Understanding EWP Height & Reach: What Size Do You Really Need?

Choosing the right Elevated Work Platform (EWP) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before starting any job that requires working at height. Selecting the wrong size can lead to delays, safety risks and unexpected costs. With so many models available including scissor lifts, knuckle booms, straight booms and more, it’s essential to understand height, reach and platform capabilities before hiring.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to select the ideal EWP for your project, whether you’re working indoors, outdoors or on complex construction sites.

1. Start with the Most Important Question: How High Do You Need to Work?

The industry uses two key terms:

Platform Height

The height from the ground to the platform floor.

Working Height

The platform height plus 2 metres (the average height of a worker).

For example:

• A 10m scissor lift = 12m working height
• A 45ft boom lift = around 51ft / 15m working height

When choosing an EWP, always consider working height, not just platform height.

2. Understanding Vertical vs Horizontal Reach

Different EWPs have different capabilities:

Scissor Lifts

• Go straight up
• No horizontal reach
• Ideal for:
  ✔ Indoor work
  ✔ Maintenance at height
  ✔ Warehouse tasks
  ✔ Flat, stable surfaces

Knuckle Boom Lifts (Articulating Booms)

• Reach up and over obstacles
• Provide both height + horizontal outreach
• Perfect for:
  ✔ Construction
  ✔ Facility maintenance
  ✔ Hard-to-reach areas

Straight Boom Lifts (Telescopic Booms)

• Maximum height and outreach
• Best for:
  ✔ High-rise construction
  ✔ Steel erection
  ✔ Large outdoor sites

Choosing between these depends on whether you need vertical access only or must reach over obstacles.

3. How to Match EWP Height to Your Job Requirements

Below is a simple breakdown to help determine the right size for your task:

0–8m Working Height

Great for:

• Low indoor maintenance
• Tight warehouse areas
• Retail fitouts
  Suggested machines:
• Compact electric scissor lifts
• Small vertical lifts

8–12m Working Height

Perfect for:

• Standard warehouse facilities
• Installers
• Trades working indoors
  Suggested machines:
• 19ft–26ft electric scissor lifts
• Small knuckle booms

12–20m Working Height

Common for:

• Commercial construction
• Outdoor maintenance
• Industrial sites
  Suggested machines:
• 32ft–45ft scissor lifts
• Mid-sized knuckle booms
• Compact rough terrain booms

20m–40m Working Height

Required for:

• High-rise construction
• Steel erection
• Bridge and infrastructure works
  Suggested machines:
• Large knuckle booms
• Telescopic boom lifts (straight booms)

40m+ Working Height

For specialized heavy-duty projects where maximum elevation and outreach are essential.

4. Consider Your Ground Conditions

Ground surface impacts your choice:

Indoor Smooth Floors

• Electric scissor lifts
• Compact booms
  ✔ Quiet
  ✔ Zero emissions
  ✔ Non-marking tyres

Outdoor or Rough Terrain

• Diesel scissor lifts
• 4×4 booms
• Rough-terrain articulating lifts
  ✔ Better traction
  ✔ Better stability
  ✔ Designed for slopes and uneven ground

Choosing the wrong type can make a job difficult or unsafe.

5. Platform Size and Load Capacity Matter Too

You may need:

• Extra-wide platforms
• Higher SWL (safe working load) for tools/materials
• Two-person platforms for more efficient workflow

Scissor lifts offer larger platforms for multiple workers.
Boom lifts offer greater reach but smaller platforms.

6. Don’t Forget Horizontal Reach

Horizontal outreach is the most overlooked factor when hiring EWPs.

Examples:

• Need to reach over machinery? → Knuckle boom lift
• Need maximum outreach across large sites? → Straight boom lift
• Only going straight up? → Scissor lift

If you miscalculate outreach, the machine may not reach your work zone even if the height is correct.

7. Still Unsure? AAH Can Recommend the Right EWP for You

With hundreds of machines in our fleet, Australian Access Hire (AAH) helps customers choose safe and cost-effective access solutions every day. We consider:

• Your required height
• Horizontal reach
• Job type
• Ground conditions
• Indoor vs outdoor use
• Weight capacity
• Platform size
• Travel distance onsite

Our team ensures you get a machine that will definitely reach the area you need with the right safety margins.

Choose the Right EWP with Australian Access Hire

Whether you’re working at 6 metres or 40 metres, AAH provides reliable access equipment across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

We supply:

• Electric & diesel scissor lifts
• Knuckle boom lifts
• Straight boom lifts
• Telehandlers 
• Forklifts
• Rough terrain Buggies
• Compact indoor vertical lifts

Plus:
✔ Fast delivery
✔ Competitive hire rates
✔ Expert advice
✔ 24/7 support

Contact us for advice on the best Access Equipment to suit your job site.