The Aluminium Scaffold Tower Site is the only resource you’ll need for aluminium scaffolding towers.
From the simple question such as what height do aluminium scaffold towers come in? To what do I need to look out for when buying a second hand tower? The Aluminium Scaffold Tower site has all of the answers.
Although aluminium is a much more expensive material to make scaffold tube out of than the traditional galvanized steel tube, it is significantly lighter and has a higher corrosion resistance. The lightness, durability, ease and speed of assembling the components that make up an aluminium scaffold tower has made them a very popular choice for DIY and light trade users throughout the world.
Unlike traditional scaffolding which comprises a kit of parts that you can make almost any structure in any shape and any height that you require, a DIY aluminium scaffold tower comes as an easily assembled set of modular parts that can be put together. Scaffold towers are purchased as kits that have different fixed heights and footprints so you cannot adjust them as much as you could a traditional scaffold structure. To explain that further let me give you an example, a scaffold tower that has a footprint of size of 0.83m x 1.75m (2.75′ x 5.8′) (excluding stabilisers) will come in four different height kits – 0.9m (approx 3′), 1.8m (approx 6′), 3.5m(approx 11.5′) and 5.2m (approx 17.3′) the image below will demonstrate this better:
Now, here’s a tip, to be sure – and if you have the budget – it would be better to buy a scaffold tower that was slightly taller than what you wanted it for. Why? Well, I can guarantee you that if you want to buy a tower for a certain task that needs doing now, come two years down the line you’ll come across another task that requires and extra meter of height and there is nothing more frustrating than being a meter short!
Having a tower that is too short for the task also puts you at risk of over stretching and balancing precariously that could result in a serious injury. Buying an aluminium tower that is too tall means that you will be able to reduce the height to complete the task that you want to do now. Different manufactures have different dimension for the aluminium modules that they use in their towers and consequently you will need to check with them as to what adjustability – in terms of height – you will have with that specific tower. You may be able to put a platform at 0.5m (approx 1.6′) intervals for one manufacturer and 1m (approx 3.3′) intervals with another manufacturer. I would choose the one that gave me the most adjustability – i.e. the 0.5m intervals.
If you don’t like the idea of being restricted as to what you can do with a predetermined aluminium scaffold tower kit don’t for one second be duped in to thinking that you can buy a cheap set of scaffold parts of eBay and build your own – although a scaffold structure looks simple it takes years of experience to become adept at building a safe and secure structure. If you are not experienced in scaffolding then do not attempt to build your own – get a tower kit instead.
If you’re reluctant to fork out the cash to buy a tower then you could always rent one. Personally, looking at the prices the aluminium scaffold towers are being sold for on eBay then I would buy one suitable for my need, use it, look after it and then sell it on. This method will not only mean you potentially pay less than hiring it – you will also have no time pressures of having to return it or the hassle of transporting it from – and back to – the hire store.
If you’re on the other side of this and you are looking to buy an aluminium scaffold tower second hand then there are certain checks that you should do before committing to parting with your money. Always, always, always make sure that you view a used scaffold tower before you buy – the tower doesn’t need to be assembled for you to ensure that it is safe to use. What to look for when buying a second hand aluminium scaffold tower is outline here.
