The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Looking for work platform ideas.

So, here's my story. I wish I would've taken pictures before I broke all this down but you should get the idea. I have a work platform that was made back in the 1980's. Made by the crew that used to build boom trucks. It is built of 2 x 2 x .250 tubing and is pretty stout. On lockable wheels so it is easy to move around. The platform is adjustable in height and has a drop-able chain railing. The platform area is probably 4' x 10'. I wish there was more support under the plywood deck but the 3/4" thickness supports my weight along with tools. Although it is a little oil soaked. To climb to the top of the platform, they took an A-frame ladder, removed the back half and attached it to the platform with brackets. I have used this tool for years and it has been inspected annually, although I'm guessing not real closely. This was an internal department inspection that the corporation retains.

http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold1.jpg
http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold2.jpg
http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold3.jpg

In recent years we have seen the rules change a little. Ladders must be unmodified and have the manufacturers tags for rating and such. Makes sense. I think this is the first time my current manager has seen this platform deployed. I had it in a position over the hood of a truck, just about right up against the windshield. This gave me a platform to replace the upper and lower articulating cylinders on this boom truck.

http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold4.jpg
http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold5.jpg

Yeah, the chains shouldn't be that saggy.

http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold7.jpg

It also works great at the back end of a truck to do turret / bull gear / rotation motor work.

http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold6.jpg

You can see the platform in place a little bit in this picture.

http://www.bunchobikes.com/scaffold8.jpg

So.....the boss says it might be time to find a better / newer version. I do believe we have access to a Genie Lift.

http://www.genielift.com/en/idc03/groups/webcontent/@web/@awp/documents/web_content/ucm03_034036.jpg

But with 43 garages in a 50,000 square mile area and only 5-6 of the Genies, I don't think I would be able to hold on to it for long.

So the question is, does anybody have a suggestion for a replacement platform? I've started looking it to work platforms and have seen some neat stuff and I've looked at scaffolding. Storage is an issue, you can see in the previous pictures how everything is tucked in together. But I'd like to see or hear about what other folks are using.

I would be going for a Genie type manlift. Firstly and most importantly from a safety standpoint (they're engineered and certified for the application).

It would also give you more flexibility to access areas in a "comfortable" position as opposed to (no doubt) sometimes having to reach or put yourself in awkward positions.

Lastly, it may even save money in the long run. Think about how much faster it would be to get out, and up and down while you're working. Regardless of that possibility, it would appear (from the equipment in the pics and the size of business indicated) that purchasing a manlift would not break the bank.

Depend on OHSA and how much the boss wants to spend. You could have a similar thing engineered and built for drastically less than a Genie lift. The main safety issue is going to be the lack of railings.

Less than you would think. Short story, OSHA, I believe is at 6', we start at 4'. We wear a harness and strap ourselves to the boom at anything over that height. No need to when working in the belly of the truck, etc.etc.

They also just delivered a Miller Sky Orb to my shop. https://www.millerfallprotection.com/gallery2/d/31500-2/SkyORB+Aplication+4.jpg The only issue I have with the sky orb is I don't typically work on the wheels. I always work on trucks with the outriggers down. So I'll need to get out my counter weights to use it.

We already have the Genie and I have it heading my way next week.

But, I am still looking for platform suggestions. I like my old platform, I just need a modern version of it. It has to be an "off the shelf" item, no custom builds. And, for now, let's not worry about cost. The sky's the limit!