Choosing the Right MEWP: Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift vs. Spider Lift
Trusted by
The wrong access platform can cost you time, budget, and safety. That’s why selecting the perfect Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) for your job is the most important decision you’ll make on any project that involves working at height.
It’s often called the “MEWP Puzzle”: You have your required working height and outreach, but you also need to factor in site access, ground conditions, and lifting capacity.
As one of the UK’s leading specialists in access platform hire, we’re breaking down the three primary categories of MEWPs—Scissor, Boom, and Spider—to help you select the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective solution for your next job.
Scissor lift vs boom lift vs spider lift at a glance
| Scissor lift | Boom lift | Spider lift | |
| Movement | Straight up and down | Up and out, over obstacles | Up and out, from a compact tracked base |
| Outreach | None, apart from a short deck extension on some models | Good | Good |
| Platform | Large deck for several people and materials | Basket for one or two people | Basket for one or two people |
| Ground | Firm, level surfaces | Firm ground, with rough-terrain models for site work | Uneven ground and slopes, with outriggers to level the machine |
| Site access | Needs a clear, level route | Needs space for a large chassis | Fits through narrow gateways and doorways |
| Floor loading | Heavy | Heavy | Light, spread across the outriggers |
| Best for | Ceilings, M&E and high-level fit-out | Facades and work over obstacles on open sites | Tight access, delicate floors, gardens and atriums |
1. The Vertical Access Master: Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift is a platform that moves straight up and down, supported by a simple, criss-crossing, folding metal structure.
| Best For | Limitations | Key Features |
| Indoor or paved surfaces. | Limited to straight vertical access. | Large work platform for multiple crew members or tools. |
| Tasks needing a large work deck (e.g., electrical work, warehouse maintenance, ceiling repairs). | Not suitable for uneven or soft ground. | Excellent weight capacity (highest of the three types). |
| Jobs where the work area is directly above the platform’s base. | Minimal or no horizontal outreach. | Often available in electric or non-marking tyre models. |
In Short: If you need a stable, spacious workspace to reach an area directly overhead on a firm surface, a scissor lift is your most efficient and cost-effective choice.
2. The Far Reacher: Articulating & Telescopic Boom Lifts (Truck Mounts)
A boom lift uses a hydraulic, crane-like structure to reach the work area. This category includes both articulating (hinged) and telescopic (straight) booms, as well as our powerful Truck Mounts.
| Best For | Limitations | Key Features |
| Maximum height and outreach (greatest reach over obstacles). | Requires more stable ground and wider operating space for stabilisers. | High-speed road travel when truck-mounted. |
| Reaching difficult facades, bridge inspections, and roofing where you need to work over a lower section. | Larger, heavier units may damage sensitive turf or interior floors. | Ability to work over obstacles and access non-vertical angles. |
| Industrial or municipal projects demanding heavy-duty equipment. | Higher rental and operational costs than scissor lifts. | High ground clearance for rough terrain options. |
In Short: When the job requires extensive horizontal reach to get over obstacles or maximum vertical height for exterior work, a boom lift or truck mount is the definitive solution.
3. The Specialized Solution: Tracked Spider Lifts
A tracked spider lift is a lightweight access platform mounted on rubber tracks with stabilizing ‘spider’ legs. This equipment is the core of our specialty at Global Platforms.
| Best For | Specialist Applications | Unique Value |
| Tight, restricted access (can often fit through standard single or double doorways). | Tree care and forestry work (where soft ground requires tracks). | Minimal ground pressure to protect delicate flooring (e.g., atriums, sports halls). |
| Uneven terrain or sloped ground. | Work on listed buildings or churches where stabilising is difficult. | Low weight for easy transport and use on surfaces with low weight tolerance. |
| Indoor use where fumes are restricted (electric or hybrid options). | Complex industrial maintenance in confined plants. | Exceptional outreach from a compact base. |
In Short: When large boom or scissor lifts can’t reach the site, can’t fit through the door, or would damage the ground, the tracked spider lift is the professional solution that gets the job done safely.
Quick Reference: Choose Your MEWP
| Feature | Scissor Lift | Boom Lift (Truck Mount) | Tracked Spider Lift |
| Best Motion | Vertical Only | Up, Over, and Across | Up, Over, and Sloping |
| Ideal Ground | Flat, Paved, or Concrete | Stable, Semi-Even Ground | Uneven, Sloped, or Sensitive Turf |
| Max Outreach | Little to None | Maximum (10m – 30m+) | High (Excellent for size) |
| Tight Access | Poor/Wide | Poor/Very Wide | Excellent (Fits through doors) |
| Specialty | Max Platform Size & Capacity | Max Height and Distance | Max Versatility and Low Impact |
Still Unsure? Let Our Experts Help.
Choosing the right MEWP involves complex calculations of reach, weight, access, and terrain. At Global Platforms, we don’t just rent equipment; we provide access solutions.
We offer an extensive fleet of specialist tracked spider lifts and truck mounts across the UK, backed by IPAF-trained experts who can provide a bespoke recommendation for your project.
Experience the difference that Global Platforms can make in your operations. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and request a quote.
Need a tracked spider lift?
Self-drive or operated hire, delivered anywhere in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a scissor lift and a boom lift?
A scissor lift goes straight up with a large platform. A boom lift can reach up and out, over obstacles, to get to awkward positions.
What is a spider lift?
A compact boom lift on tracks that sets up on outriggers. It combines good reach with a small footprint and low weight.
When is a scissor lift the best choice?
When you need to go straight up on a firm, level surface and want space for several people, tools or materials.
When is a spider lift the best choice?
When access is narrow, the ground is soft or uneven, floors are sensitive or you need to reach over obstacles.
Which IPAF categories cover each machine?
Scissor lifts are category 3a, self-propelled booms are 3b, and spider lifts are 1b, static boom.
Can one machine do everything?
Rarely. Each type suits different jobs, which is why choosing based on height, reach, access and ground matters.
Do all MEWPs need thorough examinations?
Yes. As lifting equipment for people, MEWPs need a thorough examination at least every 6 months under LOLER.
Can you help me choose?
Yes. Tell us the height, outreach, access route and ground surface, and we will recommend the right machine.
Recent Posts
TG20:21 Compliance Sheets Explained: When Does a Scaffold Need a Design?
What TG20:21 compliance sheets are, when a scaffold needs a specific design instead, and what paperwork to ask your scaffolding contractor for.
Pit Boards and Inspection Pit Safety in Train and Vehicle Depots
Inspection pits are a work at height hazard. How pit boards, edge protection and safe pit access keep depots and workshops safe.
Mobile Access Towers Explained: When a Tower Beats Scaffolding
When a mobile access tower is the right choice, how towers should be built and inspected, and when scaffolding or a spider lift is the better option.
Our Services
Tracked Spiders
Available to rent with a wide range of sizes and specifications
Bespoke Platforms
Available to rent with a wide range of sizes and specifications
Truck Mounts
Available to rent with a wide range of sizes and specifications
Scaffolding
Available to rent with a wide range of sizes and specifications
Our portfolio brings in the clients,
our people bring them back…
