A lot on top: when looking at spider-type access platforms, you might be impressed by the amount of machine manufacturers put on top of relatively small tracked undercarriages. Are some of them 'piling' too high, asks Patrick Hill?

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sturdy tracked undercarriages provide superior traction, low surface loading, and narrow transport width--the key distinguishing benefits of spiders--and can bear a lot of weight. That allows platform designers [...]