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A photo of workers at a construction site using scissor lifts for various tasks.

Scissor Lifts: What Type is Best for Your Job Site?

A scissor lift is a popular piece of equipment that is mobile and can move people and materials to a height of 20-50 feet. They are rigid and durable thanks to an all-steel construction. The scissor lift operates using a series of interconnecting cross-sections that open and close just like scissors. Scissor lifts are powered by diesel, petrol, and electricity. These materials allow the hydraulic system to work in order to lift and lower the scissor lift operator. According to OSHA, the top five dangers of a scissor lift are: falls from heights, electrocutions, collapses, tip-overs, and being struck by objects.

What are the pros and cons of using a scissor lift for your project

Pros

  • Can bear Heavy Loads
  • Safe compared to other equipment in lifts
  • Comes in both fossil energy fueled and electric operating machines
  • Can be used by many professions

Cons

  • Can only move up and down
  • Needs manpower to unlead objects from the platform
  • May tip over if the terrain is unstable

What are the different types of scissor lift?

Rough terrain scissor lifts are a type of elevating work platform that has more power for working in harsh outdoor conditions. To offer the necessary power for operating across rugged terrain and lifting bigger cargoes, they are often powered by combustion diesel, petrol, or LPG engines. Rough terrain forklifts have increased traction and travel speed, making it easier to maneuver around huge construction sites safely. The major function of these machines is to elevate people and objects off of the uneven ground. They are best suited for difficult environments where they can increase productivity through positive traction, gradeability, and speed.

Gradeability is a measurement used by rough terrain scissor lifts. When compared to the operating angle, which is the steepest gradient a machine will operate on, gradeability is the steepest gradient a machine can climb. Gradeability is a term used in the accessibility industry to describe the size of the slope that a machine can climb up or down. Rough terrain lifts include high-performance tires and 4WD, which provide adequate power to propel them up a steeper slope.

Electric scissor lifts are more eco-friendly because they are powered by batteries rather than a combustion engine. Due to the lack of exhaust emissions and loud noises when working, they are perfect for interior use. Electric scissor lifts are often smaller, less bulky, and have narrower platforms than diesel scissor lifts. Because they work indoors, non-marking tires are frequently used to prevent floor damage during operations. They’re usually used on smaller platforms and have fewer load-bearing capacities than fossil-fuel-powered machines like diesel, gas, or propane.

Between job locations, smaller scissor lifts can be transported or towed. Scissor lifts can be mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a flatbed, or a railcar for specific applications. Rigidity and durability are provided by an all-steel construction and a twin shear scissor stack for long operating life. The electric scissor lift operates reliably and consistently, thanks to high-quality components. These lifts’ deep cycle batteries last as long as the job.

We’ve got your back

Scissor lifts are staple pieces of equipment in many industries including construction. They elevate the worker to reach places that are not conducive to using a ladder. If you need to rent scissor lifts, Partner Rentals has your back. And keep in mind that if your rental needs to be serviced, our mechanics can go to your jobsite, or it can be hauled back to the yard. If you need to book equipment for your next project, call 877-740-RENT (7368) today to book with Partner Rentals.

Keywords: Scissor lift, electric scissor lift, rough terrain scissor lifts, construction rental, construction

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