SCISSOR LIFT

Industrial lifts have traditionally been in use in manufacturing and production settings to raise and lower people, work pieces and materials. The scissor lift, sometimes known as a table lift, is an industrial lift that has been modified for retail and wholesale settings.

Customers perusing the aisles of Wal-Mart in the late evening hours have no doubt seen one, if not realized what it was. In basic terms, the scissor lift is platform with wheels that acts like a forklift. In a non-industrial setting, the scissor lift is useful for completing tasks which require the speed, mobility and transporting of people and material above ground level.

The scissor lift is unique in that it doesn't use a straight support to raise workers into the air. Rather, the scissor lift platform raises when the linked, folding supports underneath it draw together, stretching it upward. When extended, the scissor lift reaches anywhere from 21-62 feet (6.4-18.8 meters) above ground, depending on its size and purpose. It can be powered by hydraulics or an electric motor, but it's a bumpy ride to the top.

The scissor lift's design keeps it from traveling with a constant velocity, instead traveling faster in the middle of its journey and slower with more extension.

the skyjack scissor lift

Skyjack originally began manufacturing the scissor lift work platform in 1986 and quickly took over the market. Not only was the concept new, it was ideal for the many retail establishments that were beginning to expand their inventory. As a relative to the forklift, the scissor lift boasted portability along with effectiveness. In addition, they were the only industrial platforms that could be retracted and fit into the corner of the office.

the scissor lift for all jobs

Modern scissor lifts maintain a presence in nearly all aspects of manufacturing and production, from construction to assembly to vehicle repair and beyond.

Newer models can travel over the smooth surface of the warehouse floor or the uneven terrain of a construction site. The casual shopper at Wal-Mart may never know the next step the scissor lift takes, but then again, she may just be using it to get that stubborn cat out of her front tree.

The Advantages of Scissor Lifts and the Benefits of Buying New Versus Used

If your jobs require overhead work and you are still using ladders or scaffolding, it’s time to consider the efficiency and safety of a scissor lift. With an electric-powered scissor lift, you’ll provide a safer work environment for your employees and make it easier for them to meet OSHA requirements that call for people working more than six feet above ground level be protected from falls. The guardrails on a scissor lift fulfill those requirements.

However, some manufacturers also recommend the use of personal fall arrest equipment when operating a scissor lift.

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Another feature of scissor lifts is their versatility. Most frequently they are used inside, but they are also suitable for outdoor use as long as they are operated on a firm, level surface. They can also be driven from one location to another and positioned to resume work without a lot of set-up time.

Scissor lifts’ maximum platform height for overhead work normally ranges from 19 feet to over 40 feet. In the shorter 19- to 20-foot range, machine width for most scissor lifts is usually 30 inches, which means they can be driven through standard 32-inch doorways or into freight elevators when working on multi-story projects.

the scissor lift’s larger sizes

In larger units, the machine’s body is wider (up to 46 inches) with higher platform heights. Standard capacity for most 20-foot platform height machines is 500 pounds, while larger scissor lifts’ capacity can go up to 1,000-pounds or more.

A feature that helps increase versatility is folddown rails on the platform. When a 20-foot model with a normal stowed height of 87 inches is fitted with folding rails, its overall machine height becomes just under six feet, making it capable of being driven through pedestrian doors.

Another feature that has become standard on lift machines is a platform extension. This is a rollout platform extending about three feet, with a capacity of 250 pounds. The advantage of extensions is that they overcome the access limitation of scissor lifts. Since scissor lifts normally only lift vertically, the platform extension provides some horizontal reach to extend over obstacles.

Cost Considerations

For most electrical contractors, a scissor lift with a 20-foot platform height is the most useful size to own. If more height is required for a particular job, a larger scissor lift can be rented. In the 20-foot range, a used machine can be found on the Internet for as little as $4,600 — but be careful! Batteries do wear out and they are costly to replace, hydraulic hoses can deteriorate or have loose fittings resulting in fluid leakage problems and electronic controls can be at the end of their useful life and need replacing.

A new 20-foot platform height scissor lift lists around $16,000 and will have new features that can make this investment worthwhile such as improved controls, lighter weight aluminum platform decks, re-engineered drive systems that use electric motors rather than hydraulic motors and a hydraulic lift cylinder combined with the hydraulic reservoir.

Other advantages to the newly designed scissor lifts include reduced maintenance, significantly extended battery life and less chance for hydraulic leaks since some models have only four hydraulic connections versus the 40 or more on some older machines.

