MEWP Market Experiences Growth as OEMs Prioritize Safety

The Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) sector continues to thrive, with many recent manufacturer innovations focused on enhancing safety. The rise of stricter standards has also encouraged companies to consider the protective gear used on-site, such as safety boots and construction boots, ensuring operators are well-equipped while working at heights.

“The boom segment remained relatively stable from 2015 to 2017 but experienced notable growth in North America throughout 2018,” notes Corey Connolly, product manager at Skyjack. “We anticipate 2019 to mirror 2018, with steady demand across both residential and commercial projects. Demand outside North America is also expected to remain consistent. However, political shifts and trade tensions could create uncertainty that may impact the market.”

Connolly adds that in North America, rental companies updating or expanding their fleets will need to consider machines that comply with the latest ANSI and CSA standards .

Mike Sover, North America product manager for MEWPs at the Manitou Group, highlights the ongoing expansion of the U.S. rental market. “Both the market size and the total number of rental units continue to grow. Construction remains the dominant segment, contributing significantly to overall rental revenue. By 2024, the MEWP rental market is projected to surpass $24 billion.”

Chad Hislop, senior director of product management at Terex AWP’s Genie brand, emphasizes that multiple factors are driving aerial equipment demand. “The fundamentals—equipment utilization, rental rates, fleet age, and the used equipment market—are all strong and expected to remain healthy through 2019. Additionally, the replacement cycle low point is passing, which will boost demand as rental companies replace units purchased seven to ten years ago. A recovering single-family housing market may also spur further nonresidential construction, as nonresidential trends typically follow residential growth by about a year.”

Key Considerations When Purchasing Aerial Lifts

Hislop explains that MEWPs are typically assessed by load capacity, height, and outreach. “A machine’s load chart reveals how much it can lift, to what height, and at which angles. Job site conditions and intended applications are essential in selecting the right platform. Workers should also wear appropriate shoes or safety footwear while operating equipment to minimize injury risk.”

Connolly emphasizes evaluating power sources and boom configurations. “When deciding on a boom, consider whether it will operate indoors or outdoors and the type of power required. Determining if outreach or up-and-over clearance is needed will help decide between telescopic or articulated booms. Height and reach requirements should also guide the selection. Proper use of work boots is just as critical as selecting the right platform.”

Sover adds that ease of use, serviceability, and troubleshooting are critical. “An intuitive control panel and simple maintenance are vital. Onboard diagnostic tools aid upkeep, as we provide on Manitou MEWPs. Partnering with a reliable manufacturer or dealer with strong support and parts availability is important. Managers should also consider total cost of ownership, resale value, and ANSI A92 compliance. And of course, operators should wear safety toe boots to comply with workplace safety standards.”

OEMs Target Safety Enhancements

Recent MEWP innovations largely focus on safety, prompted by updated ANSI standards.

“The most significant industry change stems from the new ANSI A92 standards,” Sover says. “Manufacturers must integrate design modifications, including active platform load-sensing, revised wind-force requirements, updated stability tests, entrance gates with toe boards, tilt-sensing systems, machine markings, manuals, and solid or foam-filled tires. When Manitou introduced its MEWP lineup in North America, all units were designed to meet these standards.”

Skyjack’s Connolly highlights the Secondary Guarding Electrical system on its booms. “This system uses a sensor that, when engaged for more than one second, stops all functions and triggers an audible siren and flashing beacon, further minimizing the risk of accidental operation. Just like safety boots protect the operator on the ground, these features protect operators at height.”

Hislop points out innovations that increase operator awareness. “Safety remains a priority in rental yards and job sites, prompting development of secondary guarding and sensing technologies. These advancements, often inspired by neighboring industries, enhance productivity, safety, and rental ROI.”

At The Rental Show, JLG introduced its Enhanced Detection System (EDS). Building on the company’s Soft Touch System, EDS uses ultrasonic sensors to slow and stop a machine before contact with nearby objects. Visual and audio alerts warn operators, though they can override the system if necessary. Bill Dovey, JLG product manager for boom lifts, notes that EDS improves operator awareness in industries such as aviation, aerospace, and petrochemical facilities.

Telematics Gains Traction in MEWPs

Similar to earthmoving equipment, MEWPs are increasingly leveraging telematics to benefit rental companies and end users, often influencing purchasing decisions.

Connolly explains, “Skyjack’s Elevate telematics solution, launched in 2018, has been widely adopted. It provides key data including operating time, battery voltage, and remote troubleshooting. Service technicians can monitor machine health via smartphone, reducing the need for on-site visits and lowering overall ownership costs.”

Sover adds, “Manitou’s Easy Manager, included on most of our products, offers owners actionable data via a web portal and mobile app. It simplifies preventive maintenance, enhances security, improves uptime, and supports better customer service, allowing operators to focus on core business operations.”

Genie’s Hislop observes that telematics adoption is rising globally. “Whether managing a fleet of 100 or 100,000 machines, equipment management is essential. Machine data provides insights on performance, utilization, location, and maintenance needs. Our new Lift Connect telematics solution emphasizes actionable, transparent, and flexible information tailored to fleet size and composition.”

Hislop notes that telematics will continue to evolve. “Utilization metrics are growing more sophisticated. For instance, if a boom is raised but idle while an operator works at height, should that time count as utilization? As data collection advances, these insights will become increasingly refined and valuable. Just like monitoring safety footwear wear and tear ensures on-ground protection, telematics ensures machines are used efficiently and safely.”

Protect Your Feet While Working at Height

Operators working on MEWPs and other construction equipment face a variety of hazards, from falling objects to slippery surfaces. Ensuring proper safety footwear is just as important as using the right machinery. At Yurinox Workwear, a trusted safety boots store, you can find high-quality safety boots, work boots, and safety toe boots designed to keep workers protected on any job site.

Whether you need durable construction boots for rugged environments or lightweight safety shoes for extended hours of comfort, Yurinox Workwear provides reliable options that meet industry standards. By combining advanced MEWP technology with proper safety footwear, operators can maximize both efficiency and protection on the job.

Visit Yurinox Workwear today to explore their selection of safety boots, shoes, and work footwear tailored for professional use. Staying safe from the ground up has never been easier.