Spider Lifts & EWPs

Spider lifts can reach working heights from around 12 metres up to an impressive 54 metres, depending on the model. This makes them ideal for a wide range of tasks, from tree trimming and building maintenance to utility work and large-scale construction projects. With their combination of height, outreach, and compact design, spider lifts provide safe access to hard-to-reach areas that traditional equipment can’t easily reach.

The maximum outreach of a spider lift typically ranges from 6 metres to over 20 metres, depending on the model. Outreach refers to how far the platform can extend horizontally from the base while still safely supporting the load.

Yes, spider lifts are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

Their compact size and lightweight design allow them to fit through standard doorways and manoeuvre in confined spaces such as warehouses, shopping centres, and atriums. Many models are fitted with non-marking rubber tracks, meaning they won’t damage or scuff delicate flooring — a key advantage over heavier access equipment.

Thanks to their dual power options that feature either a 240V electric motor or lithium battery pack, spider lifts can operate emissions free. This makes them ideal for working indoors as it allows the operator to work silently and allows for easy communication with the ground crew.

Their light weight and small stowed dimensions allow spider lifts to operate on fragile surfaces such as tiles, in high rise buildings, and around domestic properties without causing damage.

Outdoors, spider lifts are purpose-built for tough conditions. With independent outriggers and automatic levelling systems, they can safely set up on slopes of up to 25° and operate on uneven or soft ground such as grass, gravel, or inclines. This makes them a reliable solution for arborists, utilities, construction, hire fleets, and maintenance teams working across varied terrain.

Certain spider lift models are built with off-road capability, allowing them to be used in wet, muddy, or soft ground conditions where traditional EWPs would struggle. Their tracked undercarriage spreads weight evenly, reducing ground pressure, while independent outriggers with auto-levelling provide stability even on unstable surfaces.

Yes, in most cases you do. In Australia, if the spider lift has a platform height of 11 metres or more, operators are legally required to hold a High Risk Work Licence. For spider lifts under 11 metres, a licence is not mandatory, but employers and hire companies typically require operators to complete an EWP training course (Yellow Card) to ensure safe use.

Spider lifts are designed for fast setup, typically taking 3–5 minutes. With auto-levelling outriggers and pre-fitted outrigger pads, they can be stabilised quickly on flat, uneven, or sloped ground, reducing downtime and making them one of the quickest EWPs to deploy safely.

A high quality machine will have a long service life if it’s properly taken care of. Spider lifts should have a quarterly service every 3 months, and an annual service every year.

Australian Standards also require a 10 year rebuild/recertification for spider lifts, followed by a rebuild every 5 years.

Yes, all spider lifts supplied by Monitor are fully compliant with Australian safety standards and regulations. We invest significant time and resources to ensure every machine meets or exceeds the strict requirements for elevated work platforms (EWPs).

Our in-house engineering team works closely with suppliers and regulators to design, adapt, and certify spider lifts for the Australian market. Every unit undergoes rigorous testing, inspections, and compliance checks by our skilled technicians before delivery. This ensures machines not only meet AS/NZS safety standards but also perform safely in the unique conditions found across Australia.

At Monitor, safety is our top priority — backed by our engineering expertise and commitment to going above and beyond compliance.

To operate a spider lift safely in Australia, training depends on the machine size:

• Over 11 metres: A High Risk Work Licence (WP – Work Platform) is legally required.

• Under 11 metres: A licence isn’t mandatory, but most employers and hire companies require a Yellow Card (EWP training).

At Monitor, we also provide a thorough handover with every machine, led by our highly trained technicians. This includes practical demonstrations, safety checks, and operation guidance to ensure operators are confident and compliant before using the equipment on site.