About EWT America
Innovating Workshop Safety with Elevating Work Platforms
Stephen Gardner didn’t set out to start a company—he just wanted to build a better shop. With a background in farming and years of hands-on mechanical work, Stephen knew the daily strain that comes with crawling under vehicles and working around outdated equipment. When he designed his new shop, an in-floor pit seemed like the obvious choice—until he realized it came with some serious limitations.
That’s when he discovered inventor Hew McDonald in Australia and his Elevating Work Platform. Impressed by its safety and versatility, Stephen installed one—and never looked back. What began as a smart solution for his own needs turned into something worth sharing. Today, EWT America stands as proof that the best innovations often come from people who do the work themselves.
The Pitfall of Traditional Service Pits
For decades, the in-floor service pit has been a go-to solution for under-vehicle access. But in reality, these pits often introduce more challenges than they solve.
- They’re permanent holes in your shop floor—creating tripping hazards and space limitations
- Mechanics are stuck working at a fixed depth, regardless of vehicle height or task
- Lighting, ventilation, and drainage are often sub-par or require additional installation
- Safety risks increase when steps, ladders, and fall hazards come into play
What seems simple on the surface quickly becomes inflexible, inefficient, and potentially dangerous—especially in modern, fast-moving workshops.
Turning a Smart Solution Into a Business
Originally developed as a one-time solution for Stephen Gardner’s own shop, the Elevating Work Platform quickly proved to be more than a fix—it was a fundamental improvement. Once installed, the platform delivered immediate benefits: reduced injury risks, optimized work positions, and a cleaner, more flexible shop layout.
Unlike fixed service pits that force mechanics to adapt to a single depth and create floor hazards when not in use, the EWP remains level with the shop floor until activated. It then raises or lowers with precision, using a certified hydraulic cable system to position technicians exactly where they need to be for the task at hand.
Seeing the impact firsthand, Stephen partnered with Hew McDonald, the platform’s inventor, to launch EWT America and bring this patented solution to workshops across the U.S. and Canada.
Built for Mechanics, by Mechanics
Our Elevating Work Platforms aren’t just built to spec—they’re built to work, day in and day out, under real shop conditions. Designed by mechanics for mechanics, every platform combines robust engineering with smart safety features to create a tool you can trust.
Key performance features include:
1-ton working load capacity
2,000 lbs load capacity to support heavy equipment
Hydraulic-driven cable Suspension System
for smooth, controlled movement
15-second raise / 20-second lower time (unloaded)
keeps workflow fast and efficient
custom platform flooring options
solid steel plate or grated for drainage
Standard 8″ or slimline 5″ frame height
match your shop’s needs
Surface-treated Steel components
provide long-term durability and corrosion resistance
Key performance features include:
Dual-circuit activation to prevent accidental use
Photoelectric sensors and rope tension switches to detect obstructions
Auto-triggered alarms (flashing light + audible alert) when in use
Counterbalance hydraulic valve to prevent uncontrolled descent
Meets US Category 4PLe and SIL 3 electrical safety standards
When you need power, precision, and protection—all in one platform—EWT delivers.
From One Mechanic to Another—Let’s Make Your Shop Better
We know what it’s like to need a better way. Let us help you get there with a custom-built solution designed for real work.