The Scissor Lift Duty Cycles

After considering where you will most likely use the scissor lift, the height you need to reach, and the amount of weight you need to lift, another important factor in choosing a lift is its duty cycle — a measure of how long the machine can be operated before the batteries are discharged. The longer the duty cycle, the fewer times the batteries need recharging. Each time a battery is recharged, a portion of the plates are consumed until the battery pack is no longer functional. When batteries aren’t charged as frequently, they last longer and don’t have to be replaced as often.

The duty cycle has become a basic method to measure battery life for electric powered aerials. For scissor lifts, the test starts with a fully charged machine on a clear level surface with the platform in the stowed position. The machine is then driven 100 feet forward, stopped and the platform is raised to its full extension. The platform is then lowered and the machine driven back 100 feet along the same path to complete one duty cycle. The procedure is repeated until the machine no longer functions, i.e. the batteries are discharged.

The number of times a machine can complete the test is its duty cycle rating. It’s not a perfect test because there are many factors that can influence the outcome. Ambient temperature, time between tests, area surface and speed of operation are among the elements that can affect the test.

Nonetheless, it’s a good indicator of how long you can use a machine on the job without having to stop to re-charge the batteries. Obviously, contractors need a lift that will operate throughout their work shift so the batteries can be re-charged overnight. In general, the longer the duty cycle, the better machine.

The Scissor Lift Additional Benefits

Another benefit of newer scissor lifts is the smaller size of the battery pack installed. Newer machines use lighter but stronger alloys, consolidated operating systems and incorporate more precision bearings and more accurately machined scissor pins. As a result, frictional drag is reduced and machines can operate more efficiently, so smaller battery sizes can be used. Today, the most popular machines use 220 ampere-hour batteries rather than older, heavier 245 ampere-hour size. Smaller batteries mean the machine has less weight and lower battery replacement costs.

The design innovation that delivers the greatest improvement in the number of duty cycles is the use of direct drive electric motors instead of hydraulic motors. Using direct drive eliminates inefficiencies of pumping hydraulic fluid through hoses to and from the reservoir to the hydraulic motors driving the machine.

Electric drive motors power the wheels more efficiently than hydraulic motors. The efficiency of an electric drive is 65 percent versus hydraulic drive at 30 percent. In other words, scissor lifts with electric drive motors operate at twice the efficiency of machines that use hydraulic motors for their drive function.

Another innovation in new scissor lifts is industry specific workstations that integrate most of the tools needed by electricians into the scissor lift platform. The workstations for electricians include a work bench with compartments for components and tools, a conduit rack and a wire tree that can hold up to six spools of wire. A 12V plug can be added for recharging battery-powered tools

Scissor lifts: dealers make the difference

The dealer will provide the service and support to keep your scissor lifts running smoothly, so it’s important that you find one who is reputable, stable, and can provide top-notch service.

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Some important questions to ask when deciding where to buy your scissor lifts:

·                     How long have you been in business?

·                     What kind of parts inventory do you keep on site?

·                     How many technicians do you have?

·                     Do you do on-site service?

·                     Do you have guaranteed response times when a piece of equipment breaks down?

·                     What kind of insurance do you carry? (If they don’t have proper worker’s comp, one of their technicians who gets hurt while repairing a scissor lift at your facility could fall under your insurance.)

The Scissor Lift Dealer Facility

You’ll probably want to visit the dealer’s facility. Simply seeing the parts warehouse and service areas can give you a good sense of their capabilities. It will also give you the chance to compare multiple scissor lifts.

Talking to other businesses in your area can be a great source of insight into a dealer’s strengths and weaknesses. You should also ask the dealer for customer references, preferably of customers using scissors lifts similar to yours.

When checking references, you can ask questions like these:

·                     How long have you been a customer of theirs? How many scissor lifts have you purchased?

·                     Did you get the right scissor lift for your application?

·                     Has the dealer done a good job with maintenance and repairs?

·                     Would you buy from this dealer again?

·                     What could the dealer improve about their operation?

Choosing a scissor lift

Aerial lifts – hydraulic platforms for lifting a person or people – come in many sizes and varieties. Scissor lifts are a specialized type of aerial lift, designed to lift larger loads and provide more work space. For manufacturing or industrial work where multiple workers need to be on the same platform, a scissor lift is a must-have.

A scissor lift can be powered by gas or electricity. Diesel or gas-powered scissor lifts – often called “rough terrain scissor lifts” – are better for outdoor use, but can’t be used indoors. Electric scissor lifts are quiet and emission free, which makes them a better choice for use in warehouses or other indoor work.

