertical reach
• Versatile for complex access points
• Ideal for outdoor and rugged terrain

Telehandlers

Telehandlers are multi-purpose machines with an extendable boom, often used to lift heavy loads to elevated heights. While not a traditional work platform, they can be fitted with a work basket or attachments to perform aerial tasks.

Applications:

• Material handling on construction sites
• Agricultural tasks
• Lifting loads to roofs or scaffolding

Key Benefits:

• High weight capacity
• Off-road capabilities
• Interchangeable attachments

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Choosing the Right Size by Equipment Type

Once you’ve identified the type of aerial work platform best suited for your project, the next crucial step is selecting the appropriate size. Choosing the right size ensures efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Different jobs require varying working heights, weight capacities, and outreach capabilities. Below, we’ll explore size considerations for each equipment type to help you make an informed rental decision.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts range widely in height and platform size, making them suitable for different environments:

• Low-level scissor lifts (under 20 ft): Ideal for indoor use, like warehouse inventory, ceiling repairs, and lighting maintenance.
• Mid-range scissor lifts (20–40 ft): Great for indoor-outdoor flexibility; commonly used in commercial construction and facility management.
• High-reach scissor lifts (40+ ft): Used for extensive exterior maintenance or multi-story construction projects. May require diesel power for outdoor performance.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts are all about reach and flexibility:

• Articulating boom lifts (30–60 ft): Allow operators to navigate around barriers; perfect for tight or awkward workspaces.
• High-reach articulating booms (60–100 ft): Useful for large facility maintenance or power line repairs.
• Telescopic boom lifts (40–180 ft): Offer the greatest reach in both height and horizontal distance; ideal for heavy-duty outdoor projects like bridge work or large-scale building inspections.

Telehandlers

Telehandlers are measured more by lift height and capacity than by platform size:

• Compact telehandlers (under 20 ft lift height): Used for indoor material handling or navigating confined sites.
• Standard telehandlers (20–40 ft lift height): Suitable for most construction tasks, including roof decking, pallet movement, and general lifting.
• High-reach telehandlers (40+ ft): Ideal for multi-level construction or agricultural operations where extended reach is essential.

Match Equipment to the Job

The key to selecting the right size aerial work platform lies in matching the platform's capabilities to the job's requirements. Consider the following factors:

• Working height: Always account for the maximum height you need to reach, plus a buffer.
• Horizontal outreach: Especially critical for boom lifts and telehandlers.
• Weight capacity: Consider both personnel and materials.
• Environment: Indoor or outdoor? Smooth floors or rugged terrain?
• Mobility and setup space: Will the machine fit and maneuver where needed?

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Rent the Right Equipment with Downstream

At Downstream, we make it easy to rent the right aerial work platform for your job. Our fleet includes a wide range of scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers in various sizes and power configurations — all maintained to the highest safety standards.

Whether you're tackling indoor maintenance or a multi-story construction project, Downstream's expert support ensures you get the right equipment, when and where you need it. Check out our equipment rental options today.

Additional Resources

For further reading on aerial work platform safety and standards, visit:

• OSHA Aerial Lift Overview
• IPAF: International Powered Access Federation

By understanding the nuances of aerial work platform types and sizes, you can maximize productivity and ensure worker safety across any project.

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