With numerous scissor lift heights, sizes and power sources, choosing the right machine for each application can be challenging. When you understand which details to focus on, you can determine the exact lift you need for each project. This comprehensive guide from Herc Rentals helps you differentiate between different types of scissor lifts and select the ideal one for each need and application.
Choosing the right scissor lift type and size is crucial for the following reasons:
Before renting your lift, you'll want to consider these essential decision criteria:
Focusing on all three of these factors is essential because they work together to support your application. The required working height establishes your initial boundaries, which helps you determine the appropriate lift type. Finally, your jobsite's environment finalizes your power source choice.
Learn about different scissor types and how they differ from each other.
Electric Scissor Lifts
Electric scissor lifts are ideal for various work environments, but especially on hard, level surfaces in indoor areas, such as warehouses, retail spaces, data centers and interior construction sites. Since they have zero emissions, electric scissor lifts are the only safe option for enclosed spaces. They also operate quietly. You can find electric scissor lifts in standard and compact sizes.
A slab scissor lift is a specialized type of electric scissor lift with a low ground clearance, compact chassis and non-marking tires. These features make slab scissor lifts perfect for smooth, firm and level surfaces such as concrete or finished flooring that require extra protection.
You can also opt for a dual-rated slab scissor lift, with a dual-zone control system for indoor and outdoor use.
Diesel Scissor Lifts
Diesel scissor lifts run on diesel fuel and offer longer run times than electric forklifts. These scissor lifts are designed for use on firm, level ground such as stadiums, parking lots and large-scale outdoor construction sites.
A diesel scissor lift's emissions make it unsuitable for enclosed spaces, but its robust chassis and powerful engine help it handle tough outdoor applications. While electric scissor lifts are expanding in range, diesel remains an essential option for demanding situations.
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Rough terrain scissor lifts are larger, heavier and more powerful machines that excel at navigating rough terrain such as sand, dirt and mud.
A rough terrain scissor lift features pneumatic tires that can grip uneven ground without popping. Some models also include oscillating axles and a 4WD system for excellent traction, stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain. Rough terrain scissor lifts come in electric and diesel models.
Calculating the lift height you need for a job is one of the most important factors when selecting a scissor lift. Selecting the right lift height enables your workers to reach their work areas safely and comfortably, whether they retrieve pallets from shelves, paint walls or install roof components.
Understanding Platform Height vs. Working Height
Platform height is how high a scissor lift's platform rises. Working height is the lift's platform height plus approximately six feet (6'), which accounts for the height of an operator standing and working from the platform. For example, you would need a platform height of roughly 14 feet if your workers need to work 20 feet above the ground.
To ensure you select a scissor lift with the ideal reach for your application, pay close attention to its working height. You need a lift with a working height that matches the height your workers need to access, whether it's the top shelves in your warehouse or outdoor construction framing.
Common Scissor Lift Working Heights and Their Ideal Applications
The three most common lifts available for rent are compact electric scissor lifts, electric scissor lifts and rough terrain scissor lifts. Each type offers its own maximum working height:
Overhead Clearance and Weight Capacity
The lift you choose must be able to safely fit under structural elements and through doorways at partial and full extension. Measure the spaces at your facility or jobsite from the lowest point of each doorframe to the floor. Do the same for structural elements that the lift must pass under.
Weight capacity is another vital consideration. A lift platform's weight capacity indicates the total weight it can handle, combining tools, workers and materials. Staying within a platform's weight capacity is crucial for safety and OSHA compliance. Consider the full weight of your lift operators and the tools and materials they will need with them on the platform.
Additional Scissor Lift Features
You can also consider various features you may need for certain tasks. Scissor lifts often come with a combination of features, such as:
Once you understand the lift type, height and weight capacity you need, assess your specific application.
Construction Sites
On construction sites, the type of lift you need often changes as the project progresses. Because of this, you may need to rent different scissor lifts at different phases of the same project.
Early-stage construction tasks, such as steel erection, often require rough terrain lifts due to uneven ground. Your team will typically need electric or slab lifts once you start working on an enclosed, floored building. Construction crews often depend on electric and slab lifts for mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in. For exterior cladding work, the type of lift you need depends on whether the ground is level.
Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Electric slab lifts are often the perfect solution for warehouse and distribution center work. Consider these factors when choosing a lift for your facility's needs:
Facilities Maintenance and Property Management
Electric lifts are best for most interior maintenance jobs. As a facility or maintenance manager, you may need to rent a lift on short notice for reactive maintenance tasks. Whether you need to access the roof, work on lighting or maintain an HVAC system, having a trusted rental partner with a broad inventory is essential. With a wide selection from which to choose, you can find the exact lift type, height and weight for every maintenance job.
While scissor lifts are excellent options for many commercial and industrial applications, they are not the best option for every job. A scissor lift moves vertically, allowing operators to move up and down but not horizontally. A boom lift may be necessary if your workers need to work at irregular angles. Articulating or telescoping boom lifts are best in situations requiring horizontal reach.
When you know the scissor lift type, size and weight necessary for your application, you can opt to rent or purchase the machine.
When to Rent a Scissor Lift
Scissor lift rental has a lower up-front cost than a purchase, requires no long-term storage and allows you to swap models as needed. It also reduces your maintenance requirements because the rental company handles equipment maintenance for you.
Renting is the best option for:
When to Buy a Scissor Lift
Buying a scissor lift is often the best option when you plan to use the equipment regularly and for an extended time. When you use the equipment often, your initial investment delivers a higher return on investment.
Choosing the right scissor lift for each application results in safer, more productive and more efficient operations. When you consider your project's application, jobsite conditions, overhead clearance and weight requirements, you can match it to the perfect machine.
OSHA requires mobile work platform operators to receive training and authorization before operating scissor lifts. Each operator should complete a thorough pre-use inspection, use proper fall protection and follow the lift's manufacturer load limits. It's also important to comply with all applicable American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) A92 standards. Employers must ensure each mobile work platform operator receives training on the specific equipment they operate.
This story was produced by Herc Rentals and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