The most basic consideration when choosing a lift is the height you need to reach. Because the strength of a scissor lift is the size of the platform and weight it can support, you may not find the same lift heights you would in other types of aerial lifts: most can reach heights of 20 to 50 feet, not as high as some telescoping man lifts or boom lifts. You’ll also need to consider lifting capacity: most scissor lifts can carry from 500 to 2,500 lbs.

While most scissor lifts can only lift straight up and down, some have a feature that lets you shift the platform horizontally several feet. Others allow you to drive the machine around while the platform is raised – but not all do.

Note: the term “scissor lift” is also used to describe small push carts with hydraulic lifts for moving boxes and containers a few feet off the ground. These lifts are not covered by BuyerZone suppliers.

The type of power source used to run the rough-terrain scissor lifts on your next job often boils down to whatever is available at the local rental center. But when you do have a choice, there are certain factors you should consider to match the power source to the application.

North America: The Scissor Lift

In North America, dual-fuel (gasoline and liquid propane) engines have historically been the preferred power. But a recent trend has seen diesel engines — which are the mainstay in Europe — gaining ground. You may also find a limited number of electric (battery powered) models.

Choosing between power sources often hinges on personal preference. Maybe you prefer one engine brand over another, or perhaps your mechanics are better versed in diesel, dual fuel or electric.

But beyond preference, an important question you will need to address is where you plan to use the lift. If the answer is indoors or in environmentally sensitive areas, an electric or dual-fuel model is the most likely alternative due to emissions restrictions.

"When it comes to selecting a power source, you will want to know if you have any limitations," says Rafael Bazzarella, marketing coordinator, Skyjack. One of the most common limitations centers around emissions — either reducing them or eliminating them entirely. "On some jobs, there may be regulations that restrict the amount of exhaust that can be emitted from an engine."

Diesels have traditionally been barred from many of these jobsites. But with the introduction of Tier II engines, and looking ahead to Tier III designs, you may begin to see more of them allowed.

Given the EPA regulations that dictate the release of fewer and fewer emissions, diesels are catching up in cleanliness, says Mark Mohn, product manager at JLG. Plus, scrubbers, either from lift manufacturer or aftermarket providers, may reduce emissions enough to get you indoors.

"Diesels keep getting cleaner and cleaner," he says. "Today, diesels are almost as clean, and in some cases cleaner, than a dual-fuel machine. That has added to their popularity in the North American market."

Consider fuel logistics of The Scissor Lift

Another factor that can weigh into your decision is the type of fuel used in other equipment on the jobsite. "A lot of construction equipment runs on diesel fuel so it's readily available," says John Norton, product manager for rough-terrain scissor lifts at Genie.

That could make things easier from a logistics standpoint, adds Mohn. "If you have a lot of diesel-powered equipment on the job, and there's diesel fuel available, you don't want to have to bring a gas truck in every couple of days for one machine. If a diesel truck comes in to fill up everything else, a lot of times that will drive what power source a contractor has for the scissor lift used on the jobsite."

Other diesel advantages

While performance — speed of operation, lift cycles, etc. — will be comparable for all power sources, there can be differences related to longevity, maintenance and fuel economy. Diesel engines, by nature of their design, will typically last longer than a gasoline model, says John McKibben, service manager, Snorkel. "Usually, a diesel engine outlasts a gasoline engine because it burns an oil-based fuel and fires under compression," he says.

A diesel engine is also better suited for the type of duty cycle that aerial work platforms are asked to handle day in and day out. "The guys will start the engine and idle it for a long period of time," says Mohn. "Diesels are just better suited to that, whereas a dual-fuel engine is designed to run at higher rpms."

In addition, you can typically expect better fuel efficiency with a diesel-powered rough-terrain scissor lift — as much as 15% to 20%, according to Mohn, depending on how it's operated.

Regardless of the power source you choose, you will want to maintain it for long life, says Bazzarella. It's important to perform the following preventive maintenance:

Check the oil level (diesel and dual fuel).

Replace oil and fuel filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Check coolant levels (diesel and dual fuel).

Check batteries for corrosion on terminals (electric).

