On the Up: 5 reasons vertical mast lifts are rising in popularity

Vertical mast lifts - aerial work platforms that moves straight up and down - are steadily carving out a bigger place on North American jobsites.

Long dominated by ladders and scaffolding, the low-level access segment is shifting as contractors seek safer, more productive, and more ergonomic alternatives.

Unlike other lifts, vertical mast lifts have a simple design with a platform that rises on a vertical column or mast. And, as more rental companies and end users become aware of the product new machines are rolling out to meet the demand. Here are five key takeaways.

1. Safety is driving adoption

Falls remain the number-one cause of death in construction, with OSHA data showing nearly 40 percent of construction fatalities in 2023 were due to falls, slips or trips. Ladders in particular pose a costly risk, with more than half a million people treated for ladder-related injuries in the U.S. every year.

“The industry is reaching a market inflection point,” says Bob Begley, director of product management at JLG. “Companies are actively looking to replace ladders with low-level access lifts… they just aren’t worth the risk.”

2. New machines are hitting the market

Photo: JLG

OEMs are responding to this shift with a wave of new models. JLG recently debuted its 1230P push-around lift, offering 17 feet, 4 inches of working height and 440 pounds of platform capacity.

MEC introduced the MMAE16, its first all-electric mast, capable of reaching 22 feet indoors and 18 feet outdoors. “With all-electric lift, steer and drive, the MMAE16 delivers more uptime with no compromise to performance,” says Gary Crook, VP of engineering at MEC.

LGMG North America’s M2530SE brings more than 24 feet of indoor working height, while Skyjack’s updated SJ20 E, SJ16 E and SJ12 E models add efficiency and eco benefits. Bravi Platforms, meanwhile, is preparing two new additions to its Leonardo range.

3. Compact, electric and ergonomic are the new standards

Beyond basic safety, vertical mast lifts are being designed to address modern jobsite demands. Contractors are asking for equipment that can manoeuvre in tight spaces, protect sensitive flooring, and operate without emissions.

“The benefits of vertical-mast platforms are clear: increased operator safety and comfort, faster work execution and fewer injuries,” says Pierino Bravi of Bravi Platforms. “The return on investment is also strong, thanks to low maintenance and higher efficiency on the job.”

With an aging workforce and persistent labour shortages, OEMs say ergonomics are becoming just as important as safety.

4. Rental companies are key to growth — but cultural resistance remains

Photo: Mec

The rental channel remains the primary gateway for vertical mast machines. But contractors don’t always request them. Many still default to larger scissor or boom lifts, which they perceive as more versatile.

“There’s a real need to promote and educate the market on these solutions – it’s not just important, it’s essential,” Bravi says.

Skyjack is working to close the gap, developing accessories such as tool trays and material carriers to make its vertical mast line more flexible. “Promotion of their benefits is always welcome and we continue to develop their increased utilisation,” says Skyjack VP of Marketing Malcolm Early.

5. Demand will only grow

Despite cultural hurdles, the numbers point to rising uptake. A market study commissioned by Bravi Platforms found that more than 81 percent of global jobsites operate at heights below 16 feet — the sweet spot for vertical masts. Yet, nearly 93 percent of MEWPs sold between 2017 and 2023 were not designed to work efficiently below that threshold.

“Popularity for low-level access lifts in North America has grown rapidly in the last couple of years,” says JLG’s Begley. “We see the market hitting a new inflection point as this type of equipment becomes more widely adopted.”