Operators of scissor lifts and site managers at companies large and small take on a variety of tasks that can be handled more efficiently and safely with a mechanical lift that is adapted to the task at hand. Site managers and operators use them to increase productivity, improve safety, and save money, but they are only effective if the equipment they use is the right one for the job. Scissor lifts can be used for a variety of purposes, but if they don’t have the right size, capacity, height, or other specifications for the job, the results can be detrimental.
Operators and site managers benefit from knowing a little bit about aerial lifts, such as scissor or boom lifts, which are often the easiest way to reach elevated work areas. The purchase or rental of a scissor lift is an essential step for any contractor. At Rentalex, we can assist with every aspect of the process, from initial consultation to selection of a scissor lift.
Scissor lifts are machines used for moving equipment and personnel up and down vertically. As a result, these lifts can be used for any application that normally requires ladders, towers or scaffolding. The use of scissor lifts allows operators to do the same jobs faster and more securely without the setup time of other equipment, such as scaffolding or a tower, or the instability of ladders.
Scissor lifts provide a safety harness or cable as well as a sturdy platform surrounded by railings, which minimize the risk of a fall when you work at any height. The scissor lift’s work platform provides unsurpassed safety for work of all types that occur at low to medium elevations. Scissor lifts may be referred to as one of the following for their technical classification:
- Mobile, elevated work platform (MEWP)
- Aerial work platform (AWP)
- Elevated work platform (EWP)
Platforms and railings are supported by a beam or bar-type struts on the lift, which is usually made of steel. Since the struts are hinged together, the assembly looks like a series of connected scissor blades, and as they operate, they perform an open-close movement like scissors. The scissor action that enables the lift is powered by hydraulic mechanisms which power the X pattern.
The working height of scissor lifts usually ranges between 20 and 40 feet, though some models can extend higher. There are scissor lifts that extend up to 100 feet vertically. It is possible to move some scissor lifts forward and backward with the lift partially extended, but this should be done with extreme caution. It is always a good idea to read the user manual of your lift for safety precautions when moving the lift while extended.
Scissor lifts typically extend between 10 and 60 feet vertically, and working heights are typically between 20 and 40 feet, though some models can go even higher. platform.Another advantage of scissor lifts is their small size, which ranges from 5 to 9 feet in height and 2′ 6″ to 5′ 9″ in width when folded. The lifts can sit on four wheels or legs, or they can have outriggers that go into or onto the ground to add stability. Scissor lifts can run on electricity and/or batteries, while others use gasoline, diesel or other kinds of fuel.
While some machines are designed to operate indoors, such as those used for building maintenance or warehousing, rough-terrain scissor lifts (RTS) can withstand outdoor conditions and challenging paths. While some have non marking tires, others do not. In order to acquire or rent a scissor lift, the first thing to consider is what kind of work it will perform and in what conditions. Several scissor lift models do not emit any emissions and are quiet to operate.
