Access platforms, also known as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), offer immense value for warehouse operators seeking to optimise storage density and picking efficiency. Whether you need to handle inventory at height, perform maintenance tasks, or simply need a better view of stock layouts, rented scissor lifts and boom lifts provide versatile solutions.
Compared to fixed gantries and installed structures, temporary hire of access machinery enables businesses to scale equipment precisely to current operational requirements. This delivers excellent cost efficiency and flexibility.
Let’s explore key advantages of utilising rented access platforms across warehousing and logistics functions.
Maximise Cube Utilisation of Vertical Space
Warehouses typically contain extensive high-rack storage systems that hold palletised goods and small items on shelving up to 5-12 metres high. Optimising density allows you to accommodate more inventory within your fixed footprint. This saves on external storage fees and minimises handling movements.
Installing sufficient fixed gantries for workers is expensive, while ladders raise safety issues. MEWPs deliver an adaptable and budget-friendly alternative to safely access racking bays at height. Operators can directly pick, pack and put away stock using the platform’s built-in controls.
Common rental choices like scissor lifts provide working heights up to 12 metres, while boom lifts can extend beyond 18 metres. This flexible vertical range covers picking requirements across warehouses.
Enhance Inventory Visibility
Periodic inventory reviews ensure you have visibility over existing stock levels, preventing costly stockouts or identifying slow-moving items for discounting. However, seeing what resides on upper pallet racks is virtually impossible from ground level.
Using rented vertical lifts lets staff conduct visual inspections of all racking levels with ease. This saves significant time over manual counting/scanning and enables intelligent decisions about storage locations, replenishment needs and write-offs.
Streamline Light Maintenance Duties
Various maintenance tasks like light fixture upgrades, duct inspections and sprinkler testing must occur across warehouse facilities. While managers can schedule these during quiet periods, any equipment downtime leads to disruptions.
Portable vertical access platforms enable contractors to swiftly complete minor scheduled maintenance via temporary equipment rental. This prevents falls, improves maintenance efficiency and reduces interference with regular picking operations.
Enhance Safety for Workers
Warehouses experience several incidents each year resulting from falls or being struck by objects while handling loads aloft. Scissor lifts provide stable, secure platforms for operators working at height rather than relying on risky ladders.
MEWPs also help reinforce safe movement of goods via platforms. Loads can be directly picked onto the deck surface using the integrated controls, rather than dragging items across racking and risking slips or falls.
Choose the Right MEWP Type for Your Activities
- Scissor Lifts: Compact footprint and lift capacity suited for tight access between racking aisles
- Boom Lifts: Greater horizontal outreach for accessing awkward areas like racking exteriors
- Vertical Lifts: Narrow design accesses storage bays directly with minimal maneuvering
Adapt Swiftly to Changing Requirements
Forklifts get most of the glory in materials handling circles. However, access platforms serve an equally vital role in ensuring fast, efficient and safe operations. With rented equipment, managers retain the agility to scale their mobile fleet according to seasonal peaks and operational needs.
Short term rentals of a few weeks empower warehouses to fulfil temporary demands, whether managing overflow inventory or accommodating special projects. Equally, long term leases spanning several years deliver budget consistency for regular aerial tasks.
Access platforms form an indispensable component of the modern warehouse manager’s toolkit. Evaluating individual lift specifications in relation to your storage layouts and inventory processes is key to maximising the benefits. This guide outlines critical advantages of temporary access machinery hire within warehousing.
