Access and Materials Handling Equipment Hire for Events

From large outdoor festivals and concerts to sporting events, exhibitions and corporate functions, putting an event together involves much more than what guests see on the day.

Stages need to be constructed, lighting and audio equipment installed, temporary structures assembled, materials moved and equipment positioned in sometimes difficult locations. When the event is over, everything needs to be dismantled and removed just as efficiently.

Having the right access and materials handling equipment can make these jobs significantly easier.

Australian Access Hire provides access and materials handling equipment for events across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, helping event organisers, production companies, contractors and site crews handle the practical challenges of event setup and pack-down.

Equipment for event setup and pack-down

Event sites can change dramatically over a short period. An empty field or car park can become a fully operational event venue within days, with stages, marquees, seating, lighting, screens, fencing and other temporary infrastructure installed throughout the site.

Materials handling equipment can help crews move heavy or bulky items around the site, while access equipment provides the reach required to install equipment and work safely at height.

Depending on the requirements of the event, equipment may include:

• Telehandlers
• Forklifts
• All-terrain forklifts and buggies
• Scissor lifts
• Boom lifts
• Other access equipment suited to the site and application

The right combination of equipment depends on the event site, materials being handled, working heights, ground conditions and the tasks being performed.

Telehandlers for event sites

Telehandlers can be particularly useful on larger outdoor event sites where materials need to be moved across uneven or open ground.

Their telescopic boom provides a combination of lifting capacity and reach, allowing operators to position materials at different heights and distances from the machine.

Telehandlers can be used for applications such as:

• Moving staging and event infrastructure
• Positioning building materials
• Handling temporary structures
• Moving equipment around large outdoor venues
• Loading and unloading deliveries
• Supporting event construction and dismantling

For events held in parks, ovals, racecourses or other outdoor locations, an all-terrain telehandler can provide the mobility required to work across a larger site.

Forklift hire for events

Forklifts are commonly used where event equipment needs to be unloaded, transported and positioned around a venue.

They can assist with handling pallets, staging components, production equipment, temporary structures and other heavy materials.

Forklifts can be particularly useful around loading zones, warehouses, exhibition halls and hardstand areas where there is sufficient space for conventional forklift operation.

For outdoor events where terrain is uneven or access conditions are more demanding, all-terrain forklifts and buggies can provide an alternative to standard warehouse-style forklifts.

Access equipment for working at height

Event construction frequently involves working at height. Lighting rigs, signage, screens, banners, temporary structures and other equipment may need to be installed above ground level.

Boom lifts and scissor lifts provide access for these types of tasks while allowing crews to work at elevated positions.

The most suitable machine will depend on the height required, the working area, ground conditions and whether the operator needs vertical or horizontal reach.

Scissor lifts

Scissor lifts provide primarily vertical access and are useful where workers need to move straight upwards to a work area.

They can be suitable for applications such as:

• Installing lighting
• Working on stages and temporary structures
• Installing signage
• Electrical and production work
• Maintenance during an event

Boom lifts

Boom lifts provide greater horizontal reach than scissor lifts, making them useful where the work area cannot be accessed directly from underneath.

For larger outdoor event sites, a boom lift can allow crews to reach elevated work areas while positioning the machine some distance away from the structure.

Working on difficult event sites

Not every event takes place on a flat, purpose-built venue.

Outdoor events can be held on grass, dirt, gravel, slopes and other surfaces that can make equipment access more challenging. Weather can also change ground conditions considerably during an event build.

Choosing equipment that is appropriate for the terrain is therefore an important part of planning the job.

All-terrain equipment can provide greater mobility across outdoor sites, while compact machines may be more appropriate where space is restricted or access routes are narrow.

Equipment hire for tight event schedules

Event setup and pack-down often operate to strict deadlines. Contractors may have only a limited window to build the site before the event opens, while dismantling may need to begin immediately after the event finishes.

Equipment availability can therefore be an important part of the planning process.

Having the appropriate machine available when required can help crews avoid delays when unloading deliveries, moving materials, installing temporary infrastructure or dismantling the site.

It can also allow different crews to work on separate areas of the venue at the same time.

Choosing the right equipment for your event

There is no single machine that suits every event.

When selecting access or materials handling equipment, consider:

• What materials need to be lifted or moved?
• How heavy are the loads?
• How high do materials need to be lifted?
• How far do they need to be positioned?
• What type of ground will the equipment operate on?
• How much space is available?
• Are there height or width restrictions?
• How long will the equipment be required?
• Will the equipment be used during setup, the event itself, pack-down or all three?

Getting these details right before the equipment arrives can help ensure the machine is suitable for the job and the site.

Supporting your event from setup to pack-down

The equipment required to build an event is often just as important as the equipment used during the event itself.

From unloading deliveries and moving staging equipment to installing lighting and dismantling temporary structures, access and materials handling equipment can play an important role throughout the event lifecycle.

Australian Access Hire provides access and materials handling equipment for event applications across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

Whether you are organising a large outdoor festival, corporate event, sporting event, exhibition or temporary venue, choosing the right equipment can help your crews move materials, reach elevated work areas and keep the event build moving to schedule.

Contact Australian Access Hire to discuss your event requirements and find the right access or materials handling equipment for your site.