Previously, aerial work platform (AWP) was the name for scissor lifts, boom lifts, and other elevated work platforms. Now, the new term is MEWP. MEWP stands for “mobile elevated work platforms.”

Before the update that introduced the term MEWP, aerial lifts were categorized by lift types. For example, types of lifts included scissor and boom lifts. But under the new ANSI standards, MEWPs are categorized differently.

There are now two main ways to classify MEWPs:

    By group

    By type

Let’s go through each classification.

MEWP Classification By Group

A MEWP’s group is determined by its platform location with regard to the tipping line.

Not sure what the tipping line is? It’s the area bounded by the machine’s wheels or outriggers. 

Following this definition, there are two MEWP groups:

Group A MEWPs have a platform that moves vertically while staying inside the tipping lines of the machine at all times. In other words, the platform stays directly above the chassis and never extends beyond it.

Group B includes all other MEWPs that are not in Group A. That is, the work platform of Group B mobile elevating work platforms do extend beyond the tipping lines of the machine.

MEWPs Classification By Type

Now that we’re clear on group ANSI classifications, let’s turn to type.

The MEWP type is based on how the machine travels horizontally. In other words, type has to do with how a MEWP can drive or travel along the ground. There are 3 types of MEWPs.

A Type 1 mobile elevating work platform can only move in the stowed position. That means the platform has to be lowered completely before you can move the machine.

Type 2 MEWPs have two features:

    They can move while the platform is elevated

    Their movement is controlled from the chassis (as opposed to within the work platform)

Type 3 MEWPs

These are much like Type 2 MEWPs. But whereas a Type 2 MEWP’s movement is controlled from the chassis, a Type 3 MEWP’s movement is controlled from the work platform.