Some jobs don’t give you much space to work with. Tight corners, soft or uneven ground, and restricted access can quickly turn what should be a straightforward task into a challenge for even the most experienced tradesperson. On top of that, your standard platform isn’t always suitable; they can be too heavy, too bulky, or simply not designed for the kind of space you’re dealing with.
That’s where our spider lifts hire service comes in. They’re compact, stable, and easy to manoeuvre, giving you safe and reliable access at height without the limitations of scaffolding or ladders. You could be working indoors, outside on rough terrain, or in awkward spots, and a spider lift adapts to the conditions so you can focus on the job.
At Smiths Hire, we’ve spent more than 50 years supporting tradespeople and businesses across the North with our tool hire and spider lift hire services. We know how important it is to have the right access hire equipment for the job and the environment, and we’re here to help you find the machine that perfectly suits your team. So if you’ve got a job coming up and you need to get up high, here are six jobs where spider lifts make everything much easier.
1. Tree work and garden maintenance
Tackling tall trees or overgrown hedges with a spider lift gives you a solid, safe platform to work from, especially when the ground’s a bit uneven or boggy (which, let’s face it, with the weather up North, it very well could be). You can drive it across grass without tearing up the lawn, and get into places where heavier machines just wouldn’t fit, making it a game changer for professional arborists, or anyone else clearing land.
So, if you’re taking off dangerous branches, carrying out crown reductions, or just keeping things neat, you can work at height without the strain of climbing or constantly repositioning ladders.
2. Building maintenance where space is tight
Working in courtyards, alleyways, or the tight spaces between buildings can make access incredibly difficult. Scaffolding can be an impractical choice in these situations because of the space it requires and the time it takes to set up. A spider lift is a much more efficient option. It is compact enough to get through narrow access points and can be set up quickly, even on uneven or restricted ground.
That makes it a solid choice for maintenance teams, caretakers, and housing associations who need reliable access to things like guttering, cladding, pipework, or lighting. It is also well suited to indoor work, especially in areas with high ceilings where larger platforms are simply not an option. If you’re dealing with ventilation systems or lighting upgrades, a spider lift gives you the reach and stability you need without the usual fuss.

3. Roofing and guttering jobs
Spider lifts also make life a whole lot easier when you’re dealing with awkward rooflines. Whether it’s cleaning gutters, carrying out repairs, or just getting up there for an inspection, they give you a stable, secure platform to work from, which is something ladders just don’t offer, especially when you’re up there for a while.
They’re built to tackle the kind of spots ladders struggle with. The platform gives you a reasonable space to move around, use your tools, and work safely without constantly readjusting your position. What’s more, with legs that act like ladders down to the ground, they stay solid and level even on sloped driveways or uneven lawns. All in all, they take the inconvenience out of high-up jobs.
4. Churches, listed buildings and heritage sites
Older buildings come with their own challenges. Fragile floors and walls, awkward layouts, or conservation rules mean you can’t just throw in any old set up. Our tracked spider lift hire service offers lightweight, quiet, and precise movement, making them ideal for these sensitive jobs.
They’re often hired from us by contractors working on internal ceilings, exterior stonework, or lighting and sound systems in churches and halls. You get the access you need without damaging floors, steps or any other important and precious features – and when they’re done, it leaves everything exactly as it was.
5. Signage, lighting and security installs
Signage is another one. Installing signs or security kits on commercial properties can be awkward, especially when you’re working around things like car parks, fencing, or landscaping. Trying to bring in scaffolding or larger platforms can end up causing more disruption than it is worth. Spider lifts help you rise above all that (literally).

With the right outreach and manoeuvrability, you can position lights, CCTV, or shop signage safely and securely without needing to move or re-secure half the site. That means less disruption for the client, no unnecessary delays, and a quicker, more straightforward job for you. It is a simple way to keep things efficient without cutting corners.
6. High-level window cleaning
Lastly, but certainly not least, when it comes to spaces like residential flats, schools, and office blocks, spider lifts make window cleaning much safer and more efficient for your team. Instead of spending time setting up scaffolding or working from ladders, you get a stable platform that lets you move quickly and confidently between different areas.
Because spider lifts are so compact and easy to manoeuvre, you can get in close to the building, even in tight spots like courtyards or narrow access routes. That means less hassle, better results, and a much smoother job from start to finish, especially on sites where safety and speed are paramount.

When your job needs reliable equipment without delays, you can count on us. Our range of spider boom lift hire options is ready when you are, with next-day delivery, trusted industry brands like Hinowa. We only supply equipment we’d use ourselves, and we know how to match the right lift to the job you’re facing.
Whether it’s narrow access, uneven ground or just a job that’s a bit more awkward than usual, we’ll help you get sorted without the runaround. With 18 Hire It Centres across the North West, expert support, and a genuine focus on helping you crack on, we’ll help you get your job over the line. Got a question about our spider lift hire service? Just get in touch with our friendly experts today on 0333 323 2022, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!