MEWP vs. telehandler + basket

[LynBugLover]

Hi. Sorry if this is a bit of a daft question. When it comes to HSE regs, training etc., is there a difference between a dedicated mewp and a telehandler with a mancage attachment? We have both at the place I work, and currently the telehandler is used in preference to the Niftylift because it is perceived not to require the same level of servicing, operator training etc. I can't see the difference, to be honest. Surely a mewp is a mewp, whether it's a dedicated piece of kit, or an attachment.

 

Does anyone know the answer, or where I would find out?

 

Thanks very much

 

Lynette

[Will Hinchliffe]

I have used a Telehandler and man cage. When using a man cage you can only operate the boom and must keep the Telehandler stationary when there is someone in the cage. This makes getting to multiple locations on a tree tricky and slow. Telehandlers generally make quite a bit of mess on wet ground especially if you have an uncarefull operator.

 

The telehandler must have a loler inspection every 6 months if it is to be used to lift people.

[tommer9]

I have used a Telehandler and man cage. When using a man cage you can only operate the boom and must keep the Telehandler stationary when there is someone in the cage. This makes getting to multiple locations on a tree tricky and slow. Telehandlers generally make quite a bit of mess on wet ground especially if you have an uncarefull operator.

 

The telehandler must have a loler inspection every 6 months if it is to be used to lift people.

 

I thought that when someone was in the basket only they could control the handler, and that for a baskt to meet regs it must have controls? I remember a lock out in the cab of some sort- maybe the steering, but may have been the joystick- in a 9m merlo where i used to work, which i think was to do with a basket.

 

Coincidentaly, i was held up today by a gang on roadside tre work using a handler with a basket- i never looked in the cab...

[Will Hinchliffe]

There is usually a button in the cab to lock the forks on self leveling so you dont tip the people out by accident. There is no need for controls in the basket.

[Big 'Ammer]

Rules and regs aside, a large telehandler with man basket is an excellent piece of equipment on the right sort of job.

[theyeti]

The main reg is you need check valves on the boom hydraulics if you are using a man basket on a telehandler. In case a pipe bursts.

[LynBugLover]

Thanks everyone that's answered. I've had a good look through LOLER and it could certainly be clearer (but then I guess that would make it all too simple, wouldn't it?). There's no question in my mind, but I can see how someone wishing to avoid the cost of 6-monthly inspections could argue that a forklift is not 'equipment for lifting persons'. I can feel a frank exchange of views coming on. Ho hum.