I agree ... even for a single fixture, the use of a lift of some sort beats the dickens out of scaffolds and ladders.
....Over this side of the pond the Euro meddlers are trying to eliminate the use of scaffolding and ladders on construction sites resulting in a boom in access equipment which is great news for me as an access engineer.
Scissor lifts are great, but it's amazing just how little 'crown' in the pavement will set off the 'tip' indicator on them. Getting the scissor back on the trailer is also fun.
....Most ansi spec scissors allow 5 degree of tilt on both axis but Euroland CE spec machines only allow 3 degrees sideways tilt and 5 degrees front to back. The french also insist on overload cutouts and all manner of limit switches that can cause problems on sites. The best scissors for loading and unloading onto trailers and trucks are the JLG ES range of scissors, They have traction motors instead of hydraulic wheel motors like Genies and Uprights. Most 'fun' is had when using transport that is not specifically designed for access equipment making a good winch essential for your own safety I've had scissors sideways, spinning, running away from me and all manner of scary situations on the ramps of a truck but have thankfully managed to keep them rubber side down. most 19' scissors weigh about 1500 to 1800kg. Add at least another 1000kg for a 26' or 32'. You start talking about some serious weight when you move the big decks or the booms.
The best solution for me has proved to be a towable boom lift. Cost is an issue ... around here, renting one costs about $50 more than the $130 needed for a scissor lift and trailer combo. You also get to invest in a harness, if you don't already have one.
Yet, for that extra cost .... it's easy to visit a number of sites, and the boom will usually reach quite easily over and bushes or set-back the pole may have.
...I'm not a big fan of trailer mounts as they are not self propelled which lends to operators leaning too far out the basket to finish that awkward last termination or fixing screw rather than lower the boom and reposition it.
It's not just a matter of climbing. As the picture shows, the lights are usually set off from the pole. You need some place up there to place your parts .... and some of those parts are a bit heavy.
Most scissors have extending decks and Z booms are great for up and over work. I agree that some machines have limited storage space for tools and parts. Most machines are rated for two persons and a small toolbox (500lbs)
Sorry if I've gone a wee bit off topic. If anybody needs advice on access equipment just ask.
