By Claire Edicson
If you’ve ever had to reach somewhere awkward – too high, too tight, too unstable underfoot – you’ll know the usual access gear doesn’t always cut it. That’s where tracked platforms (or spider lifts, depending on who you ask) start to shine.
They’re built for tricky jobs. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of access machines: compact, agile, and surprisingly capable. Over the years, they’ve carved out a place across all sorts of industries. Here’s where they tend to earn their keep.
Construction & Site Work
Most construction sites are far from smooth. You’re dealing with mud, gravel, slopes, and cramped conditions. A wheeled boom won’t always get far – but a tracked platform can. It crawls over soft ground without tearing it up and sets up where other lifts would sink or struggle.
You’ll see them on cladding jobs, window installs, façade repairs – you name it. They’re great for reaching those awkward bits without hauling in scaffold towers or eating half a day in setup.
Tree Work & Garden Access
Arborists love these things for good reason. Back gardens, sloped lawns, or forest edges aren’t exactly friendly to heavy gear, but tracked machines like the CTE TRACCESS range available from CPSLift.com can get in without chewing up the ground or getting stuck. Narrow gates? No problem. Uneven grass? Bring it on.
Once they’re in place, they give a safe, steady basket for trimming high branches or dismantling awkward trees – much better than balancing on ladders or improvising with gear that’s not made for the job.
Factories, Plants & Industrial Sites
Inside industrial buildings, space can be tight – but the ceilings are always high. You might need to check HVAC, install lighting, or run cable trays above machinery that can’t be moved.
A compact tracked lift can fit through double doors and tight corners, and get you up there safely. Many models run on electric or hybrid power too, so you’re not choking out fumes or blasting noise while people work nearby.
Cleaning & Maintenance in Big Buildings
Airports, schools, shopping centres – they all need regular upkeep. From fixing lighting and ceiling panels to washing windows and touching up paint, there’s a lot of work to do at height, usually in busy places.
A tracked platform can glide over polished floors without leaving a mark, and its electric motor means you can run it quietly while the public goes about their day. It’s quicker, safer, and less hassle than scaffold every time.
Events & Film Production
In the events world, everything’s on a deadline. Whether it’s mounting lights, hanging speakers, or positioning cameras, time’s tight and the environment changes from venue to venue – grass one day, arena flooring the next.
Tracked access machines are fast to set up and easy to move around. Film crews use them too – for rigging lighting, getting high camera angles, or setting up on uneven ground without compromising the shot.
Roofing & Guttering Jobs
Working on roofs or gutters? Ladders are risky. And scaffold takes too long for smaller jobs. With a tracked platform, roofers can safely access edges, chimneys, and awkward rooflines from a steady, level basket – even on sloped or lumpy ground.
They’re especially handy on domestic properties where you’ve only got narrow paths or side alleys to work with.
Restoration & Heritage Projects
Old churches, historic halls, listed buildings – these aren’t the places to bring in heavy machinery. You need something light on its feet that won’t damage old stone or delicate landscaping.
Tracked lifts apply low ground pressure and offer precision control, meaning they can get close to towers, domes, or decorative facades without doing harm. Quiet, stable, and non-intrusive – they’re ideal for restoration work where care is everything.
Domestic Use & Small Contractor Jobs
It’s not just big firms using these. Plenty of tradespeople – tree surgeons, roofers, builders – hire tracked lifts for residential jobs. They’re safer, more professional, and far less effort than building towers or juggling ladders.
If you need to get to a second-storey window or trim a few tall trees out back, they fit through standard gates and work on soft ground – perfect for the average UK home.
Conclusion
Tracked access platforms have gone from niche to essential in a lot of industries. They go where others can’t, do the job faster, and keep things safer. Whether you’re on a tight site, a sensitive surface, or just trying to reach something awkward, they’re a solid choice.
If you’re looking at options, it’s worth speaking to someone who knows the gear inside out. Getting the right machine makes all the difference – and a decent supplier won’t just hand you a platform; they’ll help you choose the one that fits your job best.
About the Author: Claire is a technology journalist with extensive experience covering emerging tech trends, AI developments, and the evolving digital landscape. Her experience helps readers understand complex technological advancements, and how they can be implemented in their everyday lives.
