What is a Scissor Lift? | Every Thing You Need to Know
On December 26, 1963, Charles L. Larson registered the birth of his baby (the scissor lift mechanism) by filing for a patent that was finally granted on April 19, 1966. Announcing that Charles L. Larson is the father of the scissor lift, which started to collect its own glory, by making work sites are safe and more productive since 1973 when JLG introduced it to the market.
So, What is the scissor lift?
The common scissor lift is an equipment that has a safe platform surrounded by railings so there's no chance of falling off, which raises you straight up in the air. This kind of lifts are very mobile and designed to provide you a high safe working environment in order to reach areas that are difficult to access and perform.
The name (scissor lift) is inspired by the shape of the beams under the work platform, which are hinged with pivot point to make the criss-cross (X) pattern, which looks like sets of scissors connected together. The industry classification for scissor lifts is a Mobile Elevated Work Platform or MEWP for short.
The scissor lift is the industrial platform which allows only vertical movement, and the one which is small enough to store in an office, basement or under stairs, it is extremely easy to store. A back storeroom anywhere can comfortably house two or more scissor lifts, folded up.
As a result, scissor lift has become very popular since its introduction as retail and wholesale support machinery. you must have seen it out, being used to restock the goods of the highest shelves, if you’ve been in a big store during restocking.
Scissor lift has flourished in these fields due to being simple to operate, it has an easy up and down control system due to its single-axis construction. However, You need to be able to position the base directly under the area you plan to work with.
Criss-crossed beams that elongate as the platform is raised are the basic feature of scissor lift that distinguishes it visually from any other equipment used to work in the air.
Slab Scissor lift comes with a low clearance that is built for use on the flat ground or a slab of concrete, with non-marking tires. It is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces and is the best for indoor use, it is often used to help to move within and between tight isles inside warehouses.
Scissor lift owes its mechanical capability to a mechanism called the pantograph. The pantograph is a series of linked beams with hinged intersections that allows you to elongate the mechanism while maintaining the integrity of the geometric figure.
When the base of the beams is pushed together, the structure extends, raising the work platform vertically which is too easy to control. As the length of the base increases, the scissors get folded. As the length of the base decreases, the scissors extend.
You should know that the journey up is not very smooth especially if you are using it for the first time, but it is very safe and controlled. Also, the platform travels at different speeds as it rises due to the construction of the beams of the scissors lifting it.
The name (scissor lift) is inspired by the shape of the beams under the work platform, which are hinged with pivot point to make the criss-cross (X) pattern, which looks like sets of scissors connected together. The industry classification for scissor lifts is a Mobile Elevated Work Platform or MEWP for short.
The scissor lift is the industrial platform which allows only vertical movement, and the one which is small enough to store in an office, basement or under stairs, it is extremely easy to store. A back storeroom anywhere can comfortably house two or more scissor lifts, folded up.As a result, scissor lift has become very popular since its introduction as retail and wholesale support machinery. you must have seen it out, being used to restock the goods of the highest shelves, if you’ve been in a big store during restocking.
Scissor lift is also popular with industrial, construction and electrical work and emergency services at heights and roofing.
Scissor lift has flourished in these fields due to being simple to operate, it has an easy up and down control system due to its single-axis construction. However, You need to be able to position the base directly under the area you plan to work with.
Criss-crossed beams that elongate as the platform is raised are the basic feature of scissor lift that distinguishes it visually from any other equipment used to work in the air.
What types of scissor lift?
Scissor lifts vary from small to the large versions. Small lifts are designed for indoor use and run on electric motors, which known as Slab Scissor Lifts. The large, off-road versions used for building sites which run on diesel or hybrid engines and known as Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts.Slab Scissor lift
Slab Scissor lift comes with a low clearance that is built for use on the flat ground or a slab of concrete, with non-marking tires. It is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces and is the best for indoor use, it is often used to help to move within and between tight isles inside warehouses.
Depending on the type, model, and brand, scissor lift can extend from 10 ft (3 m) to 60 ft (18.3 m). However, most scissor lifts working at heights that range from 20 ft (6 m) to 40 ft (12.2 m).
Small Slab Scissor Lift can extend to 21 ft (6.57 m) with lift capacity up to 600 lbs (272 kg), a medium one can extend to 32 ft (9.92 m) with lift capacity up to 1500 lbs (680 kg), a large one can extend to 46 ft (14 m) with lift capacity up to 800 lbs (363 kg).
