What Is a Cantilever Man Basket?
A cantilever man basket — also known as a cantilevered personnel hoisting platform — is a specialized work platform that extends outward from its suspension point, allowing workers safe access beyond edges, barriers, or obstructions. Typically suspended from a crane, it features an offset platform that “cantilevers” away from the vertical lift point.
This makes it the ideal solution for jobs where direct vertical access isn’t possible, such as working over the edge of a building, bridge deck, or elevated structure. When standard platforms can’t get the job done, a Premier Series LT cantilever platform provides safe, OSHA-compliant access.
Benefits of Cantilever Man Baskets vs. Standard Crane-Suspended Platforms
Extended Access Over Obstructions
Unlike standard baskets that hang directly below the crane hook, cantilever baskets allow operators to position workers over ledges, parapets, tanks, or other obstacles — wherever a straight-down approach won’t work.
Improved Safety in Complex Environments
Cantilever platforms minimize risky improvisations on the jobsite. Workers stay securely within the platform while reaching beyond a standard basket’s footprint, reducing fall risks and ensuring compliance with safety standards. They also eliminate the need for makeshift scaffolding or temporary structures that can compromise safety.
Greater Versatility for Maintenance & Inspection
Cantilever baskets are widely used for bridge inspections, building façade work, and industrial maintenance where precise access is critical. By reaching otherwise inaccessible spaces, they reduce downtime and improve efficiency on specialized projects.
Customizable for Jobsite Needs
While standard crane-suspended platforms serve general lifting purposes, LT cantilever baskets are often custom-engineered. Dimensions, load ratings, and access features can be tailored to meet your site-specific conditions and safety protocols.
Why Choose LT Cantilever Personnel Platforms?
At Lifting Technologies, we design and build platforms that fit your exact application — giving your team confidence and safety on every lift.
Load Capacity
Our cantilever personnel platforms are rated for full working load limits (WLL) across the entire platform deck length. This ensures stability and compliance with OSHA regulations.
Unlike many manufacturers who apply “dual ratings” (reducing capacity by up to 50% in the cantilevered section), LT platforms maintain maximum capacity even in the cantilevered work area — where it matters most.
Platform Frame Design
Because cantilever baskets require a significant counterweight to balance extended loads, LT designs most platforms with structural I-beam framing. This offers superior strength compared to competitors and ensures a safer lifting operation.
Key Considerations When Buying a Cantilever Man Basket
Every project has unique challenges. LT can custom-design your cantilever platform to meet specific lifting requirements. Standard features include:
- Full-perimeter grab rail and fall protection anchorage
- Industry-leading powder coat and primer finish
- Bolt-in floor grating for easy maintenance, thorough coating, and better cleanout
- Optional overhead structure or protection
Additional considerations:
- Length of cantilever section required
- Overall platform length and width limits
- Crane lifting capacity for heavier dead loads
- ASME B30.23 compliance requirements
Conclusion
While standard crane-suspended man baskets are suitable for many applications, a cantilever man basket provides the specialized reach and safety needed when working around obstructions or over edges.
From bridge inspections to industrial maintenance, LT cantilever personnel platforms deliver OSHA-compliant access, maximum stability, and custom engineering tailored to your site. At Lifting Technologies, our promise remains: “Quality and Safety Above All Others.”
