The agony of choice: Which work platforms for which tasks?

What You Need to Know

The right work platform makes your project safer, more efficient and smoother.Important selection criteria areWorking height, load capacity, location, mobilityandDrive typeThere are suitable platform types for every need – from scissor lifts to articulated telescopic platforms.

If you want to remain flexible, you can rely onRent instead of buyThis way, you can avoid making bad decisions and stay ready for action – whether on construction sites, during maintenance, or at events.

The selection of work platforms is vast – and that's precisely what makes the decision complex. The wrong platform costs time, money, and stress. Here you'll find clear, practical guidance: a compact overview of types with working heights, load capacities, advantages, and typical applications, plus the most important selection criteria for your project.

Why the right work platform is crucial

Only when the design and requirements are matched will you be able to work safely, efficiently, and without idle time. Therefore, always consider not only the height, but also the lateral reach , the surface , the available space , and the mobility .

Overview of work platform types and their areas of application

Main recommendation: Choose based on working height, lateral reach, ground conditions, and mobility needs. These values ​​are approximate and vary depending on the model.

*Maximum working heights are guidelines only and depend on the specific model.

Typical areas of application

• Assembly & Construction: Facades, roofs, steel construction, interior fittings
• Maintenance & Repair: Industrial halls, logistics, airports
• Events: Lighting/stage technology, setup and dismantling
• Landscaping: tree pruning, maintenance of large green areas
• Cleaning & Renovation: Interior and exterior cleaning at
• Telecommunications & Energy: Masts, antennas, PV systems

How to make the right choice – the decisive criteria

• Working height : Required height plus reserves for tools/movement.
• Lateral reach: Bridging obstacles? Is side access necessary?
• Load capacity : realistically add people, tools and materials.
• Terrain & surface: Indoor floor (non-marked) vs. unpaved (chain).
• Space conditions: Check clearance heights, door widths, turning circles.
• Drive & emissions: Electric for indoors, diesel/hybrid for outdoors and range.
• Mobility: Frequent relocation? → Truck-mounted platform or trailer . Stationary? → Scissor lift/mast .

Compare work platforms directly online

At biberger.de , you can compare multiple aerial work platforms at once . With just one click, you can add machines to the comparison and receive a clear table with performance data such as working height, load capacity, drive type, and dimensions. This way, you can quickly identify which model is best suited to your application – before renting or purchasing.

Rent or buy – which is better?

• Renting: Ideal for occasional use or changing projects. You only pay for the equipment you use and benefit from immediately available, serviced machines – often including training, accident prevention regulations, maintenance, and insurance.
• Buying: Makes sense if you use it very regularly. Pay attention to maintenance records , accident prevention regulations , and technical inspections, especially for used devices.

Conclusion

The right work platform saves time , money, and reduces risks . Use the type overview and criteria, compare models, and then decide: rent for maximum flexibility or buy for permanent use. If you're unsure, a quick consultation with our technicians will help – then the right platform will be in the right place for the first appointment.

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.