Scissor lifts have many applications on construction and industrial job sites, as well as in warehouse settings. In simple terms, they’re designed to move equipment and workers up and down.
Scissor lift weights vary based on many factors, with the type at the top of the list1. For example, a heavy-duty model that’s used on construction sites will typically weigh more than an electric model used primarily indoors.
Generally speaking, the larger the scissor lift’s size in feet, the more it weighs. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
When choosing a scissor lift for your project, it’s always important to consider its weight2. For example, if you’re working indoors, a scissor lift that’s too heavy could cause damage. Conversely, a lighter scissor lift may not be able to handle rough terrain.
Here are some additional points that may impact your decision:
Carefully review all three of these details as they relate to your project to ensure you choose the right type of scissor lift.
If you already have a scissor lift, review the spec sheet for information on its weight and corresponding details. If you’re preparing to buy or rent a lift, consult with the seller or leasing agent while reading the spec sheet.
Neglecting to gather this information increases the risk of incorrect use. This puts the lift at risk of damage and those using it at risk of injury.
Knowing how you’ll use the lift helps you determine which size you need. There are six general uses for this equipment:
Some scissor lifts are good for multiple tasks, while others are designed with one specific need in mind.
The first step is to determine the height you need to reach and the maximum weight the lift will need to support. Remember that the equipment’s platform height refers to how far the platform extends, while the working height is a measure of how high a worker can reach with their arms extended. If the workers also need to bring equipment with them, make sure the weight capacity meets your requirements.
The platform size is also an important factor to consider. The platform should be large enough to accommodate the people and equipment that will be on it. Think about how much people will need to move while they’re working and whether there’s any risk of materials and equipment hanging over the platform edge.
Scissor lifts can be powered by electricity, battery, or diesel. Consider the power source based on the type of work you will be doing and the environment in which you will be operating. Electric and battery lifts work best indoors because you’re more likely to have access to power outlets for recharging. Diesel engines are likely to produce fumes, so they’re better for outdoor use.
If you need to move the scissor lift around frequently, think about the terrain you’ll be working on. Make sure the tires and wheel system are well-suited to the environment, whether it’s a smooth warehouse floor or a sloped or muddy construction site.
Look for scissor lifts with safety features such as guardrails, emergency stop buttons, and non-slip surfaces.
There’s no such thing as a “standard” scissor lift. What works for one project may not work for the next. For a scissor lift that fits your budget and work requirements, count on Aerial Titans to provide reliable new and used scissor lifts. Our transparent specs and pricing make it easy to find the right machine for the job, and our sales team will help you with any financing questions for a seamless process.
All scissor lifts weigh at least a couple of thousand pounds, but that doesn’t mean they’re all built the same. In fact, they range from about one-and-a-half tons to as many as nearly 10 tons. This wide range of weights means that no two lifts have the same load capacity or stability.
Generally, larger scissor lifts with wide bases are the most stable and have the highest load capacities3. This makes large lifts best suited to working outdoors, where terrain may not always be perfectly even. However, in any situation where the ground isn’t even, the operator should take all the necessary safety precautions to ensure a scissor lift is being used safely at all times.
Scissor lifts can’t move very far under their own power, and they’re none too quick even when moving at full speed. This makes it necessary to secure special transportation for them when moving lifts between job sites. Smaller lifts tend to be easier to transport, as they can be loaded onto an appropriately rated trailer without issue.
Larger lifts are a different story. Many large scissor lifts will need specialized gear to haul them between job sites. Typically, this means renting or buying a flatbed trailer, which will offer the most stability while remaining relatively easy to find. In extreme cases, businesses may need to obtain a heavy-duty trailer that’s designed specifically for transporting oversized machinery.
While extended and in use, scissor lifts require that their surrounding terrain be as even as possible. Their load capacities are calculated assuming they’re used on even terrain, and even small slopes can cause a scissor lift to become unbalanced and tip over.
Some scissor lifts come with tracks instead of wheels, which allow for added maneuverability over rough terrain, but even these models should be used only on gentle slopes4.
In general, the heavier the scissor lift, the more capable it is of traversing different types of terrain. Heavier, larger lifts get more traction and have greater stability due to their low center of gravity. They’re also able to get more traction, and some also have higher ground clearance, meaning they won’t bottom out as easily on uneven ground.
Whether working indoors or outdoors, major issues can arise when a scissor lift is too heavy for the surface it’s being used on5. To maximize the safety of your crew and equipment, always verify that the surface you’re working on is suited to the weight of the lift.
Many warehouses and indoor working areas use concrete flooring, which is strong and sturdy, but not invincible. A lift that’s too heavy can cause a concrete floor to crack, split, or buckle. When this happens, the scissor lift is likely to become unbalanced, which can lead to tipping or dropping gear from the platform. This type of failure can be deadly.
Outdoors, it’s common to see lifts being driven and used on packed dirt, gravel, and asphalt. Outdoor asphalt carries the same risks as indoor concrete, but dirt and gravel can also be dangerous. Especially when near slopes, it’s possible for a heavy lift to erode the work surface, which creates a high risk of the machinery suddenly tipping over.
To determine the right size of scissor lift for your next job, consider the following factors:
Jobs that involve heavy loads being lifted on the platform will need a bigger lift, while most indoor work can be performed with smaller lifts. A small lift is also better suited to work sites where maneuverability in tight quarters is a priority.
Scissor lifts should undergo daily inspections before use6. During these inspections, drivers should check for any leaks, breaks, cracks, missing parts, damage, and excessive wear. Any lift that has any of these issues should be removed from the job and sent for maintenance immediately.
Using a daily maintenance checklist can help make this process easier and ensure that your lifts are always safe to use. Check the lift’s owner’s manual, as each manufacturer will provide model-specific recommendations and maintenance schedules.