Abstract of The Scissor Lift

A scissor lift has a pair of leg assemblies pivotally connected to a base. Relative movement between the legs and the base is opposed by spring assemblies that may be selectively connected to a carriage to vary the bias on the legs. A cam member secured to the leg acts on the carriage to modify the motion between the leg and the carriage to maintain a uniform vertical spring rate.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A scissor lift to maintain a load at an elevated location comprising a base, a support to support said load, at least one leg assembly having a pair of legs pivoted to one another intermediate their ends, said leg assembly extending between said base and said support and being connected thereto to permit relative movement between said support and said base while maintaining a predetermined orientation of said support to said base, and biasing means acting on said leg assembly to oppose relative movement between said support and said base, said biasing means including a plurality of biasing units selectively engageable with said leg assembly to vary the bias acting thereon.

2. A scissor lift according to claim 1 wherein a carriage is operably connected to said leg assembly for movement therewith and said units are selectively engageable with said carriage.

3. A scissor lift according to claim 2 wherein said carriage is supported upon said base and is moveable relative thereto.

4. A scissor lift according to claim 3 wherein said biasing units are mounted on said base.

5. A scissor lift according to claim 4 wherein said biasing units include mechanical spring elements.

6. A scissor lift according to claim 5 wherein said mechanical spring elements are selectively connected to said carriage by removable pins.

7. A scissor lift according to claim 4 wherein said carriage is supported on rollers for movement relative to said base and said biasing units act between said carriage and an abutment on said base.

8. A scissor lift according to claim 7 wherein said leg is pivotally connected to said base and a cam member is provided on said leg to engage a follower on said carriage and cause relative movement thereof upon pivotal movement between said leg and said base.

9. A scissor lift according to claim 8 wherein said follower is rotatably mounted on said carriage adjacent said roller.

10. A scissor lift according to claim 7 wherein said biasing units include coil springs.

11. A scissor lift according to claim 10 wherein said coil springs are supported on rods secured to said abutment and passing through said carriage.

12. A scissor lift according to claim 10 wherein said coil springs may pass between spaced components on said carriage and removable pins act between said components and respective ones of said springs to interconnect said spring and carriage.

13. A scissor lift according to claim 12 wherein said coil springs are supported on rods secured to said abutment and passing through said carriage and said pins pass to either side of said rods to engage said coil springs.

14. A scissor lift to maintain a load at an elevated location comprising a base, a support to support said load, at least one leg assembly having a pair of legs pivoted to one another intermediate their ends, said leg assembly extending between said base and said support and being connected thereto to permit relative movement between said support and said base while maintaining a predetermined orientation of said support to said base, biasing means acting on said leg assembly to oppose relative movement between said support and said base and load transfer means acting between one end of one of said legs and said biasing means to transmit displacement of one of said legs to said biasing means.

15. A scissor lift according to claim 14 wherein said load transfer means acts upon a carriage moveable relative to said base and said biasing means act between an abutment on said base and said carriage.

16. A scissor lift according to claim 15 wherein said biasing means includes longitudinally compressible elements to oppose relative movement between said carriage and said base.

17. A scissor lift according to claim 16 wherein said elements are coil springs.

18. A scissor lift according to claim 17 wherein said coil springs are supported on rods extending from said abutment surface.

19. A scissor lift according to claim 18 wherein said coil springs are selectively engageable with said carriage.

20. A scissor lift according to claim 15 wherein said biasing means are selectively engageable with said carriage.

21. A scissor lift to maintain a load at an elevated location comprising a base, a support to support said load, at least one leg assembly having a pair of legs pivoted to one another intermediate their ends, said leg assembly extending between said base and said support and being connected thereto to permit relative movement between said support and said base while maintaining a predetermined orientation of said support to said base, and biasing means acting on said leg assembly to oppose relative movement between said support and said base, said biasing means being connected to said leg assembly by a load transfer means to transmit displacement of one of said legs to said biasing means, said load transfer means including a motion modifying mechanism to modify the effect of such displacement on said biasing means.

22. A scissor lift according to claim 21 wherein said motion modifying means includes a cam member and a follower.

23. A scissor lift according to claim 22 wherein said biasing means acts upon said leg by a carriage displaceable relative to said base and said follower is mounted on said carriage and said cam is secured to said leg.

24. A scissor lift according to claim 23 wherein said biasing means includes coil springs acting between an abutment on said base and said carriage.

25. A scissor lift according to claim 24 wherein said coil springs are disposed normal to the direction of relative movement between said support and said base.

26. A scissor lift according to claim 23 wherein opposite ends of said carriage are interconnected by a linkage secured to said base to maintain alignment of said carriage during relative movement between said base and carriage.

