Spider Lift vs Scaffold: The Real Cost of Working at Height

When a job needs working at 10-22 metres, most people's first thought is scaffolding. For long-duration works like a full re-roof or a render job, scaffold earns its keep. But for anything measured in hours or days rather than weeks, the arithmetic usually points the other way.

The cost comparison

Scaffolding a typical two-storey gable for gutter and fascia work involves design, erection, hire for a minimum period, inspection and strike, commonly £1,000-£2,500+ and a week of lead time before anyone does the actual job. A 22m tracked spider lift does the same access for a day rate of £340 (or £550 with our operator), arrives on the morning, fits through a 1-metre gate, and is gone by evening.

Where a spider lift wins

• Short-duration work: gutters, fascias, chimney repairs, high glazing, signage, lighting, surveys, drone-restricted inspections.
• Tight access: tracked chassis through gateways and around the back of properties scaffold can't economically reach.
• Sensitive ground: low ground pressure and outrigger pads over lawns and paving.
• Trees: dismantling deadwood or diseased ash where climbing is unsafe.

Where scaffold still wins

Honesty matters: continuous multi-trade work over weeks, full elevations needing loading platforms, or work requiring both hands free at a fixed position all day: that's scaffold territory.

Self-drive or operated?

IPAF 1b holders can hire the machine alone; everyone else books it with our certified operator and simply directs the work, no licence, no deposit. Check live availability and book online, or call 01929 480 995.