Underbridge Unit Hire
Underbridge unit hire provides contractors and infrastructure teams with access to specialist equipment for temporary bridge projects.
This can be particularly useful when purchasing dedicated equipment is not practical for a short-term inspection or maintenance programme.
When arranging hire, the project requirements should be discussed in advance, including:
- Bridge height
- Required working reach
- Access beneath the structure
- Working area
- Platform capacity
- Ground conditions
- Traffic arrangements
- Hire duration
Providing these details helps establish whether an underbridge unit is appropriate for the planned work.
Underbridge Inspection Unit
An underbridge inspection unit gives inspection teams access to areas beneath bridge structures.
Bridge inspections may require close visual examination of:
- Beams
- Deck structures
- Concrete surfaces
- Steelwork
- Joints
- Drainage components
- Structural connections
- Underside surfaces
A suitable working platform allows personnel to work closer to the structure during visual inspection and maintenance activities.
Specialist Reach for Bridge Maintenance
The main advantage of this type of equipment is its ability to position the working platform beneath a structure.
Depending on the machine, the boom can be extended and positioned to provide access underneath the bridge deck and into areas that are difficult to approach from ground level.
This can reduce the need for extensive temporary access arrangements and may help maintenance teams carry out planned work more efficiently.
Moog Underbridge Unit
The Moog underbridge unit is a recognised type of specialist equipment associated with under-bridge access applications.
When a project specifies a particular Moog machine or configuration, confirm the required model and working specification before hire. Factors such as platform reach, access geometry and the available working area need to match the requirements of the structure.
If a specific model is required, provide its details when enquiring so availability can be checked.
Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Applications
Underbridge equipment can support a range of infrastructure tasks.
Bridge Inspections
The platform can provide access for personnel carrying out close visual examinations of the underside of a bridge.
Structural Maintenance
Maintenance teams may require access to structural components beneath the deck for suitable repair and preservation work.
Painting and Protective Treatment
Where the structure requires surface treatment, a suitable access platform can provide a working position close to the area being treated.
Repair Projects
Underbridge access can be useful when carrying out planned repairs to bridge components that cannot easily be reached from above.
Infrastructure Surveys
Specialist access equipment can assist teams carrying out surveys that require close access to the structure.
Reducing Disruption Around Bridge Works
Bridge maintenance can create logistical challenges where conventional access equipment would occupy roads, lanes or areas underneath the structure.
An appropriately selected underbridge machine can help provide access from a suitable position while reducing the amount of temporary access equipment required.
Traffic management requirements vary significantly between projects, so assess the site arrangement before selecting equipment.
Choosing the Right Underbridge Equipment
The right machine depends on the structure's physical characteristics and the work to be completed.
Consider:
- Required working height
- Horizontal reach
- Vertical under-reach
- Platform capacity
- Bridge geometry
- Access route
- Ground conditions
- Available set-up area
- Traffic restrictions
- Working duration
A machine with a high maximum height may not necessarily be suitable if its boom configuration cannot achieve the required position beneath the structure.
Working Beneath Bridges
Working beneath a bridge requires careful consideration of the available space and the relationship between the machine and structure.
Before the equipment arrives, the project team should establish:
Where the machine can be positioned.
How far the platform needs to reach.
Which sections of the structure require access.
Whether traffic management is required.
Whether there are restrictions beneath or around the bridge.
The expected platform load.
The required hire period.
This information helps ensure the selected equipment is suitable for the intended application.
Underbridge Equipment for Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure contractors often work on structures that are difficult to access using conventional MEWPs.
An underbridge unit can provide a specialist solution for bridge-related projects where access is required beneath the structure.
Depending on the application, this may include road bridges, rail infrastructure, elevated structures, retaining walls and other difficult-to-access areas.
Alternative Access Equipment
Not every access requirement beneath or around a structure requires an underbridge unit.
For low-level indoor work, push around lift hire may be more appropriate where only a compact vertical platform is required.
Where the primary requirement is lifting loads rather than providing a personnel access platform, truck-mounted crane hire may be a better option.
For vertical transportation on construction projects, construction hoist rental provides a different type of lifting solution.
Where substantial straight-line reach is required from a conventional powered access machine, a Genie telescopic boom lift may be considered if the site configuration allows it.
Always select equipment based on the actual work position and site conditions.
Safety and Site Planning
Underbridge access work requires proper planning because the machine operates close to structural elements and potentially active infrastructure.
Before operation, consider:
- Ground stability
- Bridge structure
- Overhead and side obstructions
- Traffic
- Pedestrian movement
- Weather conditions
- Platform capacity
- Machine positioning
- Emergency procedures
- Manufacturer instructions
Only suitably trained and authorised personnel should operate the equipment, and only in accordance with the manufacturer's operating requirements.
Hire Periods and Project Planning
Bridge inspections and maintenance programmes can range from short visits to extended infrastructure projects.
The required hire period should therefore be established before booking. This allows the equipment requirement to be considered around the project schedule and availability.
For longer programmes, also review the machine's suitability if the work location or access requirements change during the project.
Request Underbridge Unit Hire
When requesting an underbridge unit, provide as much information about the structure and proposed work as possible.
Useful details include:
- Project location
- Bridge type
- Approximate bridge height
- Required under-reach
- Working area
- Platform capacity
- Access arrangements
- Ground conditions
- Traffic restrictions
- Required hire dates
If you already know the required machine or model, include those details in the enquiry.
Rapid Platforms can then discuss the application and the available equipment that may suit the project.
Get an Underbridge Unit Hire Quote
When conventional access equipment cannot provide the required position beneath a bridge, specialist underbridge equipment can provide a dedicated solution for inspection, maintenance and repair work.
Tell Rapid Platforms about the structure, required reach, working area, location and hire period, and the team can discuss the available equipment for your project.
Rapid Platforms
- Phone: 01279 704 021
- Email: info@rapidplatforms.co.uk
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