1. Start with the decision
We begin with the real constraints of the purchase – vehicle weight, available space, ceiling height, floor requirements, power, access, intended use and budget – rather than starting with the product a supplier wants to sell.
2. Use primary specifications where possible
We prioritise current manufacturer manuals, datasheets and product pages, then supplier information where it adds price, availability, installation or UK-market detail. Each structured product record has a verification date and unknown specifications are kept as unknown rather than invented.
3. Separate product facts from supplier offers
The technical product record is kept separate from supplier price, stock, installation, finance and commercial relationship data. That lets us compare the equipment itself without silently treating a retailer offer as a product specification.
4. Compare material criteria
We compare criteria that can materially change suitability: rated capacity, dimensions, lift height, collapsed height, power, floor requirements, wheels-free access, portability, installation and warranty. Missing information does not earn a positive match score.
5. Explain the recommendation
Our tools show why a product was shortlisted and flag the specifications that still need confirmation. A recommendation is a decision aid, not an engineering sign-off. Where the evidence is too thin, we say so.
6. Keep commercial influence visible
A paid relationship never silently changes an editorial verdict or organic ranking. Where a supplier pays for prominence, a referral, an affiliate sale or sponsored content, that commercial element should be identified where the user encounters it.