27. A scissor lift according to claim 26 wherein said linkage includes a bar rotatably secured to said base for movement about an axis normal to displacement of said carriage and a pair of links spaced apart along said bar and extending between said carriage and arms connected to said bar whereby relative movement between opposite ends of said carriage induces a torsional load in said bar to maintain alignment of said carriage.

28. A scissor lift according to claim 23 wherein said cam member is permanently secured to said leg.

29. A scissor lift according to claim 23 wherein said cam member is selectively removable from said leg.

features

Scissor lifts are types of lift tables that enable people and materials to be moved vertically. Lifting or lowering down construction materials from a construction site from one floor to the next is one of the common uses of scissor lifts. Commonly used in industrial, construction and commercial work environments, these machines allow ergonomic transfer of materials safely and efficiently.

- Scissor lifts are useful in industrial and construction work environments
- Scissor lifts allow transferring of materials, supplies and people
- Scissor lifts perform tasks such as transferring inventory supplies from ground floor to the topmost level
- The work that was previously done by a lot of people can now be done by scissor lifts and can be operated by only one person easily.

1. Efficiency

Construction operations have greatly benefited by scissor lifts - what used to be done by a lot of people requiring a lot of effort can now be done using the scissor lift and only one person. Risks of injuries to people have been prevented and avoided. These lifts also open up new possibilities, such as being able to transfer materials to levels higher than ever before. This is likewise true when moving items from the topmost stack down to lower floors.

2. Capacity of The Scissor Lift

From the time scissor lifts have been introduced in the previous decades, the features, capacity and performance of these machines has improved significantly. There are now maintenance function scissor lifts available in the market today that have capacities of up to 4000 lbs and with height that ranges of up to 35 ft. As the demands of lifting materials with heavier weights are now being required, manufacturers of scissor lifts have introduced bigger capacity scissor lifts and they are sometimes integrated into automobiles such as pick-up trucks and vans and they would usually have a capacity of 10,000 lbs with height ranges of up to 20ft.

Self-propelled scissor lifts are the most commonly used today by businesses, commercial establishments, hotels and warehouses. These are the basic types of lifts that you would usually see in big lobbies of commercial buildings. Maintenance cleaning of lobby halls and walls would have been dangerous, time consuming and would require a lot of people to accomplish were it not for the availability of these indoor-type scissor lifts. As they occupy minimal floor space and with features that can be used indoors of buildings, they would usually have higher reaches of up to 35 ft. For interior building maintenance activities, these machines are equipped with long reach capabilities and are designed to have minimal platform work area so as to reach top, small-spaced corner areas of big and complex hotel and commercial building lobbies.

3. Useful Features of The Scissor Lift

Common features of self propelled scissor lifts are control panels that are always accessible to the operators. There are also models available in the market today that allows extendable platforms that enables the operators to minimize or extend their platforms depending on workspace available at different levels whether its used indoors or outdoors.

Scissor lifts require additional needs such as bigger platforms for lifting, as well as platforms that are capable of withstanding the additional weight. Manufacturers of scissor lifts these days are now addressing the different requirements of various industries. For hotel and commercial buildings that have smaller entrance halls but with a highly elevated lobby constructed for aesthetic or architectural reasons, there are models that are made to fit into narrower entrance halls but have higher elevation capacities. The platform work area is adjusted also depending on the workspace available at elevated levels within these lobbies.

4. Moving Needs Using The Scissor Lift

For construction sites in an outdoor and open space work environment, there are usually needs to move an entire office desk to an elevated level to effectively monitor construction activities. There are models manufactured that enables the lifts to have cabin type platforms that enables the operator and platform user to bring with them their materials while working 20 feet above ground in outdoor conditions.

These lifts can usually travel in rough terrain, as this is usually the common work environment in outdoor construction areas.

Scissor lifts are types of lift tables that enable people and materials to be moved vertically. Lifting or lowering down construction materials from a construction site from one floor to the next is one of the common uses of scissor lifts. Commonly used in industrial, construction and commercial work environments, these machines allow ergonomic transfer of materials safely and efficiently.

- Scissor lifts are useful in industrial and construction work environments
- Scissor lifts allow transferring of materials, supplies and people
- Scissor lifts perform tasks such as transferring inventory supplies from ground floor to the topmost level
- The work that was previously done by a lot of people can now be done by scissor lifts and can be operated by only one person easily.

Scissor Lift

A scissor lift is a type of hydraulic lift that uses linked, folded supports that, when extended, form diamond shapes. Compared with other types of lifts, scissor lifts are able to hold larger loads and handle wider work areas.

