Articulated lift and scissor lift – what are the differences, similarities and differences in use

aerial, i.e. basket lifts, have become an integral element of most of today's industries. Their design has diversified over time, allowing the devices to be adapted to work in various situations and environments. These are the most common types of such equipment today articulated lifts and scissor lifts. What they have in common is the function of lifting people to perform specific work at heights. However, they differ in design and capabilities. In what situations are articulated boom lifts and scissor lifts suitable?

Scissor lifts – structure and capabilities of the device

The main element scissor lift jest platform and lifting it, shears. The lift operates in the up-down direction to a specified height with the arm reach. Due to their design, scissor lifts do not operate at high heights (even up to 17,5 meters!). Their advantage and advantage over other types of lifts is the size of the working platform (it can be extended by extending an additional platform) and maximum lifting capacity. The construction of these devices ensures scissor lifts stability, therefore up to 6 people can work simultaneously on the largest platforms. A sufficient amount of work space not only ensures comfort of work, but also allows you to take all the necessary tools upstairs. Due to its design and shorter range, this equipment is often used for work inside halls and buildings.

Articulated boom lifts – structure and capabilities of the device

The main element articulated lift, which allows you to perform tasks in hard-to-reach places, is the arm is broken in several points, at diffelease angles. This design allows you to reach places that are inaccessible to other basket lifts (for example, between the lift basket and the machine) and to avoid obstacles (an option not available for other lifts), which is of great importance, among others, when working in a "dense" urban environment.

The telescopically foldable and extendable lift arm allows you to transport people and cargo to significant heights - up to several dozen meters. Due to the large reach of the arm making a full rotation, articulated boom lifts are used in all situations where work is carried out at high heights, with limited space (for example, construction in city centers).

Additional front and rear supports available in some models of boom lifts stabilize the device, enabling the safe carrying of heavier loads. Due to its size, this equipment is usually used outdoors.

Scissor lifts and articulated lifts – what do they have in common?

Both types of machines (scissor lift and articulated lift) enable work at heights, offering the necessary fall protection for the user (basket), operator safety systems and a number of functions that facilitate the performance of selected tasks…

• Hydraulic lock – it is used to maintain pressure in the event of a break in one of the hydraulic lines. It is thanks to this action that the actuators remain in locked positions, preventing them from falling.
• Combustion or electric drive – determines the use of the machine (indoor or outdoor) and its capabilities. Scissor lifts and articulated petrol lifts are used outdoors. Although over time, more and more machines that previously had an internal combustion drive are switching to the electric version.
• Off-road or non-marking wheels – depending on the selected option, they are intended for devices with an electric drive operating inside buildings or for those intended for outdoor use.
• Control panel from the lift basket or from the control panel.

Use of articulated and scissor lifts

Basket boom lifts (both articulated and scissor lifts) work well in the broadly understood industry. Due to their capabilities, they can be used in many diffelease places, depending on the needs of employees. The use of the equipment is simple: lifting people and any tools to a specific height - so as to enable comfortable work.

Scissor lifts – self-propelled devices that are perfect for work inside buildings (electric scissor lift), where their short range is sufficient for all installation, finishing and renovation works. Outdoors (combustion scissor lifts) are often used for façade work.

Articulated boom lifts – irreplaceable on construction sites of high buildings, in all assembly, installation, painting and similar works carried out at high altitudes. They are also a modern alternative to traditional ladders and scaffoldings - for washing, sandblasting or other work performed on tall buildings. The film and event industries also often use articulated lifts when conducting photo sessions or, for example, organizing outdoor events.

Read also: Articulated boom lifts – where are they used? 

When using any type of basket lift, remember to follow safety rules. Working with aerial lifts requires special permissions from the device operator, while employees using lifts are obliged to use appropriate work clothes and personal protective equipment (depending on the situation, these are protective helmets, harnesses, safety harnesses, etc.).

See >> scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts – leaseal