Scissor lift – everything you need to know about it

In the industrial sector, basket lifts work almost everywhere. One of the most commonly used types of this equipment is the scissor lift. Characteristic, crossed arms lifting people and loads are the everyday landscape of warehouses, renovated rooms, construction sites, on building facades and many other places. Their uniqueness lies in their "versatility" and the possibilities it offers, but, like any device, it also has its limitations. What is worth knowing about scissor lifts? Some information may surprise you...

Scissor lifts – design and principle of operation

The structure of a scissor lift is based on system of crossed arms with a working platform placed above them. Safety barriers form the basket of the lift, protecting employees and objects from falling out while the device is operating. Straightening the arms, they lift the platform up. The operation of the lifting levers resembles that of scissors, hence the name – scissor lift.

The central drive unit is the engine (incl electric scissor lift electric motor, in petrol scissor lift combustion engine) and an electric control module. Electric scissor lifts are much more common because they can also be used in closed spaces. In diesel scissor lifts, the diesel engine allows for efficient work outdoors - in difficult, often unstable terrain.

A special type of small scissor lift has been designed in Norway - a combustion one Hybeko Tunel 339RT, adapted to work in tunnels. Due to the characteristic, rocky conditions of the local terrain and the need for frequent drilling of rocks, these lifts operate in tunnels and have a combustion engine! How did you come to that? Electric lift batteries charge slowly and regulations in Norway prohibit charging electric devices in tunnels - the answer was scissor lifts with minimal exhaust emissions.

Mobile scissor lifts (also known as self-propelled scissor lifts) have wheels designed for outdoor use or smooth and non-marking wheels for indoor use. A special type of scissor lifts, or rather two-scissor lifts, are those used in the automotive industry, permanently anchored in the ground - used to lift the car to a specific height, which makes it much easier for mechanics to repair or inspect the car's chassis.

Application of scissor lift

Mobile, scissor platforms are most often used in the renovation and construction, HVAC and logistics industries. The possibility of using them at every stage of construction makes scissor lifts one of the most universal tools.

Depending on the size of the working platform, construction scissor lift can carry up to 6 people to a workstation along with the necessary equipment, while providing adequate space for free work with power tools (the possibility of connecting them is usually available in the basket of the lift). Therefore, it is an essential element for all advanced construction works at height. The most frequently performed tasks include plastering, painting, washing, sandblasting, bricklaying and all assembly and finishing works at height.

In city works These machines are often used for installation work, tree trimming, and repairing faults at height. Foresters use scissor lifts for tree trimming and maintenance work in nurseries. They are also widely used w event and film industry and all related areas where there is a need to assemble/disassemble elements at height.

aerial electric ones are usually used for indoor work closed, on a hard and level surface. Devices combustion engines, with higher power, can cope outdoors, on uneven and often unstable ground, such as construction sites, forest areas, unpaved roads, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of scissor lifts

Scissor platforms are a very practical solution and a modern alternative to ladders and scaffolding. Like any device, this lift has features that predispose it to perform specific tasks, but it also has some limitations...

Advantages of scissor platforms

• Stable, large platform – sometimes with the option of extending and additionally enlarging the working space.
• Possibility to lift several people with the necessary tools – up to 4 to 6 people can work comfortably on the largest scissor lifts.
• Work safety – basket rails and safety harness ensure a sense of security when using the lift.
• Stable construction – the platform placed directly above the lifting mechanism provides the device with exceptional stability.
• Large lifting capacity – the largest scissor lifts can lift up to 3 tons (intended mainly for the automotive industry).
• Ease of use – mobile scissor lifts operate in the up-down plane, which makes the control panel really simple.

Disadvantages of scissor lifts

• Small reach compared to other basket lifts – the largest of them are up to several meters high.
• Need to be placed directly under the target location – in the conditions of the construction site, the need to perform repairs in the production hall, etc. it is not always possible to reach a specific place directly - in such situations, articulated boom lifts may work better.

The tallest self-propelled scissor lift in the world can raise the work platform to a height of 37,5 m, with a weight of up to 750 kg. 22 m2 of space on the platform allows for comfortable, simultaneous work of 4 people.

Is it worth investing in purchasing a scissor lift?

Purchasing a scissor lift (or any other lift) works well when the device is used constantly - for example in renovation and construction companies. In the case of temporary or only sporadic use of the lift, it is definitely more practical scissor lift leaseal – especially long-term leaseals. The tenant then does not bear the costs of servicing such a machine and any repairs, and the lessor is assured of receiving a functional lift and its immediate replacement in the event of a failure (no downtime).

Read also: Advantages of buying a used scissor lift

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GIZO – leaseal and sale of scissor lifts – the leaseal price is determined individually, depending on the customer's needs; however, a longer leaseal always means a lower rate. Our offer includes many machines. The range includes both scissor lifts and other machines. We invite you to read the article and take a look at our offer. Request a quote and contact!