Scissor lifts are one of the most common types of hydraulic lifts. They are used in a wide variety of applications, from lift tables that adjust their height to provide an ergonomic work surface to aerial lifts that transport workers and goods to otherwise unreachable heights. Scissor lifts have many uses in construction and maintenance jobs.

An important consideration when choosing a scissor lift is where it will be used. Scissor lifts may be gas or electric powered. For instance, rough-terrain scissor lifts are diesel powered and good for outdoor use, but cannot be used inside. For inside uses such as in factories and warehouses, electric scissor lifts are ideal due to their absense of noise and emissions.

Scissor Lift Rentals
Wide range of self propelled scissor lifts to suit your application - electric and diesel power working heights from 5.5m to 17.3m (18ft to 57ft)

Electric scissors, ideal for indoor use, from one person narrow lifts that can glide through a standard single doorway to large platforms that can accommodate multiple operatives along with tools and equipment. Packed with useful features such as non marking tyres (to protect floor areas) and simple to use one hand joystick controls.

Diesel scissors, often used outdoors, are built for tough site conditions. Powerful engines and 4 wheel drive provide you with the ability to work all day with the minimum of fuss whilst expansive platforms with substantial platform capacity are great for larger building applications.

Safety of The Scissor Lift

Upon release of a story stating that the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries was requiring the use of harnesses on scissor lifts, Aerial Work Platform Training (AWPT), an organization promoting the safe and effective use of powered access equipment, sought clarification of the new requirement.

After speaking with Dan K. McMurdie, compliance operations manager from the State of Washington’s Division of Occupational Safety & Health, AWPT’s Tony Groat learned that there was a misunderstanding of the rules.

“The Division of Occupational Safety and Health has not changed the requirements for fall protection while using scissor lifts. The requirement is still standard guardrails on all open sides. Full-body harness and lanyard is only required when working from a boom-elevated platform or rotating aerial device,” McMurdie said.

The misunderstanding of the rule apparently stemmed from the wording, “Make sure all persons in the platform wear a full-body harness with lanyard attached.” This section, however, pertains only to “Aerial Lifts,” which are “an aerial device mounted on a vehicle such as a truck, trailer, or all-terrain vehicle.”

According to AWPT, scissor lifts are not considered aerial lifts. They fall into the classification of “Elevating Work Platforms.”

AWPT notes that boom lifts users should wear a full-body harness, with an adjustable lanyard set as short as is possible. Users of scissor lifts and other vertical platforms need not normally wear harnesses. AWPT stresses that the use of any platform, however, should be preceded by a job specific risk analysis and take into consideration the manufacturer’s instructions

Industrial lifts or "lift tables" are a close relative to the forklift. They consist of platforms that are used to raise and lower people, equipment and materials and for work positioning. Industrial lifts are commonly used in places where heights are difficult to reach through conventional means. Many lift tables are mobile and they also have tilt and rotating capabilities. Lift tables also have safety features such as rails and counterbalances. There are a variety of mechanisms by which industrial lifts may be raised or lowered, including: screw lifts, articulated lifts, rack and pinion lifts, telescoping lifts and Scissor lifts.

How Do Scissor Lifts Work?

Scissor lifts use linked, folding supports that "draw" together to lift. Scissor lifts are typically used where more lifting capacity and workspace is needed but less extension and height are required. Unlike boom lifts that have small work areas and high-reach capacities, scissor lifts provide larger platform work areas and they allow for heavier loads. The platform on the majority of scissor lifts can only be raised vertically and they still have the maneuvering capabilities of the smaller platform boom lift.

Common Applications and Types of The Scissor Lift

Scissor lifts are used in a variety of different fields and locations including: Construction (commercial and residential), warehouses and distribution centers, maintenance work, films sets/film industry, industrial, utility and painting ,electric and power work, hotels, educational facilities and recreational facilities.

Features & Benefits of The Scissor Lift

• Non-marking tyres - low noise level
  Allows the machine to be used indoors on clean floors.
• Zero inside turning radius 90 degree steering
  Allows the machine to be manoeuvred easily in tight work areas.
• Multiplexing control system
  Provides on-board diagnostic readout, which indicates fault and operational codes for easy troubleshooting.
• Pothole guard system
  For enhanced operator safety.
• Swing-out trays
  Batteries and hydraulic components are in swing-out trays for easy access and serviceability. 
• Platform extension
  Provides enhanced versatility for outreach and loading.
• Proportional controls
  For smooth, precise operation. 

features of The Scissor Lift

All wheel drive - Combines power and performance to increase productivity.

