What Are the Different Types of Scissor Lifts

What Are the Different Types of Scissor Lifts

Meta Description: Learn about the different types of scissor lifts, including electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and more, and their uses in construction, maintenance, and industrial projects.

Scissor lifts are versatile aerial work platforms used across multiple industries. They provide elevated access to otherwise unreachable workspaces through vertical lifting movements.

This article explores the different types of scissor lifts based on their power sources and capabilities.

Key features, safety equipment, and common applications are also examined to help rental customers choose the right scissor lift solution for their jobs.

Key Takeaways

• Scissor lifts come in electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and rough terrain models suited to different jobs and environments.
• Their lifting platforms are available in standard and custom sizes to meet workspace needs.
• Lifts have various power sources like electricity, hydraulics, compressed air, or dual fuel options.
• Key features include fold-up legs, wheels or tracks, and fall protection railings.
• Common applications involve construction, facility maintenance, and industrial or infrastructure projects.

Common Scissor Lift Types

Several common types of scissor lifts are used for different applications and terrains. The type of scissor lift platform chosen depends on the needs of the job as well as surface conditions. Some of the main scissor lift varieties include electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and rough terrain models.

Electric Scissor Lifts

Electric scissor lifts provide a clean and sustainable power option for indoor or outdoor use. They are typically powered by an electric motor, which runs quietly without emissions. This makes electric lifts well-suited for enclosed indoor spaces or jobs requiring less noise and fumes.

Most electric scissor lifts feature rechargeable battery packs for portable operation. They offer a lower carbon footprint than combustion engines and have no hydraulic fluids or gases to maintain. However, electric lifts may have less power or lift capacity compared to hydraulic models.

Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Hydraulically operated scissor lifts are very common on construction sites and for heavy industrial use. They are powered through a hydraulic system and hydraulic liquid, usually hydraulic oil or hydraulic fluid.

Hydraulic diesel scissor lifts offer high lifting capacity and can easily manage uneven surfaces with their powerful lifting systems. They are durable and reliable machines. However, hydraulic lifts do require hydraulic fluids for upkeep and have a higher environmental impact than electric options.

Pneumatic Scissor Lifts

Some scissor lifts are pneumatically powered through compressed air. These lifts, also called air pressure lifts, use compressed air and pneumatic scissors to raise and lower the platform. Pneumatic scissor lifts provide a slightly lower carbon footprint than hydraulic scissor lift models while offering strong lifting capability. They are well-suited to outdoor applications but may have less power over rough terrain than hydraulic rough terrain scissor lifts. Pneumatic lifts need an air compressor as a power source.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts

Rough terrain scissor lifts are commonly used for working on uneven outdoor terrain. They feature capabilities like higher ground clearance, wide track or rough terrain tires, and heavy-duty construction to navigate rugged job sites. Rough terrain scissor lift lifts can easily handle surfaces like gravel, dirt, mud, and debris with their powerful lifting systems and wide tracks or tires. This makes them well-equipped for jobs in infrastructure, landscaping, and similar outdoor construction projects.

Power Sources for Operation

The power source used to operate a scissor lift depends on the needs and conditions of each job. Common power options for lifting platforms include electricity, hydraulics, compressed air, and dual fuel systems. Choosing the right power source is important for productivity and safety.

Electric Power

Electric scissor lifts are powered by an electric motor that runs on battery power. This provides a clean and efficient power supply for indoor or outdoor applications. Electric lifts have no emissions, offer a lower carbon footprint than internal combustion engines do, and produce minimal noise, making them suitable for enclosed indoor spaces. Their rechargeable battery packs allow for cordless operation. However, electric lifts may have less lift capacity compared to hydraulic models.

Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic scissor lifts derive their power from hydraulic systems and use hydraulic liquid like hydraulic oil or hydraulic fluid to lift and lower the platform. Hydraulic power provides high lifting capacity for heavy-duty jobs and uneven terrain. Hydraulic systems deliver reliable lifting performance but require hydraulic fluids for maintenance. They also have a larger environmental impact than electric options.

