Types of Access Equipment Used in Construction and Maintenance
Published: March 5, 2026
A Complete Guide to Access Platforms, Cherry Pickers, Scissor Lifts and Telehandlers
Learn how scissor lifts, cherry pickers and telehandlers are used for safe and efficient working at height.
Access equipment is essential for safely working at height across construction, maintenance, industrial and facilities management projects. There are several different types of access equipment, each designed for specific tasks, working heights, ground conditions and access requirements.
This guide breaks down the most common access platforms used in the UK, explains what each machine is best for, and helps you choose the right option for your job.
Main Types of Access Equipment
The most commonly used types of access equipment in construction and maintenance include:
- Scissor lifts
- Cherry pickers / Boom Lifts
- Telehandlers
- Vertical mast lifts
- Vehicle mounted platforms
If you’re looking for a simple definition first, read: What is access equipment?
What Is Access Equipment?
Access equipment refers to machinery designed to allow workers to safely reach elevated work areas. These machines provide a stable platform for tasks such as installation, maintenance, inspections and construction work.
Access platforms are widely used in:
- Construction and fit-out
- Warehousing and logistics
- Facilities maintenance
- Utilities and infrastructure
- Industrial manufacturing
- External building maintenance and tree work
For a broader overview of powered platforms, see: What are powered access platforms?.
Common Types of Access Equipment
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are one of the most common access platforms for working at height. They raise workers vertically using a crisscrossing support mechanism that expands as the platform lifts.
Scissor lifts are ideal for:
- Indoor construction and fit-out
- Warehouse maintenance
- Electrical installation and lighting
- Ceiling repairs and M&E work
- Jobs needing a larger platform area for people and tools
They’re best suited to flat, stable surfaces and straightforward vertical access. If you’re hiring one, this practical guide helps: Scissor lift hire: how to operate a scissor lift.
Cherry Pickers / Boom Lifts
Cherry pickers (often called boom lifts) use an extendable arm to reach areas that vertical-only machines can’t. Their key benefit is horizontal outreach, which is useful when you need to work over obstacles or access awkward locations.
Cherry pickers are commonly used for:
- Exterior building maintenance
- Sign installation and façade work
- Tree work and landscaping tasks
- Industrial maintenance at height
- Construction work requiring outreach
If you’re comparing options, this is the best starting point: Cherry picker vs scissor lift. You can also read the basics here: What is a cherry picker?
Telehandlers
Telehandlers (telescopic handlers) are versatile lifting machines used heavily on construction sites, industrial yards and agricultural settings. They combine elements of a forklift and crane, making them ideal for lifting and placing materials at height.
Telehandlers are commonly used for:
- Lifting pallets and building materials to elevated areas
- Moving heavy loads across site
- Loading and unloading vehicles
- Supporting construction projects with material placement
With attachments such as pallet forks, buckets and work platforms, telehandlers can perform a wide range of tasks across a busy site. Their extendable boom allows operators to place materials precisely where they’re needed, helping improve efficiency and reduce manual handling.
You can learn more about how these machines work in our guide: What is a telehandler?
If you’re looking to purchase or explore available machines, you can also view our range of telehandlers.
Vertical Mast Lifts
Vertical mast lifts are compact machines designed for tight indoor spaces where access is restricted. They typically have a smaller footprint than scissor lifts, making them popular in retail units, warehouses, offices and narrow aisles.
They’re a good choice when you need:
- Indoor access in confined spaces
- Lower working heights with easy manoeuvrability
- A compact alternative to a standard scissor lift
Vehicle Mounted Platforms
Vehicle mounted platforms are access platforms installed on vans or trucks, allowing operators to drive directly to the work location and quickly set up the machine. These mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) combine the flexibility of a boom lift with the convenience of road transport.
Because the platform is mounted on a road-legal vehicle, it can be driven between sites without the need for additional transport equipment. This makes them ideal for jobs that require frequent relocation or work across multiple locations.
Vehicle mounted platforms are commonly used for:
- Street lighting maintenance
- Telecommunications and utility work
- Signage installation
- Building inspections and repairs
- Tree work and external maintenance
They offer excellent mobility and fast setup, making them a popular choice for contractors working on roadside projects, utilities and maintenance tasks. Many models also provide significant working heights and outreach, allowing operators to safely access difficult areas.
You can explore available machines in our range of vehicle mounted access platforms.
How to Choose the Right Type of Access Equipment
Selecting the correct access equipment depends on your work environment, height requirements and how you need to reach the work area. Use these practical checks to narrow down the best option:
1) Working height
Define the maximum working height needed (and consider any overhead obstacles). Different machines offer different height ranges and capabilities.
2) Vertical access vs outreach
If you only need to go straight up, a scissor lift or mast lift may be suitable. If you need to reach over obstacles or work at an angle, a boom lift (cherry picker) is often a better fit.
3) Indoor vs outdoor environment
Indoor environments often benefit from electric machines (quiet operation and no emissions), while outdoor sites may require rough-terrain capability depending on ground conditions.
4) Ground conditions and space
Uneven surfaces, soft ground or restricted access routes can change what equipment is practical. Always consider site access, turning space and surface strength.
For a deeper, step-by-step selection process, see: Choose the right access platform for UK construction.
Safety When Using Access Equipment
Safety is critical when working at height. Beyond choosing the right machine, safe operation reduces risk, prevents downtime and helps keep work compliant.
Key best practices include:
- Ensuring operators are trained and competent
- Completing pre-use checks and inspections
- Following safe working loads and platform rules
- Using appropriate PPE and fall protection where required
- Operating to manufacturer guidance and site rules
Read our practical safety guide here: How to operate access equipment safely.
Hiring Access Equipment in the UK
Hiring is often the most cost-effective route for short-term projects, maintenance tasks or seasonal work. It also gives you access to modern equipment without the upfront purchase cost.
Before hiring, it’s worth using a checklist to avoid common mistakes and ensure the machine matches your job requirements: MEWP hire checklist.
Choosing the Right Access Equipment
Understanding the different types of access equipment makes it easier to select the safest and most efficient option for your project. Scissor lifts are great for vertical access and platform space, cherry pickers add outreach for difficult areas, and telehandlers excel at lifting and placing materials on site.
If you’re unsure which machine is best for your site, start with the equipment type and access requirements, then compare specific models and hire options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is access equipment?
Access equipment is machinery designed to help people safely work at height. Common examples include scissor lifts, cherry pickers (boom lifts), mast lifts and telehandlers used across construction and maintenance industries.
What are the most common types of access equipment?
The most common types include scissor lifts, cherry pickers (boom lifts), telehandlers, vertical mast lifts and trailer mounted platforms.
What’s the difference between a cherry picker and a scissor lift?
A scissor lift moves vertically and typically offers a larger platform area, while a cherry picker (boom lift) provides outreach and is better for reaching over obstacles. See our full comparison: Cherry picker vs scissor lift.
Access Platform Hire and Sales in the North East & Cumbria
At Milo Access Platforms, we provide access platform hire and sales, supplying high-quality new and used equipment across the North East and Cumbria. If you need help choosing the right machine for your job, our team can advise based on your site, task and access requirements. Get in Touch.