35-40% gradeability; 3.6mph drive speed - Provides excellent climbing ability for varied terrain transport. 3.6mph drive speed allows quick movement around the site.

Super Tera-grip high flotation tyres - Handle rough terrain, mud and gravel easily. Foam filled for platform stability.

Expanded platform and lift capacity - Provides 2 feet more work space with excellent lift capacity for two workers with materials & equipment.

Swing-out engine tray - Motor swings out almost 90 degrees for easy servicing.

Fold-down guardrails - Square, steel guardrails fold down for compact storage.

Outrigger levelling option - Provides levelling capacity of 12 degrees side to side; 7 degrees front to back.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES of The Scissor Lift

• Full rise, space-saving design lifts straight up and down, with no horizontal movement.
• No-posts - takes up minimal shop space.
• Quick loading - just drive on, position the contact pads, and raise the vehicle.
• Fully portable and easily moved by one person.
• Offers unobstructed side access for brake and tire service while also making a great lift for repairs, prep, and estimating lift for bodyshops.
• Full and unrestricted undervehicle access for exhaust, driveline, oil, and transmission work.
• 6,000 lb. capacity handles passenger cars, minivans, sports utility vehicles, and all but the heaviest pick-up trucks and full sized vans.
• Use indoors, outside, or anywhere an extra lift is needed.
• No intallation required! The USL-6000 comes fully assembled and ready to operate.
• "Flush Mount" available to make the lift level with the shop floor.
• Can be used outdoors on any level concrete surface.

The Scissor Lift SAFETIES

·        Multi-position mechanical locks on both scissoring legs.

·        Single point air operated dual safety release.

·        Infinite position hydraulic safety systems consisting of pressure compensated flow control and velocity fuse valving.

·        Factory-set overload limit sensor in power unit.

The Scissor Lift OPERATION AND DESIGN

• Twin heavy duty 3" hydraulic cylinders in each scissoring leg.
• Large wheels and stable, solid steel lift platform.
• Heavy 1-1/2" x 4" machine-milled scissoring legs.
• Self-lubricating at all scissor pivot points & connections.
• Quick connect hydraulic hose coupling.

Stationary And Manual Positioned Scissor Lift

• Pneumatic / Hydraulic Power Source for The Scissor Lift
• Inherently safe in painting/finishing atmospheres.

• Minimal Installation for The Scissor Lift

• Quick and easy connection to air source, 1/2" NPT.
• 15 F.P.M. Lift Speed

• Operator Capacity of 500 lbs.  of The Scissor Lift

• Portable Models Include:
• An easy to use Transport Handle Kit for mobility and positioning
  between paint lines or processes. Also includes a
  safety switch to prevent the operator platform from being
  raised with transport handle in "transport" position.

• Alternative Power Sources Available for The Scissor Lift

• AC/DC units available.
• Custom Product Converstions of The Scissor Lift Available Upon Request

Rail Guided Scissor Lift

• Pneumatic Power Source of The Scissor Lift
• Safe for use in paint booths and other hazardous locations.

• Economical Return On Investment of The Scissor Lift
• Increase worker productivity and safety.

• Rail Guided Scissor Lift X-Axis Travel of The Scissor Lift
• Allows the operator to concentrate on the task
  at hand rather than steering around obstacles.

• Platform Controls of The Scissor Lift
• Self-centering hand valve for vertical travel at a rate of
  15 FPM and a self centering foot control for X-Axis travel at a variable rate up to 40 FPM.

• Overhead Festooning Kit:
• Allows multiple utilities to be brought to the platform.

• Hose Reel Kit:
• An economical method of providing main air supply to the unit.

• Alternative Power Sources Available
• AC/DC units available

Curved Rail Scissor Lift

• Curved Rail Pneumatic Power Source
• Safe for use in paint booths and other hazardous locations.

• Side Shifting Operator Platform
• Allows operator to adjust position for varying size products.

• Foot Operated Power Activation
• Direct acting hydraulic lever valves for smooth, precise control.

• Economical Return on Investment (R.O.I.)
• Increases worker productivity and safety while decreasing workers' compensation costs due to falls and other injuries.

• Alternative Power Sources Available
• AC/DC units available.

Steerable / Driveable Scissor Lift

• Direct Acting Hydraulic Controls of The Scissor Lift
• For positive and precise control.

