Spider Lifts & Tracked EWPs
A spider lift is a compact, tracked access platform that uses articulated outrigger legs to stabilise on slopes, soft ground, narrow corridors and surfaces where conventional wheeled machines cannot operate. Also called a tracked EWP, tracked boom lift, crawler boom lift, crawler EWP or compact crawler lift, the spider lift is the specialist solution for environmentally sensitive sites, indoor atriums, heritage buildings and confined access applications.
EWP Australia inspects and certifies spider lifts and tracked EWPs across all brands — Palazzani, Hinowa, Platform Basket, Bluelift and others. Whether you operate a narrow-track atrium lift in a shopping centre or a heavy-duty tracked boom lift on a construction site, our team provides AS/NZS 2550.10 inspection and 10-year major inspection services.
Other Names for This Equipment
All of the above terms refer to equipment within this category. Different industries, regions and manufacturers may use different names — EWP Australia services all of them.
Equipment Variants
Spider Boom Lift
A spider boom lift (also spider lift) uses extending outrigger legs to stabilise on uneven terrain while delivering significant working height — commonly 15 m to 35 m. The combination of narrow transport width, articulating boom and levelling outriggers makes it the preferred machine for turf access and heritage site work.
Compact Tracked EWP
Compact tracked EWPs combine rubber crawler tracks with a vertical mast or short boom. Narrow enough to enter through standard doorways (as slim as 0.75 m), they are the primary solution for atrium lifts, library stacks and retail maintenance.
Crawler Boom Lift
Heavy-duty crawler boom lifts mount a full-size telescopic or articulating boom on tracked undercarriages. They access slopes, wet ground and soft fill on civil and solar projects where tyred machines would sink or tip.
Narrow Access Lift
A narrow access lift is any machine — tracked, compact wheeled or push-around — designed to enter spaces inaccessible to standard boom lifts or scissor lifts. Width, turning radius and step-over height are critical selection criteria.
How to Choose
Track Width
Transport width determines door and aisle access. Compact models can be as narrow as 0.75 m; larger crawler boom lifts may be 1.6 m or wider. Confirm the narrowest passage on site.
Ground Bearing Pressure
Tracks spread load far better than tyres — critical on turf, sensitive paving or soft soil. Request ground bearing pressure specifications and compare to your site's load limit.
Outrigger Deployment Space
Spider lifts require sufficient outrigger spread to achieve rated stability. Confined urban sites may restrict outrigger extension, reducing rated capacity — always check with your operator.
Working Height
Spider lifts range from 12 m compact units to 42 m+ heavy-duty models. Match the machine's rated height — not the boom length — to your highest work point.
Who Uses This Equipment
- Heritage and conservation projects
- Shopping centres and atriums
- Events and entertainment venues
- Arboriculture and parks management
- Solar farm installation on sensitive land
- Civil construction on soft ground
- Rail and bridge inspection
Australian Standards & Inspection
Spider lifts and tracked EWPs are classed as mobile elevating work platforms and must be inspected annually under AS/NZS 2550.10. The 10-year major inspection applies at the decade mark. Outrigger integrity, track tension, slew bearing condition and emergency lowering function are critical inspection checkpoints for these machines.
Common Questions
What is a spider lift used for?
Spider lifts are used when a standard wheeled boom lift or scissor lift cannot access a site — typically due to soft ground, slopes, narrow doorways, indoor environments or surface protection requirements. Common applications include heritage building maintenance, atrium work, turf access for events and solar installation on agricultural land.
Can a spider lift work on a slope?
Yes. Spider lifts are designed for sloped terrain and level themselves via outrigger extension before deploying the boom. Always confirm the machine's maximum rated slope tolerance with your operator and ensure outriggers are deployed on firm, level pads.
Are tracked EWPs street-legal in Australia?
Most tracked EWPs are not road-registered and must be transported to site by trailer. Some compact models have limited road travel modes — check the machine's individual registration status with your hire company or the relevant state transport authority.
National Infrastructure Support
Reliable fleet access and major inspection services for government, defence, and top-tier contractors.