Put the required height and outreach on the same drawing
Platform floor height, working height and horizontal outreach describe different things. Working height may add the manufacturer’s convention for a person’s reach. Genie examples illustrate that distinction, but the relationship is model-specific rather than a universal conversion.
Maximum height and maximum outreach may occur at different positions or loads. Combining them creates an invented capability point. Use the intended parking position, turntable reference, platform dimensions and boom path to locate the actual task on the envelope.
Check the path as well as the basket’s final position
The shortest ground distance to a facade or pole is not necessarily the boom outreach. Tail swing, obstacles and required electrical clearance affect the approach. A point inside the reach boundary does not automatically mean there is a safe route to it.
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| Decision | What to establish | Condition or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Height definition | Distinguish platform floor height from any stated working-height convention. | Do not compare differently defined headline heights. |
| Outreach | Use horizontal reach at the required height and load. | Maximum outreach may occur at a different elevation or load. |
| Envelope | Plot every target inside the exact approved working region. | Connecting separate maxima creates a false capability point. |
| Clearance | Add boom, platform, obstacle and electrical clearance to the path. | A reachable point is not automatically a safe path. |
Map the work point and platform load to the approved envelope
A work-height request is incomplete until horizontal outreach, setup geometry and total platform load are defined together.
Locate the required work point and 200 kg platform load on the approved envelope, then check the site setup. Maximum height alone cannot establish that the task is permitted.
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| Step | Calculation or condition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Platform load | 160 + 40 | 200 kg |
| Envelope check | 14 m height + 7 m outreach + 200 kg load | Match the manufacturer chart |
| Setup check | Slope, outrigger footprint, ground support and obstructions | Verify at the actual site |
- Illustrative work point: 14 m high and 7 m from the vehicle centerline
- Two occupants: 160 kg total
- Tools and materials: 40 kg
Illustrative work point only. Do not use it to approve personnel lifting; the selected model chart, instructions and qualified site assessment control.
Ask for three dimensions on the same working-envelope drawing
Platform height describes the platform position; working height adds the manufacturer's stated assumption about the person's reach. Outreach describes the horizontal position. Genie explains these as distinct terms. Do not apply one fixed height conversion across suppliers or substitute a working-height label for the required platform-floor position. Genie: common MEWP terms
Send a site sketch with the ground reference, intended parking position and task location. Ask the supplier to mark the required platform-floor height and horizontal position on one envelope for the proposed load and outrigger setup. Retain the drawing revision with the quotation so a later chassis or platform change triggers a fresh check.
- The quotation defines the reference point and units for every height and outreach figure.
- The manufacturer states any person-reach assumption used in its working-height label.
- The same drawing shows the intended platform load, outrigger condition and required work position.
- The site review includes the path to that position, not just the final reach point.
Keep the task sketch with the quoted working envelope
Provide the ground reference, parking location, platform-floor target and load. Ask the supplier to mark the case on one approved envelope for the proposed setup. Recheck the drawing if the chassis, platform or other configuration changes.
Information to prepare for this review
- Platform work points and elevation datum
- Horizontal distance from feasible setup points
- Workers, tools and material load
- Obstacle and electrical clearances
- Required rotation and below-grade positions
- Exact working envelope and setup condition
Records to request and keep
- Coordinate-based work-position schedule
- Manufacturer definitions for height and outreach
- Exact working-envelope chart at stated load and setup
- Site obstacle, electrical and exclusion-zone review
Common mistakes and what to check instead
- Adding person height to a published working height: Use the manufacturer definition without double counting.
- Combining maximum height and maximum outreach: Read the actual envelope at the target point.
- Checking the platform only: Verify the complete boom and vehicle clearance path.
Scope of this guide
This guide does not calculate a safe approach to energized lines or approve a lift plan.
The exact manufacturer chart and qualified site controls remain controlling.
Reject the model or stop work when any task point, load, path, clearance or setup condition falls outside the approved envelope.
Sources and applicability
Terminology reference distinguishing platform height, working height and outreach. The selected truck model and its manufacturer definitions control the purchase specification.
Document date:
Sources checked:
Controls the project-input, quotation, approval and inspection workflow described in this guide.
Provides public checklists and worksheets; the signed project documents remain controlling.
Defines the relevant product family and published configuration boundaries. Project-specific ratings require the selected OEM documents.
Official U.S. reference supporting manufacturer load limits, controls, outriggers, brakes and travel checks. It is not a destination approval or KEEYAK rating.
Official U.S. guidance for worksite assessment, training, inspection, platform load, reach and stabilization. Local rules may differ.