If you’re running a business that rents or owns mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), you already know these machines aren’t just tools—they’re big-ticket investments that power everything from building maintenance to construction projects. As someone who’s spent 12 years selling MEWPs (think scissor lifts, boom lifts, and vertical mast lifts) to small contractors and large construction firms alike, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen companies cut corners on storage, only to end up with expensive repairs, downtime, or even safety hazards that could have been avoided. That’s why today, I’m breaking down the non-negotiable storage requirements for MEWPs—stuff I’ve learned from listening to my clients’ headaches, fixing their stored units, and staying on top of OSHA and ISO standards. Because proper storage doesn’t just protect your equipment—it protects your bottom line. MEWPs
First, let’s start with the basics: why MEWP storage isn’t the same as stowing a lawnmower in your garage. These machines weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 40,000 pounds, have delicate hydraulic systems, battery packs that can fail if left in the wrong conditions, and structural parts (like scissor arms or boom hydraulics) that rust or warp if exposed to the elements. Last year, a general contractor I work with out of Dallas stored 10 of his scissor lifts outside for three months during a lull in projects. When he went to use them for a hospital renovation, four of the battery packs were dead beyond repair, two had hydraulic leaks from rusted seals, and one scissor arm wouldn’t extend because water had frozen in the hydraulic lines during a cold snap. He ended up paying $18,000 in repairs and lost a two-week window to start the job—all because he skipped proper storage. That story sticks with me because it’s preventable.
First on the list of storage requirements: space tailored to your specific MEWP models. Not all lifts are created equal, so “one-size-fits-all” storage never works. Let’s break this down. For scissor lifts, which are typically narrower than boom lifts, you’ll need enough space to not only fit the machine but also room to extend the platform if needed for maintenance. For example, a 30-foot electric scissor lift is about 8 feet wide and 15 feet long when folded, so you’ll need a bay that’s at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long to maneuver it in and out, plus 3 feet of clearance on all sides to access controls, hydraulic lines, and the battery compartment. Boom lifts are trickier: articulating boom lifts (the ones with joints that let you “reach around” obstacles) can be 25 to 60 feet long when folded, with boom arms that stick out, so you’ll need a high bay (not a standard low warehouse space) with ceilings at least 12 feet high to avoid damaging the boom or overhang. I once had a client store a 45-foot articulating boom lift in a standard 10-foot ceiling bay—when he closed the bay doors, he ripped the arm’s protective coating, which led to rust and a $2,500 repaint job. Also, don’t forget floor space: MEWPs are heavy, so you need a surface that can support their weight without cracking or settling. Concrete is best, but if you’re using a gravel or asphalt lot, it needs to be compacted, level, and free of potholes that could trap water or make the machine lean, straining its structural components.
Next, environmental controls that go beyond just keeping the rain out. This is where I see the most mistakes, especially from clients who store MEWPs outside or in unheated sheds. Let’s start with temperature and humidity. For electric MEWPs (the most common type for indoor and low-altitude outdoor work), battery packs are the most sensitive. Lead-acid batteries, which power most older models, need to be stored in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. If it’s below freezing, the battery’s electrolyte can freeze, cracking the casing and rendering it useless. If it’s above 90°F, the battery’s charging capacity drops by 30% or more, and internal corrosion speeds up. Lithium-ion batteries, which are becoming more popular on newer MEWPs, are more temperature-tolerant, but even they perform best between 40°F and 100°F, and extreme heat can shorten their lifespan by half. Then there’s humidity: high humidity (over 60%) leads to rust on steel parts, from the scissor arms to the lift’s chassis. In coastal areas like Florida or California, salt air is an extra problem—it accelerates corrosion by 2 to 3 times, so storage there needs better sealing and ventilation. For clients storing in wet climates, condensation is another risk: if the storage space is poorly ventilated, humidity can build up overnight, settling on metal parts and causing rust even if the space is dry during the day. That’s why I always recommend dehumidifiers in indoor storage bays, especially for regions with year-round high humidity.
Then there’s protection from the elements—even if you’re in a dry climate, UV rays from the sun can damage MEWPs faster than rain. UV rays break down the protective paint coating, the rubber tires, and the plastic components like control panels and safety labels. Last year, a construction company in Phoenix stored 15 boom lifts outside under a thin tarp. After six months, the sun had faded their paint, cracked several tire sidewalls, and made some control buttons sticky and unresponsive. Repairs and replacements cost them $12,000, plus they had to reapply OSHA-required safety labels because the original ones were unreadable. So if you can’t store MEWPs indoors, you need more than a tarp: use heavy-duty, UV-resistant custom covers that fit the exact model of your lift, not a one-size-fits-all tarp that tears easily. Also, if you’re storing outside, make sure the area has proper drainage—no standing water around the unit, which can seep into the chassis and cause rust, or flood the battery compartment. I always tell clients to put their MEWPs on small blocks of wood or rubber to keep them off the ground, especially in areas with heavy rain or snow melt.
