How to prepare a site for a lift delivery

A well-prepared site is the basis of smooth delivery and unloading of a lift (cherry picker, aerial work platform, MEWP). A few simple things checked in advance help you avoid the situation where the lorry arrives and unloading turns out to be impossible or much harder, which costs time for both the driver and the crew waiting for the equipment.

Access for the delivery vehicle

We transport lifts on specialist vehicles, so check in advance that the access road to the unloading point can be used by a larger vehicle: the width of the road, the height of any restrictions (overpasses, tree branches, power lines), the load-bearing capacity of the surface (especially after rain, when the ground is softened) and the turning radius at the entrance to the site. If access is narrow, restricted for example by a gate, or leads through a housing estate with traffic restrictions, report it early so that the best method and time of unloading can be agreed.

The unloading and working area

The surface on which the lift is to stand, or on which it will work straight away, should be as level as possible and strong enough to carry the weight of the machine, especially for larger telescopic boom lifts or diesel articulating boom lifts, which weigh from several to a dozen or so tonnes. Freshly tipped, uncompacted ground, or soft ground after rain, may not hold the weight of the machine during work, even if the unloading itself goes well. It is also worth checking in advance that there are no overhead obstacles at the place of work (power lines, scaffolding, structural elements, tree branches) that could collide with the raised platform during work.

Someone available to receive the delivery

Delivery goes more smoothly when a person authorised to receive the equipment is on site. They know the site, can show the exact unloading point, confirm receipt and pass on any information about the specifics of the site that the driver might not know (for example freshly poured concrete elsewhere, temporary fencing, quiet hours). If the delivery date falls outside the standard working hours of the site, it is worth agreeing this in advance when you order.

Permits and restrictions on site

Some sites, especially larger projects or urban areas, require advance notification of a delivery vehicle entering, or compliance with internal health and safety rules on moving around the site, for example the requirement to wear a high-visibility vest or to report to the gatehouse before entering. If such rules apply on your site, pass them on to us when agreeing the delivery date, so that the driver can comply with them and avoid delays at the entrance gate.

Season and weather conditions

The time of year matters more for delivery than you might think. In winter, make sure that the access road and the unloading point are cleared of snow and free of ice, both for the safety of unloading and for the later work of the machine. After heavy rain, ground that was fully passable in summer may turn out to be too soft for a heavier vehicle. If you expect difficult conditions, report this when agreeing the date: it may be possible to choose a delivery time that avoids them.

Unloading and first start-up

The moment of unloading is worth treating as seriously as the earlier preparations. The area around the delivery vehicle should be free of bystanders, and the ground around the ramp or ramps should be stable and clear of rubble or other obstacles that could make it harder for the machine to drive off. After unloading, it is good to check the technical condition of the machine straight away, together with the driver or a representative of the rental company, and to go over its basic parameters before it is handed over for independent work by the operator.

Communication before the delivery date

Most of the points above come down to one thing: communicating early. The more details about the site you pass on when agreeing the date (access restrictions, type of ground, the health and safety rules in force on site, the planned unloading time), the lower the risk of surprises on the day of delivery. A short phone call when you place the order is usually enough to catch potential difficulties before they become a problem on site.

Summary

In short: checked access, a level and strong unloading point, no overhead obstacles at the place of work, a person on site to receive the delivery and allowance for seasonal conditions are the things that most affect whether delivery goes without complications. We organise the transport ourselves, so we are happy to advise how to prepare for your particular delivery. Just contact us.