Choosing between a narrow and wide mobile scaffold tower usually comes down to two questions: how much space is available on the worksite and how much working room is required at platform level?
Both options can provide practical access for construction, maintenance, painting, electrical work, repairs and fit-out projects. However, the right configuration depends on the actual work environment.
Citizen Aluminium supplies aluminium scaffold towers in narrow and wide configurations across a range of heights. Understanding the differences can make it easier to select a tower that matches your project.
What Is a Mobile Scaffold Tower?
A mobile scaffold tower is a scaffold system fitted with castor wheels, allowing it to be repositioned around suitable work areas.
Depending on the tower configuration, components can include:
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aluminium frames
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guardrails
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horizontal braces
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diagonal braces
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platforms
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platforms with access hatches
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aluminium ladders
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castor wheels
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outriggers or stabilisers
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kickboards or toe boards
Different tower widths and heights provide options for different types of worksite access.
What Is a Narrow Mobile Scaffold Tower?
A narrow mobile scaffold tower has a more compact footprint than a wide tower. Citizen Aluminium's relevant narrow tower configurations are approximately 0.7 metres wide. This makes narrow towers particularly useful when floor space is limited.
Common situations can include:
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corridors
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confined work areas
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indoor maintenance
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narrow access routes
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compact construction spaces
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areas where surrounding floor space must remain available
If access into the job area is restricted, the footprint of the scaffold tower should be considered before purchasing.
What Is a Wide Mobile Scaffold Tower?
A wide mobile scaffold tower provides a larger base and working area. Citizen Aluminium's relevant wide configurations are approximately 1.3 metres wide. Where the worksite has sufficient space, a wide tower can provide additional platform room for movement, tools or materials.
Wide towers may suit:
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larger construction areas
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open workspaces
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exterior maintenance
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painting projects
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installation work
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jobs where more platform space is useful
The key is to match the width to both the available floor space and the task being completed.
Narrow vs Wide Mobile Scaffold Towers at a Glance
Narrow Mobile Scaffold Towers
A narrow tower may be suitable when:
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space is restricted
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access routes are narrow
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the tower needs a smaller footprint
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work is being completed indoors
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manoeuvrability through the worksite is important
Wide Mobile Scaffold Towers
A wide tower may be suitable when:
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more floor space is available
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additional platform room is preferred
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workers require space for tools or materials
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the project is in a larger or more open area
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the work involves more movement at platform level
Neither option is automatically better. The best choice depends on the project.
Measure the Access Route Before Choosing a Tower
A common mistake is focusing only on the platform dimensions.
You also need to consider how the tower will reach its working position.
Before purchasing, check:
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entrances
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doorways
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corridors
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pathways
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existing structures
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machinery
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usable floor space
A larger platform may be useful once the tower is in position, but it will not help if the tower configuration is unsuitable for the available access.
Think About Working Space at Platform Level
Next, consider what will happen once the worker reaches the platform. Will the job involve basic access, or will the worker need to move around while handling tools or materials?
A narrow tower may provide enough room for many straightforward access tasks. A wide tower may be worth considering where additional platform area is useful and the worksite can accommodate the wider footprint.
The individual product configuration should always be reviewed before ordering.
Consider How Often the Tower Needs to Move
Mobility is one of the main benefits of mobile scaffold systems. Castor wheels allow the tower to be repositioned as work progresses around a suitable work area.
This can be useful for:
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painting
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decorating
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electrical installation
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building maintenance
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repairs
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fit-out projects
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construction work
The worksite should still provide enough space for the tower to be moved between positions.
Tower Height Is Just as Important as Width
Width is only one part of scaffold selection. Citizen Aluminium offers mobile towers across multiple height configurations.
Before choosing, determine:
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required platform height
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required access height
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surrounding structures
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project conditions
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relevant tower components
Citizen Aluminium's product information also references AS 1576 in relation to mobile scaffold stabilisers, noting that stabilisers are required when platform height reaches 1.9 metres or above.
Always review the individual product configuration and relevant requirements before use.
Compare Outrigger and Kickboard Configurations
Citizen Aluminium supplies tower options with different component combinations.
Depending on the model, this can include:
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base towers
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towers with outriggers
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towers with kickboards
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towers with outriggers and kickboards
Some tower configurations can include two or four outriggers.
Reviewing the included components before ordering can help you choose a configuration that better matches the project.
Which Mobile Scaffold Tower Should You Choose?
A narrow mobile scaffold tower may be appropriate where access and floor space are limited. A wide mobile scaffold tower may be more suitable where additional working space is useful and the worksite allows for a larger footprint.
Before deciding, consider:
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available floor space
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access routes
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working height
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platform requirements
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tools and materials
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frequency of repositioning
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included scaffold components
If you are still unsure, Citizen Aluminium provides product guidance through its scaffolding FAQ and enquiry process.
Find Aluminium Mobile Scaffold Towers in Perth
Citizen Aluminium supplies narrow and wide mobile scaffold towers for construction, maintenance, trade and industrial applications across Perth and Western Australia.
Browse the available tower configurations online, explore all aluminium access equipment, or contact Citizen Aluminium for help selecting equipment for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a narrow and wide mobile scaffold tower?
A narrow tower has a more compact footprint for restricted work areas, while a wide tower provides more platform space where sufficient floor area is available.
When should I choose a narrow mobile scaffold tower?
A narrow tower can be useful for corridors, restricted access areas, indoor workspaces and jobs where available floor space is limited.
When is a wide mobile scaffold tower more suitable?
A wide tower may suit projects where workers need additional platform room and the worksite provides enough space for a larger footprint.
Can mobile scaffold towers be moved around the worksite?
Yes. Mobile scaffold towers use castor wheels to allow repositioning around suitable work areas.
Do mobile scaffold towers come in different heights?
Yes. Citizen Aluminium supplies aluminium scaffold towers in a range of height options and both narrow and wide configurations.
How do I choose the right mobile scaffold tower for my project?
Consider required height, available space, access routes, working platform area, included components and how often the tower will need to be repositioned.
