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Monthly Archives: April 2024

Your Complete Guide to MEWP Rentals and Sales

Equipment is flying off the lot as the busy season begins, and Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) rentals/sales are no different! 

MEWPs are some of the most popular types of equipment we rent and sell here at Hugg & Hall. Are you confident you’ll pick the right one for your jobsite or project? 

We’re here to help you make the best decision! Read this article to learn more about MEWP rentals/sales and how Hugg & Hall can help! 

 

Table of Contents

  1. Types of MEWPs + Examples
  2. Functions of MEWPs
  3. Choosing the right MEWP
  4. Renting vs buying a MEWP
  5. Training
  6. Takeaways

 

1. Types of MEWPs

In 2020, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) changed the classifications of various aerial work platforms (AWPs) and classified them as MEWPs for the first time. 

These MEWPs are now classified according to group and type. 

group a: the platform stays inside the tipping line of the machine at all times. group b: the platform extends beyond the tipping line of the machine. the tipping line of a MEWP is the area bounded by its outriggers or wheels.

Type 1 MEWPs can only move in the stowed position. The platform must be lowered completely before you move the machine. 

Type 2 MEWPS can move when the platform is elevated. Their movement is controlled from the chassis. 

Type 3 MEWPs can move when the platform is elevated. However, their movement can be controlled from the platform. 

group a type 1: vertical mast lift. group a type 2: walkie stacker with platform. group a type 3: scissor lift. group b type 1: boom lift with outriggers. group b type 2: underbridge platform. group b type 3: articulating boom lift.

Want an even more comprehensive understanding of MEWP types and ANSI standards? Check out this article from Conger about MEWP types. 

 

2. Functions of MEWPs

In all cases, MEWPs are used to access hard-to-reach places. They help you access heights and places where it would be difficult or unsafe to work without a platform. 

You can use the six different types of MEWPs for various functions on most jobsites.

Common uses of MEWPs. Group A: indoor maintenance, manufacturing, industrial jobsites, stock picking, retail, artwork/art installations, construction, installation. Group B: utility work, industrial applications, landscaping, indoor/outdoor building maintenance, electrical/powerline maintenance, construction, installation.

 

3. Choosing the Right MEWP

MEWP classifications aren’t the only things that vary! Each type of equipment has minor differences that will help it perform better on certain jobsites. 

The factors you’ll most commonly see affecting your rental are height, terrain, and specific project needs. 

If you call Hugg & Hall for a MEWP rental, our team will be the ones asking the questions! They’re incredibly well-versed in the different types of MEWPs and know what to ask to ensure you get the right equipment for your jobsite. 

Height

At Hugg & Hall, our MEWP equipment heights range from 19ft to 150ft!  

Our electric scissor lifts and rough-terrain scissor lifts can range from 19 feet to 53 feet when fully extended. 

Whether you need an articulating boom lift or a telescopic boom lift, we’ve got boom lifts from 30 feet to 150 feet when fully extended. 

Terrain 

Your project’s terrain helps our rental team determine what kind of lift you’ll need!

Highly specialized MEWPs, like boom lifts with outriggers, are often small enough to fit through a standard doorway, making them a great choice for indoor projects.

Additionally, booms with outriggers are incredibly versatile and are the only boom lifts approved for projects on uneven ground.  

Some MEWPs, like scissor lifts, are designed for both indoor and outdoor projects. Rough-terrain scissor lifts are commonly used for outdoor jobsites when they will be rolling over uneven ground. 

Project Needs

Your project makes the most impact on what type of MEWP our rental team will recommend. 

Because scissor lifts fall under Group A, you must position them directly next to what you’re planning to work on. 

If that isn’t feasible, you’ll need to consider a Group B lift, like a telescopic or articulating boom, which can be parked further from what you’re working on.

Not sure which MEWP is best for your needs? Contact our knowledgeable rental team! They can help you determine what type of equipment you need. 

 

4. Buying Vs Renting a MEWP

Did you know renting equipment can be 2-4 times cheaper than financing it? 

However, there’s a caveat: depending on what your company does and how often you use your MEWP, financing and purchasing might be the better option. 