Now, for operational and safety storage requirements, because this isn’t just about protecting the machine—it’s about keeping it ready to use when you need it. First, access to power for charging. Most MEWP batteries need to be charged every 30 to 60 days during storage, even if they’re not in use. If the battery drains completely, it can die permanently, a problem I see all the time. That means your storage space needs access to 110V or 220V power outlets near each MEWP bay. For clients who store multiple units, I recommend setting up a dedicated charging station to make this easier. Also, when you charge during storage, don’t overcharge—follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, which usually say to charge to 50-70% capacity before storing, then top off every 30 days. If you use lithium-ion batteries, the interval can stretch to every 90 days, but don’t skip it.
Then there’s security and accessibility. MEWPs are expensive, so you don’t want them getting stolen, and you also want them easy to move when you get a last-minute job. Outdoor storage lots should have fencing, gated access, and lighting to prevent theft—last year, a client in Atlanta had two scissor lifts stolen from his unsecure lot, and it took insurance months to replace them. Indoor storage should have clear labeling for each bay, so you don’t waste time searching for a unit when a job starts. Also, OSHA requires that MEWPs are stored in a way that doesn’t block emergency exits or access to fire equipment, so make sure your storage space complies with local fire codes—no storing flammable materials near MEWPs (like fuel for gas-powered models), and keep fire extinguishers nearby.
Wait, let’s talk about gas-powered MEWPs too—those used for rough terrain, like large boom lifts for outdoor construction. Their storage requirements are a bit different. First, you need to drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer, because old fuel breaks down and clogs the carburetor. If you leave gas in the tank for more than 30 days, it can turn into a gummy substance that costs hundreds to fix. Also, gas-powered MEWPs emit fumes, so their storage space needs good ventilation—no closed, unventilated sheds, because fumes can build up and be a fire hazard, or even toxic if inhaled. I had a client in Houston store a gas-powered boom lift in a small closed shed, and the fumes seeped into his office next door, making his employee sick. That’s not just equipment damage—it’s a safety issue.
Another thing I always emphasize to my clients is following the manufacturer’s specific storage guidelines. Every MEWP model comes with a manual that has exact specs: for example, some scissor lifts require the platform to be fully lowered and the brakes engaged during storage, while others need the arm of a boom lift to be in a specific position to prevent stress on hydraulic lines. Ignoring these guidelines can void your warranty, which is a big deal—one client I had tried to store his boom lift with the arm extended, against the manual’s advice, and when a hydraulic line burst a month later, the manufacturer refused to cover the repair, which cost him $4,000.
Let’s also talk about storage for short-term vs. long-term periods. If you’re storing a MEWP for less than a month, some requirements are more flexible—but not all. For example, even short-term storage outside means using a UV-resistant cover, and checking the battery charge every two weeks. If you’re storing for six months or more, you need to take extra steps: disconnect the battery terminals to prevent drain, lubricate all moving parts (like scissor arms and boom joints) to prevent rust, and cover the entire unit with a heavy, breathable cover (not plastic, which traps moisture) to avoid condensation.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “We don’t have space for an indoor storage bay, especially if we only have a few MEWPs.” That’s where I come in as your MEWP supplier. I’ve worked with dozens of small contractors who don’t have large warehouses, and we’ve customized storage solutions for them—like small, lockable outdoor pods with custom covers and power access, or shared storage spaces with other local contractors. But even if you’re using an external storage provider, make sure they follow these requirements: ask for proof that the space has temperature control for battery storage, proper drainage, UV protection, and access to charging. Don’t just go for the cheapest storage—because as I told you earlier, a $50/month cheap storage space can lead to $10,000 in repairs.
At the end of the day, proper MEWP storage is an investment, not a chore. It keeps your equipment running longer, reduces downtime on jobs, keeps your team safe, and saves you money on repairs and replacements. Over my 12 years in this business, I’ve seen clients who take storage seriously have MEWPs that last 10+ years, while those who cut corners replace their lifts every 3 to 5 years. That’s a huge difference in costs.
If you’re not sure if your current storage setup meets these requirements, or you’re looking to add more MEWPs and need help planning your storage space, I’m here to help. I’ve worked with contractors, construction managers, and facilities teams across the country to assess their storage needs, recommend the right MEWP models for their work (whether they need electric scissor lifts for indoor work or rough-terrain boom lifts for outdoor projects), and even connect them with trusted storage providers in their area. Don’t let poor storage turn your valuable equipment into a costly headache. Reach out today to discuss your MEWP needs, and let’s make sure your investment is protected.
Tower Cranes References
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2019). Safety and Health Regulations for Construction: Powered Platforms for Building Maintenance. 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2020). Machinery for Construction and Civil Engineering — Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) — Safety Requirements. ISO 18878:2020.
- Access Industry Association (AIA). (2022). Best Practices for MEWP Storage and Maintenance. AIA Safety Guideline Series.
- Battery University. (2021. March). Storage Guidelines for Rechargeable Batteries. Cadex Electronics Inc.
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