Compressed Air

Some scissor lifts, called pneumatic or air pressure lifts, are powered by compressed air. They use compressed air and pneumatic scissor legs to raise and lower the work platform. Pneumatic power offers strong lifting ability while emitting fewer emissions than hydraulic models. However, these lifts require either an electric motor or an external compressed air source like an air compressor.

Dual Fuel Options

Dual fuel scissor lifts can run on two different fuel sources, often a combination of electric power or hydraulic fluid plus liquid propane or traditional diesel fuel. This provides flexibility to use the onboard fuel in electric scissor lifts or hydraulic lifts when external power is not available. Dual fueling helps maximize machine use at busy job sites or during outdoor projects.

Platform Sizes and Load Capacities

The size of a scissor lift’s platform and its higher weight capacity are important specifications to consider for different jobs. Platform dimensions and lifting strength can vary greatly between lift models.

Standard and Custom Platform Sizes

Scissor lift platforms are available in a wide range of standard sizes to accommodate common job site needs. Regular platform widths include 60, 72, or 80 inches, with lengths up to 180 inches. However, custom platform sizes can also be specified to fit unique application requirements. Platform size affects the amount of workspace and the number of workers that can be lifted on the rising platform.

Weight Capacity Ratings

Scissor lifts are rated for maximum weight capacities ranging from 500 pounds to over 4,000 pounds, depending on the lift model and intended uses. Weight capacities specify just how much weight a load, including personnel, equipment, and tools, can be safely lifted. High-weight capacity lifts suit jobs requiring heavier tools or materials. Proper weight distribution is also important for lift stability. Understanding an individual lift’s rated lifting strength ensures safe and legal operation.

Key Features and Equipment

Scissor lifts include important standard features for safe, efficient lifting work. Common built-in equipment focuses on mobility, stability, and fall protection.

Fold-Up Legs and Wheels

Most scissor lifts have folding support legs and wheels to allow for easy transport and setup. The legs fold up compactly so the lift can be driven or towed between job sites. Wheels are often non-marking tires suitable for indoor floors or outdoor terrain. Rough terrain lifts may have tracks instead of wheels for very unstable ground.

Railings and Fall Protection

Safety is a top priority with scissor lifts. Railings surround the entire platform to prevent falls. Rail height meets governing codes, and some models have mid-rails in addition to top and toe boards. Harnesses may be required for attachment to anchor points when working above a certain height. Fall protection equipment helps keep workers secure at elevation according to occupational safety standards.

Common Work Applications

Thanks to their versatile lifting abilities, scissor lifts are widely used in an array of industries. Common working environments where they prove especially useful include construction sites, construction and facility maintenance, and industrial or infrastructure projects.

Construction Projects

At construction sites, scissor lifts are frequently used for tasks like installing siding, hanging drywall, spray painting, and assembling mechanical systems. Their lifting platforms provide safe, elevated access to work on buildings under construction or renovation. Rough terrain scissor lifts can navigate muddy, rocky conditions at outdoor building sites.

Facility Maintenance

Scissor lifts are invaluable for maintenance and repairs at large facilities. They allow electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople to reach overhead pipes, ductwork, lights, and high-level equipment for inspection and service. Electric scissor lifts are well-suited to indoor facility maintenance jobs requiring a quiet, emissions-free machine.

Industrial and Infrastructure Jobs

In industrial settings like factories, shipyards, and power plants, scissor lifts perform tasks such as inspecting smokestacks, painting large machinery, and changing lights on tall production equipment or ceilings.

Infrastructure projects like bridgework, roadwork, and utility line installation also utilize scissor lifts for their ability to provide stable, elevated workspaces. Hydraulic scissor lifts handle the heavy lifting demands of industrial and infrastructure work.

Scissor lifts offer versatile lifting power across many industries thanks to their ability to safely raise personnel, tools, and materials to overhead work locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. From construction to manufacturing to utilities, scissor lifts have become essential aerial work platforms for a wide range of jobs.