As 2026 gets underway, many contractors, facilities teams, and project managers are mapping out the year ahead. From tight indoor fit-outs to large multi-storey construction sites, having the right access equipment lined up early can make all the difference in productivity, safety, and overall project success.
Whether you’re scheduling maintenance, preparing for refurbishment work, or gearing up for major builds, here’s a guide to the most in-demand access machines for 2026 — and how Dromad Hire can help keep your projects moving.
1. Low-Level Access for Indoor Fit-Outs & Facilities Work
For quick, efficient access in confined areas, low-level electric lifts continue to be a contractor favourite.
Top picks for 2026 projects:
10ft Push-Around Scissor Lift – ideal for quick installs, maintenance tasks, and low-level ceilings.
13ft Micro Electric Scissor Lift – ultra-compact for narrow indoor corridors and retail fit-outs.
Compact Mast Lift (Push-Around 30ft) – lightweight, stable, and perfect for indoor high-reach in tight spaces.
Why you’ll need them:
Indoor projects remain strong in Q1, with maintenance teams and electrical/fit-out contractors prioritising low-emission, quiet, clean-access solutions.
2. Mid-Height Access for Everyday Construction Tasks
These remain the backbone of most access hire requirements, especially for general construction, M&E, and interior trades.
In-demand machines include:
19ft Electric Scissor Lift (Skyjack SJ3219) – one of Ireland’s most widely used lifts.
26ft Narrow Electric Scissor Lift – a favourite for drywall, HVAC, lighting, and warehouse works.
32ft Electric Scissor Lift – for projects needing more reach without stepping up to a boom.
Why you’ll need them:
Demand spikes as soon as new projects mobilise — securing mid-height scissors early ensures availability when schedules tighten.
3. High-Reach Electric Booms for Complex Worksites
With more clients requesting low-noise and low-emission solutions, electric booms are set to dominate indoor and clean-air zones again this year.
Top choices for 2026:
38ft–45ft Electric Articulated Booms – ideal for reaching over obstacles and accessing difficult work areas.
Specialised indoor MEWPs for warehouses, factories, data centres, and high-spec facilities.
Why you’ll need them:
These machines provide unmatched versatility — perfect for maintenance at height, overhead services, and navigating around machinery or racking.
4. Spider Lifts for Multi-Site Contractors & Specialist Projects
Tracked spider lifts remain one of the fastest-growing access categories due to their reach, compactness, and ability to work indoors or outdoors.
15m–26m Hinowa Lithium Spider Lifts
Why you’ll need them:
They offer exceptional outreach in tight areas, are floor-friendly, and can operate emission-free indoors — suitable for telecoms, glazing, arborist work, facilities maintenance, and industrial sites.
5. Nationwide Delivery & Site-Ready Support
No matter the project scale, contractors are prioritising suppliers who can deliver quickly and provide dependable backup.
With Dromad Hire’s GA1-certified fleet, 24/7 emergency support, and rapid nationwide delivery, your team can get the right machine — exactly when and where you need it.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Access Requirements?
Whether you’re scheduling a single job or coordinating multiple sites, our team can support you with the ideal access solutions to keep your projects on track from day one.


