Spider Lifts in Snowy Conditions: Practical Limitations Explained
Key Takeaways:
Even though spider lifts are champions of uneven terrains, they still might suffer from certain limitations when made to work on snowy or icy grounds. You might notice a few hiccups when it comes:
- Stability
- Traction
- Ground support
In this guide, we will explain how to manage these limitations and use spider lifts safely during Canadian winters.
As pristine and beautiful snowy environments may be to look at, they present a host of challenges when it comes to spider lift operation. Even the most stable platforms capable of running on uneven terrain may falter.
Why? Because inherently soft and uneven, snowy grounds are not the most stable surfaces for any ground-supported equipment.
In fact, they have a significant impact on your machine’s load distribution, traction, and surface predictability. You might not notice this impact at first, considering “winter” operations were smoother, but using spider lifts during winter and snowy weather is not the same.
Colder temperatures may not disrupt performance, but common issues associated with snow, such as subgrades, slopes, and undetectable drainage paths, can leave your platform unstable even after outrigger deployment.
So, how do you use elevated access solutions in snow? In this blog, Platform Basket Canada – North America’s favorite aerial work platform supplier – will answer just that. Keep reading to learn how factors such as snow depth, compaction, etc., determine the feasibility of safe spider lift operation.
Understanding How Spider Lift Design Functions In Snow-Prone Environments
When it comes to snowy grounds, spider lifts may not behave the same way you expect them to on any other sloping or rough surface. Their core design elements may function differently. Let’s explore.
Tracked undercarriage and weight distribution
The central purpose of a tracked undercarriage in a spider lift is to distribute the machine’s weight evenly over a large surface area so it remains stable on its own. This feature is also instrumental in reducing ground pressure, so that the lift can be safely used on soft grounds, including snow-covered ones.
However, sinking is still a real threat as far as the use of spider lifts in snow is concerned. Snow’s moisture content, combined with the underlying ground’s condition, can affect how it compresses, thus making it unstable.
Ground pressure considerations on snow-covered surfaces
The state of snow changes, i.e., it is a variable. While fresh snow compresses easily, packed snow may give the false impression of stability but is likely to crumble under static outrigger loads. So when calculating ground pressure before the spider lift operation, you must assess the condition of the surface beneath the snow. That is the only way you can safely deploy outriggers.
Stability limits on uneven or compacted snow
The presence of firm contact points is necessary for outrigger deployment. Compacted snow is not as firm as it tends to fracture when any kind of major load is applied to it. This can naturally compromise leveling accuracy and machine stability.
Differences between fresh snow, packed snow, and ice
Fresh snow has the lowest bearing capacity of the three, whereas packed snow may temporarily support the weight of your elevated access equipment but is likely to fail under sustained loads. Finally, ice poses the highest risk of slips and traction challenges – especially during machine positioning.
When Can Spider Lifts Be Used In Snow Conditions?
So far, it might seem like using spider lifts is next to impossible when it snows, but it is really not. There are still certain conditions that permit the safe use of this machine.
Light snow scenarios and cleared surfaces
If the snow has been cleared out from the work zone or if there is only a light dusting of it, you might deploy your spider lift – provided the surface is stable enough to improve traction consistency.
Pre-prepared ground and temporary access paths
Preparing temporary access paths with the help of specialized mats, compacted gravel, or cleared pads can definitely facilitate smooth aerial lift operation in snow.
Short-duration tasks with controlled positioning
Prolonged use of vertical access platforms in snowy winters is not recommended. However, short-duration work can be safely carried out if you practice limited movement and controlled outreach.
Indoor to outdoor transitions in winter projects
Projects that require a shift of base from indoors to outdoors need a meticulously cleared path to ensure the transition is as smooth and incident-free as possible.
Here’s a checklist of snowy ground conditions that allow safe spider lift use:
- Shallow snow depth with manageable limits
- Cleared travel paths for stable operation
- Stable subgrade underneath snow, such as gravel, etc.
- Demarcated and highly controlled deployment zones
- Low risk of destabilizing winds or visibility-impacting snowfall
Practical Limitations Of Spider Lifts In Snow
Even though specific conditions make the use of spider aerial lifts feasible in snow, there are practical limitations that fleet managers and operators need to be aware of for their own safety.
Loss of traction on soft or deep snow
Tracks may offer significantly superior traction on snow when compared to wheels, but reduced control during spider lift positioning or movement is still likely if the snow is too wet or too deep.
Increased risk of sinking or uneven settling
The static load exerted by outriggers during a standard shift can cause the snow underneath to compress over time. The result? An uneven surface that consequently affects leveling accuracy. This means your machine is very likely to sink – especially during travel.
Reduced outrigger effectiveness
The thing about outriggers is that they are ideal for solid contact surfaces. Unfortunately, snow brings an element of variability, which even the most sophisticated leveling systems may not be able to adapt to fully, thus reducing the effectiveness of outriggers.
Visibility and operator awareness challenges
With snow covering most of the ground and other elevated surfaces, visibility is severely impacted. As a result, it might be difficult for you to confidently detect slopes, surface conditions, and edge boundaries, making navigation difficult. A thorough pre-assessment of the ground is necessary to combat this challenge.
Ice formation and surface unpredictability
Freeze-thaw cycles are particularly dangerous for the spider aerial lift operation. They can greatly alter surface conditions mid-shift, thus increasing unpredictability and posing tip-over risks.
