As the construction of high-rise buildings continues to grow, the need for safer and more efficient access solutions increases. However, certain misconceptions still tie many projects to conventional access methods like scaffolding.  

 

Often people don’t consider anything else aside from scaffolding on high-rise buildings due to the belief that nothing else would enable them to get multiple trades to different levels of the same façade – well mast climbers can absolutely enable you to achieve this.  

  

Scaffolding is the old, traditional method which everyone has grown to accept its downsides such as delays, adaption visits and rising costs as ‘the norm’, but you need not accept this any longer! 

 

Some may hesitate to embrace mast climbers, considering them 'new,' – it isn’t and has been around for years.  In fact, you've likely seen mast climbers in action at construction sites during your commute. Given their widespread adoption in the industry, what's holding you back from giving mast climbers a chance? 

 

Double-stacked mast climbers offer a more suitable access option for high-rise construction than scaffolding, particularly in buildings surpassing 13 stories. They offer superior commercial viability and can significantly expedite project timelines. Like any successful project, the integration of mast climbers into the construction process requires proper planning. In fact, many large-scale projects would appoint a façade manager to efficiently oversee the use of mast climbers across various trades. 

 

So now might be the time to reconsider your reasons for still clinging to scaffolding in high-rise projects... 

 

Understanding Mast Climbers 

 

Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) have seen a growth in popularity in modern construction practices. MCWPs provide improved and safer working conditions for workers, minimising the risks associated with scaffolding.  

 

On top of that, mast climbers enhance project efficiency by facilitating quick and easily controlled vertical access, reducing downtime and labour costs. They’re also flexible and can be adapted to diverse construction projects, from facade maintenance to new builds. 

 

Double-Stacked Mast Climbers for High-Rise Construction 

 

A double-stacked mast climber involves the installation of two platforms on the same set of masts. This configuration not only doubles the vertical access but also allows for concurrent work on multiple levels, significantly speeding up the program.  

 

Constructing buildings that exceed 15 stories poses considerable challenges, often rendering conventional methods like scaffolding inefficient and compromising worker safety. The drawbacks are evident – prolonged setup and dismantling times for scaffolding result in extended construction periods.  

 

As structures grow taller, the impact of your choice of access solutions on project timelines becomes more pronounced. The extra time needed just to set up the vertical access alone translates to a significant increase in time and labour costs, along with a heightened risk of project delays. The physical demands of manoeuvring behind scaffolding also escalate with building height, accentuating both fatigue and fall risks for workers. 

 

In contrast, the advantages of employing double-stacked mast climbers in high-rise construction are manifold. Their inherent adaptability presents a versatile solution for the challenges often encountered in projects exceeding 15 stories. Allowing multiple trades to access the façade at different heights concurrently, streamlines the construction process and greatly improves the productivity on-site.  

 

This simplified, multi-level access significantly reduces downtime and logistical complexities, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments and repositioning. Consequently, they can help you achieve substantial time savings. Additionally, the efficiency gains translate to minimal needs of labour as compared to scaffolding. That helps you with optimising workforce allocation.  

 

Benefits of Double-Stacked Mast Climbers 

 

The advantages of using double-stacked mast climbers  

  • Simultaneous operation of multiple trades at different heights 

  • Drastic reduction in downtime 

  • Enhanced efficiency in vertical access 

  • Substantial cost savings through reduced labour and material requirements 

 

Double-stacked mast climbers provide rapid vertical access, enabling easy and efficient movement of both workers and materials on construction sites to streamline operations. As they speed up the construction process, they can bring you direct cost savings by minimising labour hours and shortening the project duration. The financial advantages extend further as the need for extensive scaffolding materials and equipment is eliminated, keeping the construction process remarkably cost-effective compared to traditional scaffolding methods.  

 

Consider MCWPs For Your High-Rise Construction Project 

  

Mast climbing work platforms present an enticing alternative to scaffolding in high-rise construction. With their remarkable benefits in safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness, it’s no wonder why MCWPs are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry.  

 

It also eliminates the safety concerns associated with traditional scaffolding, as well as the reduction of time constraints and improved accessibility, making mast climbers a valuable investment to optimise your brickwork projects.  With over 1,600 machines in our rapidly expanding fleet, BFT holds the UK's largest mast climber collection.  

 

All BFT mast climbers comply with Work at Height, Manual Handling, and Health & Safety regulations, ready to deploy from two national distribution centres in Bedfordshire and Manchester.  

 

Don't settle for less when better options are available. Speak with an MCWP expert today and discover how mast climbers can help with your next project.   

 

 

FAQ about double-stacked MCWPs

 

1. What are double-stacked mast climbers? 

Answer: Double-stacked mast climbers are innovative systems with two platforms on a single set of masts, enabling vertical access for efficient high-rise construction. 

 

2. How do double-stacked mast climbers benefit construction projects? 

Answer: They allow multiple trades to work concurrently, reducing downtime, enhancing efficiency, and leading to substantial time and cost savings. 

 

3.  Are double-stacked mast climbers safer than scaffolding? 

Answer: Yes, they provide secure vertical access, minimising worker risks associated with height and fatigue compared to scaffolding. 

 

4. Do double-stacked mast climbers improve project timelines? 

Answer: Absolutely. By accelerating construction and minimising setup time, they lead to shorter construction periods and reduced labour hours. 

 

5. Are double-stacked mast climbers cost-effective? 

Answer: Yes, they optimise labour allocation, reduce material needs, and minimise setup costs, making them more cost-effective than traditional scaffolding methods.