Slab Scissor Lifts are quiet and emission-free, making them preferred for indoor workspaces. However, lift capacities and work platforms are smaller than Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts.
Rough terrain scissor lifts
Rough terrain scissor lift has a higher clearance and tires built for greater traction over rough terrain, with heavy duty tires. This scissor lift is commonly used at construction sites or outdoor projects.
Small Rough Terrain Scissor Lift can extend to 32 ft (9.75 m) with lift capacity up to 1500 lbs (680 kg), a medium one can extend to 39 ft (12 m) with lift capacity up to 2500 lbs (1134 kg), a large one can extend from 10 ft (3 m) to 59 ft (18.15 m) with lift capacity up to 1500 lbs (680 kg).
Scissor lift can carry more weight than most other types of aerial lifts. Most powerful scissor lift can hold up to 50 tons of material. This is usually a rough terrain hydraulic scissor lift used in heavy construction and commonly used in manufacturing facilities specializing in heavy equipment assembly or transfer.
Small Rough Terrain Scissor Lift can extend to 32 ft (9.75 m) with lift capacity up to 1500 lbs (680 kg), a medium one can extend to 39 ft (12 m) with lift capacity up to 2500 lbs (1134 kg), a large one can extend from 10 ft (3 m) to 59 ft (18.15 m) with lift capacity up to 1500 lbs (680 kg).
Scissor lift can carry more weight than most other types of aerial lifts. Most powerful scissor lift can hold up to 50 tons of material. This is usually a rough terrain hydraulic scissor lift used in heavy construction and commonly used in manufacturing facilities specializing in heavy equipment assembly or transfer.
How does scissor lift work?
The scissor lift relies on the elongation mechanism to provide vertical elevation in ratio to a rotational or linear input. Tese devices are widely utilized and are capable of lifting significant loads safely and efficiently.
The scissor lift relies on the elongation mechanism to provide vertical elevation in ratio to a rotational or linear input. Tese devices are widely utilized and are capable of lifting significant loads safely and efficiently.
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| Pantograph mechanism |
When the base of the beams is pushed together, the structure extends, raising the work platform vertically which is too easy to control. As the length of the base increases, the scissors get folded. As the length of the base decreases, the scissors extend.
You should know that the journey up is not very smooth especially if you are using it for the first time, but it is very safe and controlled. Also, the platform travels at different speeds as it rises due to the construction of the beams of the scissors lifting it.
What types of system in the scissor lift?
The scissor lift requires a linear motion to elevate and this force is provided by a pneumatic, hydraulic or a mechanical system such as a leadscrew or rack and pinion drive.
Hydraulic system
The most common type of the scissor lift comes with a hydraulic system. This system uses hydraulic fluid to maintain pressure on the lift and keep it in place when extended. You can lower the scissor lift by releasing the pressure. A scissor lift under fluid power is preferred because its valve which allows the lift to be lowered during any malfunctions.
Pneumatic system
A pneumatic system uses pressurized air to keep the scissor lift in place. This system generally cannot handle as much weight as the hydraulic system, making it limited to small scissor lifts.
Mechanical system
The least common type of systems is the mechanical system. Mechanical scissor lift raises and lowers the platform by a powered leadscrew or rack and pinion system. The mechanical system is more common on older scissor lifts.
What types of the motor in the scissor lift?
Most scissor lifts have either an electric motor or a diesel engine. Some models have hybrid engines that use both electricity and diesel power, but they are not as common as the other two types.
Electric motor
Most slab scissor lifts are powered by an electric motor which eliminates fuel emissions, making them ideal for indoor use.
Diesel motor
Most rough terrain scissor lifts are powered by a diesel powered motor which has a high emission rate that makes it better suited for outdoor use.
Hybrid engine
Hybrid engines use an electric motor as a primary power source but have generators as well to provide the battery with an auxiliary charge in case the electric motor’s power is depleted.
You can use the scissor lift anywhere you need to get a high access, you would traditionally use a ladder, small scaffolding or tower, here you can use a scissor lift.
As mentioned above, the pressure on the base of the criss-cross supports can be supplied with hydraulic pneumatic or mechanical systems, but it will usually not need any power to low the working platform, this makes the scissor lift is a uniquely safe type of work access platforms. Even if power to the system fails suddenly, the scissor lift has the fail-safe ability to low the platform to the ground safely.
