A Complete Guide to What Are Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

A Complete Guide to What Are Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Meta Description: Everything you need to know about hydraulic scissor lifts, applications, benefits, and factors to consider when choosing one—a comprehensive guide to using a scissor lift.

Hydraulic scissor lifts are a vital piece of equipment for industries where elevated work is required. In this article, we will explore how these lifts function and their applications across construction, infrastructure, and facilities.

Key factors to consider when selecting a rough terrain scissor lift, maintenance, and safety best practices. Whether you need to know how to use scissor lifts properly or are considering renting one, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Hydraulic scissor lifts use hydraulic fluid pressure and a scissor arm mechanism to raise platforms for work access safely.
• They provide versatile solutions for construction, infrastructure, and storage facility tasks both indoors and outdoors.
• Choosing the right lift depends on factors like weight capacity, platform height, and suitability for indoor/outdoor use.
• Proper maintenance through inspections and operator training is vital for safety.
• Both electric and hydraulic models have advantages, with electric preferred for indoor use and hydraulic for heavy-duty outdoor jobs.

What Is a Hydraulic Scissor Lift?

Hydraulic scissor lifts, also known simply as scissor lifts, are versatile equipment used for elevating personnel, equipment, and materials at construction sites and other industrial settings. They function using hydraulic pressure to raise and lower a platform vertically.

Types of Scissor Lifts

There are several types of scissor lifts available based on their power source and intended applications:

• Hydraulic scissor lifts are powered by hydraulic fluid pressure and cylinders. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor construction and infrastructure projects.
• Electric scissor lifts are electrically powered and are ideal for indoor applications and storage facilities due to their quiet operation.
• Diesel scissor lifts or combustion engine scissor lifts use traditional diesel engines as the power source. They have a larger capacity but produce engine noise and exhaust emissions.
• Pneumatic scissor lifts are powered by compressed air and are suitable for indoor applications where hydraulic or electric power is not available.
• Rough terrain scissor lifts have wider tracks or tires, allowing them to be used even on uneven outdoor terrain and harsh conditions.

Main Components of Scissor Lift

All scissor lifts, regardless of power source, consist of some main components that enable their lifting action:

• Scissor legs or arms: These are the crossed metal arms in an X-shape that expand and contract to raise or lower the platform through a scissor-like mechanism.
• Hydraulic cylinder: Cylinders attached to the scissor arms provide the necessary lifting power through hydraulic fluid pressure or compressed air.
• Platform: The work area located at the top remains level during lifting and lowering through a cross-braced mechanism.
• Control valves: These regulate hydraulic fluid or air pressure flow to operate lifting, lowering, and safety functions.
• Power source: This could include hydraulic pumps, electric motors, combustion engines, or compressed air tanks, depending on the lift type.

How Do Hydraulic Scissor Lifts Work?

Hydraulic scissor lifts use hydraulic pressure and a scissor-arm mechanism to elevate workers and equipment safely. The lifting action is powered through a hydraulic system, and the platform remains level during operation through linked scissor arms.

Hydraulic System

A hydraulic pump powers the system by supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid from a reservoir. This fluid typically includes hydraulic oil or hydraulic liquid. Control valves regulate the direction and flow of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders attached to the scissor arms.

When the valve is activated, pressurized hydraulic fluid enters one end of the cylinder and is expelled from the other end, extending the cylinder to open the scissor arms. Hydraulic fluid levels and pressure must remain within specifications for safe operation.

Scissor Mechanism

The scissor arms are composed of scissor legs or a set of crisscrossing arm sections linked at pivoting connections. As the hydraulic cylinders attached to the scissor arms extend, the scissor arms open in an expanding X-shape pattern. This causes the lift platform located above the arms to raise vertically.

A cross-braced mechanism inside the scissor assembly ensures the platform remains level during lifting and lowering, allowing stable use even at maximum height. When hydraulic pressure is released, safety valves engage to prevent a sudden lowered height.

Applications of Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Hydraulic scissor lifts are versatile machines that serve a variety of important functions across different industries. Their ability to elevate personnel and equipment safely to heights makes them a valuable asset in many settings.

Construction

At construction sites, scissor lifts are commonly used to provide access at height for tasks like installing pipes, hanging banners, laying bricks, or performing electrical work. Their stable, level platforms allow workers to carry tools and materials for outdoor construction projects with confidence. Both indoor and outdoor applications are possible depending on the lift type.

