As one of the leading suppliers of scaffolding hire in Sydney we like to think we know a thing or two about aluminium mobile scaffold hire. In the past we have spoken about aluminium scaffolding but in this we’re going to hone in specifically on aluminium mobile scaffold so you get a better understanding of the where, when, what and why of mobile scaffold hire. Read on!

What Is Aluminium Mobile Scaffold?

An aluminium mobile scaffold is basically a lightweight modular working platform that can easily be moved around along the side of a property or worksite.

When Would You Use Aluminium Mobile Scaffold?

Aluminium mobile scaffolds are generally for light duty tasks such as painting, gyprock, installing electrical lights and fittings, cleaning, installing signs, etc. But, what are the limitations? Basic aluminium mobile scaffolds have 2 main limitations: Load rating and maximum height. The first one is that they are generally rated light duty which is 225kg but some systems are rated medium duty which is 450kg.

Benefits of Mobile vs Fixed Scaffold?

The main advantage of a mobile scaffold over a fixed scaffold is the cost. For instance, a fixed scaffold is always going to be easier to work from than a mobile scaffold, however, a fixed scaffold of say, 10m long x 5m high will have 4 times the amount of components of a mobile scaffold 2.5m long x 5m high which could potentially cover the same working area. More components will mean more labour costs, more hire costs and usually more transport costs.

Another advantage of mobile scaffold over fixed is if your work area has poor access. One of the larger costs associated with scaffolds is the materials movement. How are we going to get the material from the truck/ute to the work area? For example, if we were to simply pull up next to the job and erect and dismantle straight from the delivery vehicle then this is going to be much less labour intensive than a scaffold that is required on the 10th floor of a building, or the rear of a property with no lane access.

When To Choose Mobile or Fixed Scaffold

Whether you decide to choose a mobile scaffold or fixed will decide on these above factors.

Is A Certified Scaffolder Needed for Aluminium Mobile Scaffold?

Any scaffolds that are 4m or over in height need to be erected by a qualified scaffolder and must be certified for use with a scaffold tag attached to the scaffold and handover certificate issued. At Stronghold Hire we do not usually ‘dry hire’ our mobile scaffolds. This means that the instant quote that you receive will include erection and dismantle labour, transport and hire costs for a fully certified scaffold which can put your mind at ease.

Does Auminium Mobile Scaffold Need to be Anchored or ‘Tied Off’

The general rule for scaffolds to be self-standing is based on the 3 by 1 rule. This means that the height can only go a maximum of 3 times the minimum base width, for example a scaffold that is 2.5m long by 1.3m wide can only go a maximum of 3.6m high without the use of stabilizers, supports or suitable anchoring. If you do not have space for stabilizers or buttress bays then really the only other choice is to use a fixed scaffold that is correctly anchored or counterweighted.

How High Can Self-standing Aluminium Mobile Scaffold Go?

The usual heights for mobile scaffolds is 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m with the taller scaffolds requiring stabilizers. Stronghold Hire have supplied aluminium mobile scaffolds as tall as 9m to a project at Angel Place in the CBD which basically required a larger base width.

Do You Need A Harness/Fall Arrest Gear?

The mobile scaffolds supplied by Stronghold Hire all come with a handrail and mid-rail to the working deck(s). The decks come with hatches that open and close for safety and with fixed ladders. This means that no fall arrest gear needs to be worn by the user.

Aluminium Mobile Scaffold Hire Providers

We hope you have found the above helpful for any queries you might have about the suitability of mobile scaffold for any upcoming project. If you still have any quesitons or would like to get a quote for aluminium mobile scaffold hire then give us a call now on 02 89852020 or contact us online!