The advantages of a scissor lift over ladder or scaffolding are safety and speed. With a ladder, there is always be a probability that you can fall off it easily while concentrating on your work, or if the ladder feet slip you may have a broken leg or arm or even worse, a broken neck. With a scissor lift, you have four wheels and potentially outriggers to plant into the ground to make it extra safe.
Scissors lift allows you to work at areas high above ground level without any concern for balance that you would have to exercise if you are using a ladder.
The scissor lift is usually used as a work platform, because of its stability and relatively large platform especially when several workers must be lifted, as well as for jobs that require large, high capacity work platforms. But the main advantage of using a scissor lift is that you gain a great deal of height and have a perfect maneuverability in small spaces.
The scissor lift is useful for many jobs in general industry, like cleaning, maintenance, inspection, stock picking, etc. But, if you make your living as a painter, HVAC tech, or electrician, then you probably will need a scissor lift.
You could carry out maintenance inside a shop, change lights or point of sale signs. Access high stock shelves in a stockroom or warehouse. Fix roll over doors or other industrial equipment that is mounted high up. Maintain and clean guttering. Window cleaning. Inspect roofs. Trim trees and bushes, and so on. The scissor lift can also be customized for specific applications, such as welding, plumbing, and firefighting.
In general, scissor lift is a machine that could safely and quickly lift you in the air to perform construction and maintenance functions.
If you want to buy a scissor lift, look for brands like Genie, Skyjack, JLG, Hy-Brid Lifts, Snorkel, Haulotte, and Up-Right. They are the industry leaders in making lifts and will be able to match your needs with the right machine.
Most scissor lifts can lift and move using a single power source, be it petrol or electric.
Most scissor lifts are designed to be very mobile, but some models have a better moving than others.
What types of mobility in the scissor lift?
Most scissor lifts are designed to be very mobile, but some models have a better moving than others.
Self-propelled scissor lift
Most scissor lifts are self-propelled which means that you can drive them anywhere you need to go as long as they are capable of moving on the ground.
Manual push scissor lift
Smaller scissor lifts may require being pushed where they will be used, they are lightweight and easy to maneuver, and they are best suited for light indoors work.
Trailer scissor lift
Some scissor lifts can be mounted to a truck via a trailer hitch. You can pull these lifts wherever you need to go by truck.
Where can I use a scissor lift?
As mentioned above, the pressure on the base of the criss-cross supports can be supplied with hydraulic pneumatic or mechanical systems, but it will usually not need any power to low the working platform, this makes the scissor lift is a uniquely safe type of work access platforms. Even if power to the system fails suddenly, the scissor lift has the fail-safe ability to low the platform to the ground safely.
The advantages of a scissor lift over ladder or scaffolding are safety and speed. With a ladder, there is always be a probability that you can fall off it easily while concentrating on your work, or if the ladder feet slip you may have a broken leg or arm or even worse, a broken neck. With a scissor lift, you have four wheels and potentially outriggers to plant into the ground to make it extra safe.
Scissors lift allows you to work at areas high above ground level without any concern for balance that you would have to exercise if you are using a ladder.
Why do I need to use a scissor lift?
The scissor lift is useful for many jobs in general industry, like cleaning, maintenance, inspection, stock picking, etc. But, if you make your living as a painter, HVAC tech, or electrician, then you probably will need a scissor lift.
You could carry out maintenance inside a shop, change lights or point of sale signs. Access high stock shelves in a stockroom or warehouse. Fix roll over doors or other industrial equipment that is mounted high up. Maintain and clean guttering. Window cleaning. Inspect roofs. Trim trees and bushes, and so on. The scissor lift can also be customized for specific applications, such as welding, plumbing, and firefighting.
In general, scissor lift is a machine that could safely and quickly lift you in the air to perform construction and maintenance functions.
Which scissor lift can I use?
Most scissor lifts are built with the same basic structure, but they vary when it comes to power, mobility, height, safety features and more. Specify features you want is key to finding the right scissor lift to fit your needs.If you want to buy a scissor lift, look for brands like Genie, Skyjack, JLG, Hy-Brid Lifts, Snorkel, Haulotte, and Up-Right. They are the industry leaders in making lifts and will be able to match your needs with the right machine.
If you are only going to use a scissor lift occasionally, you can rent rather than buy.
And be sure that a lot of companies can provide you scissor lift with a good price for sale or rent, but this doesn't mean that quality of the product or the customer service is that good.
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