Infrastructure Projects

Maintenance and installation of infrastructure like bridges, cell towers, and power lines require scissor lifts. Their maneuverability makes them suitable for inspecting or repairing structures in tight spaces. Government infrastructure projects rely on scissor lifts to elevate inspection personnel efficiently and safely.

Storage Facilities

The elevated work positions provided by scissor lifts help warehouse and storage facility workers perform tasks like retrieving inventory, assembling products, or changing lighting more easily. In these indoor applications, electric scissor lifts are often used for their quiet operation and lower carbon footprint versus combustion engine models. Facility managers also use scissor lifts to hang signs or install security cameras at height.

In conclusion, scissor lifts open up a range of possibilities for industries and tasks that require temporary access to elevated work areas. Their versatility has made them an indispensable part of modern construction and industrial operations.

Benefits of Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Hydraulic scissor lifts provide many advantages over ladders or other temporary elevated work platforms for both indoor and outdoor applications. They offer safe, stable, and versatile access to height.

Elevate Workers Safely

One of the biggest benefits is worker safety. Scissor lifts are designed to elevate personnel and tools securely to overhead work areas using a protected, rail-enclosed platform. Safety harnesses can also be worn, and lift controls only operate when properly connected for fall protection. This eliminates risks associated with using ladders or makeshift scaffolding.

Stable Platform

The level, stable scissor lift platform provides a firm base for carrying out tasks with both hands-free. The cross-braced scissor arm mechanism ensures stability even at maximum height on rough terrain. Workers enjoy a feeling of sure-footedness not found with alternative elevation methods.

Indoor and Outdoor Use

Versatility is another advantage, as scissor lifts can function in various indoor and outdoor applications depending on the model. Harsh weather or uneven ground conditions that prevent ladder use pose no problem.

Electric scissor lifts allow indoor usage without fumes, while rough terrain models navigate job sites fully. The ability to easily move lifts provides quick access wherever needed.

In summary, scissor lifts provide safe, stable, and flexible elevated work access through their simple design and functionality. This makes them a valuable equipment investment for industries where work is performed above the floor or ground level.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Hydraulic Scissor Lift

There are important specifications to evaluate when selecting the right scissor lift model for your needs. Properly matching a lift’s capabilities to the intended tasks ensures safe, compliant, and productive operation.

Weight Capacity

One critical factor is the lift’s rated weight capacity. This should comfortably exceed the combined weight of all personnel, tools, and materials to be elevated. Lift manufacturers list capacity in pounds or kilograms. Consider a lift’s reserve strength for unforeseen loads as well.

Platform Height

The required working height drives the minimum lift height. Ensure the chosen model can safely reach all overhead areas. Lift height range varies, so confirm it exceeds needs with room for growth. Rough terrain lifts often have greater height ranges for versatility.

Outdoor Suitability

If outdoor use is planned, factors like terrain, weather resistance, and wind stability require examination. Diesel, electric, or pneumatic power sources suit some outdoor needs better.

Rough terrain models counteract surfaces like dirt, mud, ice, and slopes with wide tracks or large tires. Harsh conditions may necessitate diesel power for reliability.

Other considerations include battery or fuel capacity, drive and lift functions, indoor clearance needs, and safety features. Renting provides a cost-effective way to evaluate options before purchasing. With diligent assessment of key specifications and intended use, the right scissor lift makes high work accessible and productive.

Maintenance and Safety

Ensuring proper maintenance and operator training is crucial for safe scissor lift usage. Regular inspections and compliance with safety protocols help prevent issues and protect both equipment and personnel.

Inspections

Manufacturers specify inspection schedules based on lift application and hours of use. Checking hydraulic fluid levels, hoses/fittings, electrical wiring, safety devices, and mechanical components catches small problems before they cause downtime or accidents. Records of completed inspections demonstrate maintenance compliance for audits or certification. Inspections may be done internally or by a service provider.

Training

Thorough operator training reduces human errors as a safety risk. Programs cover lift controls, safety features, weight limits, hazard avoidance, and emergency procedures.

Only authorized personnel should operate lifts after training verification. Refresher sessions help retain safe habits. Untrained users risk lifts and lives by not understanding functions, stability limits, or proper fall protection use.

Safety harnesses, signs, and barricades also protect those near lifts. Following maintenance and training best practices helps scissor lifts perform as valuable tools while maintaining a strong safety culture at work sites for years.