Safety & Risk Considerations On Snowy Job Sites
Before you deploy your preferred elevated access solution on snowy grounds, we strongly recommend taking the following precautionary measures to ensure the experience is as safe as possible for everyone on-site:
Assess the ground before positioning
Evaluate the ground conditions of your jobsite thoroughly before beginning. Probe beneath accumulated snow to understand the composition of the ground, its load-bearing capacity, and whether any voids or drainage paths are present. Having detailed knowledge of obstacles beforehand will prevent accidents later.
Manage pedestrian and vehicle movement
Snow is already a hindrance to movement and visibility – even to the general public if you are working in a busy area. To prevent accidents, you must clearly demarcate a controlled access zone.
Prevent fall risk due to slipping and reduced grip
With snow and ice covering the surface, the risk of slips and falls is extremely high. Placing makeshift mats on access points can help you mitigate this risk to a great extent.
Plan your emergency response
Winters are harsh on everyone – including your crew and your machine. To ensure you are prepared for the worst, have an emergency response plan in place. Make sure it covers critical aspects such as emergency lowering, rescue access, and evacuation routes that are usable despite snowfall.
Here’s a checklist you can follow to conduct a snow-specific risk assessment for the spider lift operation:
- Measure the snow’s depth and consistency to determine its feasibility for a spider lift run
- Inspect the condition of the underlying surface and assess its load-bearing capacity
- Identify any slopes and drainage paths and mark them as no-run zones
- Confirm emergency response, including lowering mechanisms, rescue access, etc.
- Establish exclusion zones to prevent interference and minimize accident risk
Spider Lifts Vs Alternatives In Snowy Conditions
When it comes to using elevated access equipment in snowy conditions, you only have a few alternatives to spider aerial lifts, and they all bring their own set of limitations.
Situations where spider lifts outperform wheeled equipment
Wheeled machines lose their traction way more easily than their tracked counterparts do. With a tracked machine like spider lifts, you can navigate uneven or partially cleared terrain with greater stability and confidence.
Scenarios better suited for ground-based access
If you are thinking of using traditional cranes, you need to know that conditions such as deep snow, unstable subgrades, and unprepared sites cannot be tackled by them. In fact, such extreme conditions might not be suitable to carry out any overhead tasks at all.
Tradeoffs between reach, stability, and mobility
Ladders or traditional scaffolding may offer you better reach in certain conditions, but they are not the ideal access solution even in good weather, let alone in winter. Plus, they are not mobile. With spider lifts, you get the perfect balance of all three – reach, stability, and mobility.
Why equipment choice should be job-specific
In the end, your choice of equipment should be based on the specific requirements of your job. Whether you select spider lifts, traditional cranes, or ladders and scaffolding – remember that each of them has their own limitations and that no single access solution can cater to all kinds of snowy conditions. That said, aerial platforms might be the safest choice in most cases.
Preparing For Snowy Conditions Without Overengineering
If you are keen on using spider aerial lifts during snowy weather, we recommend taking a few precautions, such as:
Snow removal and ground preparation
Targeted clearing of the demarcated work zone will help you reduce the risk of accidents without wasting too much time and manpower modifying it.
Timing work to reduce weather exposure
Though spider lifts can be used on snow-covered grounds, scheduling work during stable weather windows will prevent moisture-induced damage to the machine and keep your crew safe.
Coordination between access equipment and site logistics
To ensure aerial work platform operations are as smooth as possible, plan equipment movement, material staging, and pedestrian routing together. Clarity and coordination are key to avoiding last-minute mishaps.
How Snowy Condition Use Differs From Winter Operation
Using any kind of access solutions during the winter season is perfectly acceptable, while the same cannot be said for snowy weather. Here’s why:
Suitability vs execution
In cold temperatures, using spider lifts follows more or less the same protocol as in summer. However, during snow, the question isn’t whether the machine can be used, but whether it should be used.
Decision-making before equipment arrives on-site
The feasibility of spider lift use based on real-time ground conditions must be determined before the machine arrives on-site. This prevents unsafe deployment.
Why operating guidance come first after feasibility checks
Once your feasibility assessment comes through and gives the greenlight for access equipment use, you should turn your attention to devising an execution strategy for a safe run. Operating spider lifts in winter requires the following season-specific protocol, so make sure you adhere to it.
Conclusion – Making Informed Decisions About Spider Lifts in Snow
Using spider lifts in snow is permissible only if you plan it right. A thorough site assessment is key to determining its feasibility and must be performed by a qualified professional so you can make an informed decision. Furthermore, the machine you use should come with additional features that make it safe for use during extreme weather.
Platform Basket Canada manufactures and supplies all-season spider lifts that can be safely used during varying weather conditions in Ontario. Contact us to book a demo of our industry-leading aerial work platforms.
FAQs
Can spider lifts operate safely in snow?
Yes, but only if you take snow-specific precautionary measures such as detailed ground assessments and proper work area demarcation.
How much snow is too much for a spider lift?
There is no fixed limit. You should check the snow’s depth, compaction, and the condition of the ground underneath to determine feasibility.
Are tracked spider lifts better than wheeled lifts in snow?
Yes, because tracked systems offer better traction. However, they are likely to have their own limitations.
Do spider lifts require special preparation for snowy sites?
Yes. You need to perform a few critical actions – such as snow removal, ground inspection, and access planning – to ensure a spider lift performs safely in such conditions.
What is the difference between winter operation and snowy conditions?
Winter operations center around cold-weather performance, whereas snowy conditions specifically concern challenges posed by snow, such as traction and ground conditions.