Running a cost-benefit analysis for your company will tell you which option will save you money in the long run. 

deciding whether you should rent or buy graphic. pros of renting: saves you money up front. tax deductible. get access to different types of machines. you're not on the hook for maintenance. never get stuck with outdated equipment. pros of purchasing: builds equity. get exactly the piece of equipment you need. your equipment will always be available. no waiting for delivery. never worry about rental costs.

 

Rental Pricing 

The cost of renting a MEWP varies from company to company. The function of the MEWP and how specialized the MEWP is will also affect costs.

Because the cost of rentals varies between seasons, it’s best to contact a salesperson for an exact quote when you decide you’re ready to rent. 

Certain MEWPs, like electric scissor lifts, are very common on most equipment yards and are usually less expensive to rent than an articulating or telescopic boom lift. 

Specialized pieces of equipment will typically cost more per-day than generalized equipment, but generally you’ll still be saving money renting instead of purchasing the equipment. 

Another factor to consider is how long you’ll have the rental. Often, you’ll save money per-day the longer you have the machine. A four-week rental is usually less per day than a one-week rental. 

When you need the most cost-effective option, turn to Hugg & Hall for your rentals! 

Want more info about the costs of renting vs buying? Check out our blog post to learn how to perform a cost-benefit analysis! 

 

5. MEWP Training

Do you need specialized training to operate a MEWP?

Yes. ANSI and OSHA require aerial lift training to protect operators and bystanders. 

Want to make sure you’re up to speed on MEWP operations? Hugg & Hall offers operator training and train-the-trainer programs! Contact our training department today!

 

6. Takeaways

  • ANSI categorizes MEWPs as Group A or Group B, with subcategories of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. 
  • Each subcategory of MEWP will meet specific jobsite needs. If you have questions about which MEWP is best for your jobsite, contact our team! 
  • Renting can be extremely cost-effective and save you more money than purchasing, but it’s best to perform a cost-benefit analysis to be sure. 
  • All MEWP operators must be trained and certified. 

Employee Spotlight: Stephen Messonnier

Meet Stephen Messonnier, Outside Salesperson in Destrehan! 

Stephen Messonnier smiles while wearing an LSU-purple Hugg & Hall polo.

Stephen is a New Orleans native who currently lives in Metairie. 

Stephen has been with Hugg & Hall for two years, but he’s a veteran in the industry. Prior to his time at Hugg & Hall, he worked for Scott Equipment from 1995-2008. 

For readers who aren’t aware, in 2019, Hugg & Hall and Scott Equipment traded dealer lines. Scott Equipment received our Volvo line and we received their Toyota line. Several Scott employees joined Hugg & Hall in the trade. 

Stephen said he loves being back in the industry, “selling equipment and seeing many of the familiar faces I worked with at Scott.” 

Stephen also has experience as a manager, as he spent the 14 years after he left Scott Equipment managing districts for Amerigas Propane. 

 

Stephen’s role at Hugg & Hall 

As an Outside Salesperson, Stephen says that every day is different, but there are a few constants.

“I spend some days in the office doing quotes and handling issues. Other days I am in the field, calling on existing customers or making cold calls to generate new business. I love to meet new customers and learn how they got started in their present business.” 

Stephen also enjoys working with his coworkers and supervisors. “I really like working for Tim Waychoff (VP of Sales) and Ray White (Regional Sales Manager). They let me do my job and they’re available to answer any questions or help solve an issue.” 

 

Stephen’s life outside of work is always interesting!

When he’s not at Hugg & Hall, Stephen can be found spending time with his wife of 32 years and his three daughters and one son-in-law. He loves to play sand volleyball with family and friends. 

He stayed close to New Orleans because it’s a truly great place to live! “There’s always something to do in the New Orleans area. Festivals, Mardi Gras, Lake Pontchartrain, great restaurants, and a short ride to the Gulf Coast.”

Stephen is also a fan of wrestling! He said, “Something my coworkers might not know is that I was the head wrestling coach at Catholic High in Baton Rouge for five years during the 1980s.” Though he’s since left coaching, he carries that love of mentoring and helping people do their best.

We love to share our employees’ favorite quotes! They always give us some interesting insight into how they approach their jobs and their lives outside of work. 

Stephen’s favorite quote is from the comedy Talladega Nights: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” With Stephen’s job performance, we know he always strives to be first! 

A big thank you to Stephen Messonnier for all your hard work! 

Want to learn more about our awesome employees? Check out our employee spotlights page!