What are mobile platforms?

Mobile platforms are used for safe and efficient performance of work at heights. They are also called jacks or lifters. They are an alternative to traditional scaffolding. They allow you to lift both materials and workers, equipment and tools. The wide use of these devices results from their efficiency, safe construction and easy operation.

A large selection of types of mobile platforms allows you to choose the optimal device for the specificity of a given task, location of work, organization of working time or the expected effect. The selection of the right platform is determined by several parameters, such as load capacity, height, size of the platform needed, access to power supply, and the amount of free space for the machine.

The operation of mobile platforms requires obtaining specific qualifications confirmed by a positive result of the state examination, while the condition of these devices is controlled by the Office of Technical Inspection.

Types and possibilities of lifts

Popular mobile platforms can be categorized in terms of their load-bearing structure. Therefore, we distinguish:

Scissor lifts

These devices consist of two levers that allow you to work vertically. The power supply is guaranteed by a set of batteries. Thanks to regular charging cycles, the lift will run smoothly for a longer period of time. They are intended mainly for work in small spaces.

Telescopic lifts

Telescopic mobile platforms are used in projects that require extreme heights, which can be up to 60 meters. They are used in work in difficult conditions, where maximum swing is needed, also horizontally, for example above a hole in the ground.

Articulated platforms

Also known as basket arms, they are equipped with a movable arm in several places. The articulated boom can flex at multiple angles to overcome obstacles and work in difficult conditions.

Articulated telescopic boom lifts

The design of this device is aimed at achieving the greatest possible working height and lateral reach. They are used both outside and inside buildings.

Taking into account the features of the vehicle, we distinguish:

• movable mobile platforms - have a chassis, a special work platform and a supporting structure that connects to the chassis;
• mast lifts - also called vertical, they allow work at height from a basket placed on a moving mast; small dimensions allow it to operate in hard-to-reach places;hanging platforms - consist of a working platform, special ropes, a winch and a load-bearing structure; the advantage of this type of device is the option of permanent installation in the building space.

Mobile mobile platforms should be divided into:

• low-speed - are equipped with their own two- or four-wheel drive, or tracks; they can be powered by electricity or diesel;
• transportable - jacks mounted on the trailer's chassis and adapted to be driven behind a vehicle, therefore they are approved for road traffic as special trailers;
• self-propelled - mounted on a car chassis and approved for road traffic.

The use of mobile platforms

Mobile platforms are lifting devices that are used to lift materials and people to a height with the use of a platform or gondola. They are used primarily in construction, finishing and all kinds of installations. We can meet them in the advertising industry - in works related to cleaning or decorating surfaces at heights. In addition, these devices are suitable for the assembly of external structures, e.g. stages, stages, etc.

Advantages of using mobile platforms

Mobile platforms are eagerly used by companies in production and warehouse halls, for the reloading of goods, construction and renovation works, etc. They have a self-propelled chassis, thanks to which they can be easily transported from place to place at any time, which means that one lift will serve several positions on the construction site. The mobility of such a machine is especially useful in renovation and conservation works. Another advantage of these devices is the possibility of renting them. Especially small enterprises that do not use them constantly, appreciate this option. We have a number of companies on the market that offer rent increases. By using such a service, we can be sure that the device is used one hundred percent, and the company incurs costs only when it is actually used.

Parameters of mobile platforms that should be borne in mind

Rated capacity Q - indicated in kilograms the highest load specified by the manufacturer.

Work platform dimensions - it includes the length and width of the horizontal projection of the platform along with its extension.

Reception - we define it by the span between the axis of rotation of the mobile hoist and the extreme position of the platform.

Maximum working height - measured in meters, the greatest vertical distance separating the level of the landing from the level of safe work execution.

Platform lifting and lowering speed - the speed of vertical movement of the work platform, in meters per second, with the rated load capacity.

Working area of the movable mobile platform - a space intended for the use of the work platform, which allows work within the specified load capacity and comfortable working conditions.

How to become an operator of mobile platforms?

A person who wants to obtain qualifications to operate mobile platforms should undergo training that will allow for safe use of the device in accordance with a given category of qualifications and prepare them for the examination before the committee of the Office of Technical Inspection. After passing the exam, you can obtain official qualifications.

Candidates for crane operators should:

• be at least 18 years old,
• have at least elementary education,
• have a medical certificate that there are no contraindications to work at heights.

The powers of the operators of mobile platforms include:

• mobile, slow-moving (so-called scissor lifts)
• transportable (so-called spiders attached to a car)
• self-propelled (vehicle-mounted - aerial work platforms)
•  hanging
•  masthead
•  stationary