How to Size a Boom Lift by Actual Working Height
The difference between platform height and working height, how to measure what your site really needs, and which model matches.
The most expensive mistake in aerial lift hire is assuming a number of storeys equals a height. A commercial floor can be five metres tall, while a residential floor is usually three.
This guide shows how to measure your real working height and match it to the right class of machine.
Two Measurements People Confuse
Machine catalogues list two numbers. Platform height is the height of the platform floor above the ground, and working height is platform height plus roughly two metres for the worker's reach.
When comparing quotes, make sure you compare the same measurement. A machine listed at 20 metres may mean 18 metres of platform, and that gap matters when your work point sits right at the limit.
How to Measure Your Site's Working Height
Measure from the surface the machine will stand on up to the highest work point. Do not measure from road level if the machine will sit on a concrete apron that is higher or lower.
Then add a safety margin. We recommend picking a model with at least two metres of headroom above your highest work point.
- Measure the highest work point from the surface the machine stands on
- Add two metres as a safety margin
- Check the horizontal distance from the machine position to the wall
- Pick a model whose reach exceeds both of those numbers
Matching Models to Height Bands
Once you know the true working height, matching a model is straightforward. The bands below cover almost all commercial and industrial building work in Malaysia.
Above 41 metres an aerial work platform is usually not the right answer and other access methods should be considered.
- Up to 12 metres indoors: electric scissor lift
- 12 to 20 metres with obstacles: articulating boom lift
- 20 to 28 metres outdoors: mid-range telescopic boom lift
- 28 to 41 metres: heavy telescopic boom lift
Do Not Forget Horizontal Outreach
Height alone is not enough. If the machine cannot stand close to the building because of a drain, landscaping, or parked cars, you need enough horizontal outreach as well.
Maximum outreach is normally achieved at mid height, not at full height. Tell us that distance when booking so the right model is chosen.
See our articulating versus telescopic comparison and the rental cost guide. For local rates see boom lift rental in Johor Bahru or all our guides.