Types of mobile platforms and their design
Mobile platforms are devices used in material handling. Their purpose is to move a workstation together with people and also with the equipment used by them. Mobile platforms are mainly used on construction sites, as well as in assembly and dismantling work.
There are the following types of mobile platforms:
- free wheeling - they have their own propulsion
- mobile - mounted on trailers
- self-propelled - mounted on truck chassis
- forklift trucks - usually as telescopic handlers with a hopper
The most common types of freestanding platforms are:
- articulated
- scissors
- telescopic
Depending on the type of platform chosen, its construction is slightly different, nevertheless they have similar main elements. Below is a list of those elements.
Working platform - used as a workstation and fenced off with barriers for safety, it is placed on a boom or lifting mechanism. The control mechanism is also placed on the platform.
Lifting mechanism, main boom, extendable axes, telescope - these are the elements that connect the working platform to the lower control panel of the machine, and they can be adjusted in a selected section to make working at height possible.
Rotating tower - some types of equipment are equipped with rotating towers. Their main purpose is to reposition the workstation at an angle, without having to rotate the entire unit.
Lower control panel - this name refers to the base of the machine. Depending on the type chosen, it may be mounted on a trailer, on a car chassis, or it may be equipped with its own drive. On the lower panel there are also stabilising supports.
Stabiliser bars - these are used to level the machine on uneven ground and prevent it from tilting excessively, preventing accidents at work.
Precise information on the types and design of mobile platforms can be obtained from a mobile platform operation course. This knowledge is required in order to take the exam for the UDT authorisations.
