If you’ve looked into tanker access solutions, you’ve probably noticed EWFM offers more than one type of folding stairs. That’s not by accident, each variant solves a different problem on site. This guide isn’t a spec sheet (you’ll find full details on each product page); it’s here to help you work out which one actually fits your operation.
Start with one question: does your tanker always stop in the same place?
This is the single biggest fork in the decision.
If yes — your gantry has one fixed loading point and tankers reliably line up with it, a fixed position stair unit is all you need. That’s the standard Tanker Folding Stairs: a permanent installation at one spot on the gantry, built to be simple, durable, and low-maintenance.
If no — your site has multiple filling points, or tankers don’t consistently park in the same spot, a fixed staircase becomes a daily hassle, forcing drivers to repeatedly reposition their vehicle to match the stairs. That’s the exact problem the Sliding Folding Stairs were designed around: instead of the tanker moving to the stairs, the stairs move to the tanker, travelling along a rail system so one unit can serve an entire gantry length..
Second question: do your workers need extra room at height?
This is where the Wide Folding Stairs come in, and it’s a separate decision from the one above, width and mobility solve different problems, and either fixed or sliding installations can, in principle, benefit from more tread space.
Standard width stairs work fine for someone climbing up and down. But if operators are also handling a loading arm, carrying tools, or need to pass each other at height, a narrow staircase becomes a safety pinch point. The Wide Folding Stairs give operators the physical space to work at height rather than just pass through it, worth considering wherever the job at the top of the tanker involves more than just standing there.
Putting it together
| Question | Standard Tanker Folding Stairs | Sliding Folding Stairs | Wide Folding Stairs |
| Does the tanker stop in a fixed spot? | Yes – this is your default choice | No – built specifically for this | Either, if width is the priority |
| Do multiple filling points need covering? | No | Yes | No |
| Do workers need extra space at height? | Not a priority | Not the primary design goal | Yes – this is the deciding factor |
| Site complexity | Simple, single point sites | Larger gantries, varied tanker positions | Sites where task complexity at height is the issue |
In practice, some sites combine approaches, for example, specifying extra tread width on a sliding installation where both problems exist. If that sounds like your setup, it’s worth a conversation with our team rather than picking from the standard configurations alone, since dimensions and cage specifications can be tailored per site.
A note on operation type
All three variants can be specified as manual or pneumatic, and that choice is really about frequency of use rather than which stair type you’ve chosen. High-frequency loading operations tend to benefit from pneumatic operation simply because it removes the physical effort of raising and lowering the unit multiple times a day; lower-frequency sites often find manual operation perfectly adequate and simpler to maintain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Sliding Folding Stairs if I only have one loading bay? Not necessarily. Sliding Folding Stairs earn their keep when a single unit needs to reach tankers at different points along a gantry. With one fixed loading bay, standard Tanker Folding Stairs are typically the simpler and more cost effective choice.
Can Wide Folding Stairs be installed as a sliding system? Width and mobility are separate specifications, so it’s worth discussing your exact requirements with EWFM directly if you need both extra tread space and the ability to reach multiple tanker positions.
What materials are folding stairs available in? Material options vary by variant, mild steel and stainless steel for standard Tanker Folding Stairs, with aluminium, galvanised steel, or stainless steel also available for the Sliding and Wide versions. Full details are on each product page.
Is a safety cage included as standard? Safety cages are available across all three variants but should be confirmed per installation, check the relevant product page or speak to our team to specify what your site needs.
How do I decide between manual and pneumatic operation? It comes down to how often the stairs will be used. Manual suits lower frequency access; pneumatic is generally worth the investment for high frequency loading sites where speed and reduced manual effort matter.
Still not sure which folding stairs suit your site? Get in touch with our team for a tailored recommendation