• Caster Type Steering of The Scissor Lift
• Unsurpassed maneuverability with a 6 inch inside turning radius.

• Platform with All Steel Deck of The Scissor Lift
• Slip resistant surface and 6" toe boards. Heavy duty rectangular tubing is used for the guardrails.

• 3ft. Rollout Extension Deck
• Guardrails are of heavy duty rectangular tubing with a release handle on the guardrail. Rollout capacity 250 lbs.

• Heavy Duty Tubular Steel Scissor Arms
• The scissor arms are constructed of heavy duty tubular steel with cross bracing tubes at the ends for through shafts. All pivot points fitted with self-lube bushings, and a double acting lift cylinder with a holding valve.

• Hose Reel Kit
• Provides utilities and flexibility of motion.

Dual Drive Scissor Lift

• Scissor Lift Lateral Drive Mode
• Selected at the flip of a switch, turns all 4 wheels
  90 degrees enabling entire unit to travel sideways.

• Scissor Lift Standard Drive Mode
• Uses front wheels to drive and
  steer for minimum turning radius.

• 24 Volt DC Power Source

• With (8) six volt batteries
  and automatic 50A charger.

• Welded Steel Operator Platform

• 42" guard rails and lanyard
  tie off points in safety plate
  floor for operator safety.

• Alternative Power Sources Available
• Pneumatic / Hydraulic units available.
• Consult Factory For Custom Requirement.

Improves productivity by providing quick, precise
and safe access to large equipment,
confined spaces and work areas.
Lateral 4 wheel Drive allows operator to maneuver
into places that standard scissors lifts can't reach.

Elevating Work Tables and Work Platforms

LPI, Inc. has introduced a work platform/worktable for light or medium duty applications.

The EWP-4 personnel lift is idea for areas with limited space. This compact, economical, air operated scissor lift provides a safer alternative to ladders or scaffold and is an ideal solution for paint booths as narrow as 14 ft. or other hazardous environments. This unit features a space saving lightweight design, including a 20" wide deck, with a non-slip floor surface. The platform has a lowered height of 10" and a maximum raised height of 46", providing a working height of approximately 10 ft.

The unit is also available as a worktable, EWT-4, providing a 20" x 66" work surface and up to 1000 lb. load capacity. Both the work platform and worktable are equipped with air controls for safer and easy operation.

LPI, Inc. manufactures a wide range of both stationary platforms as well as automated personnel lift systems that can be raised or lowered to accommodate various height requirements

Dual Purpose Work/Catch Platform
Scissor Lift

LPI, Inc.'s Work-Catch Scissor Lift provides large stable work platform for workers and materials, and can be positioned over the leading edge of products to provide fall protection. Variable platform height (53" to 129") and length (10' to 16') allows access to all work areas.

• Increased Safety of The Scissor Lift
• Reduces fatigue and minimizes excessive movement associated with manual lifting.

• Affordable
• Operates off compressed ar source
  (not included), requires 50 SCFM at 90 psi. Auxiliary air supply connection for tool operation.

• Applications of The Scissor Lift
• Manufacturing
• Fall Protection
• Material Handing
• Maintenance

• Scissor Lift Travel Speed
• Up: 15 F.P.M.
• Down: 15 F.P.M.

LPI, Inc. has a broad range of experience customizing equipment for Fortune 500 companies as well as small maintenance and assembly operations. We offer engineering support to assist customers in their specific application’s design, manufacture and implementation. With our experienced in-house engineering staff, LPI® can design custom equipment working from your concept. Our engineering support team can work directly with your staff and build to their specifications.

Scissor Lifts:Pneumatic hydraulic power
Manually positioned, steerable/drivable and track guided units provide economical access for most
process operations.
• LPSM (manually positioned) scissor platforms provide economical access solutions in all
areas of manufacturing.
• LPST (rail guided) self-propelled scissor lifts provide access in applications where workers’ tasks
are performed along a linear path.
• LPSR (curved rail guided) self-propelled scissor lifts offer the features of standard rail guided
unit, and can travel 180° around a product on curved rail system. Lift can also be removed from
guide rail for use as a manually positioned scissor lift.
• LPSV (steerable/drivable) self-propelled , steerable lifts provide full mobility. Lifts can be driven
and steered into fully raised position providing the operator with full range of motion and access
to products.
• LPSD (dual drive) self-propelled, steerable scissor lift with lateral drive mode performs like a
standard scissor lift and can drive sideways. When selected, all four wheels turn 90° allowing
the operator to drive the lift sideways into positions other platforms can’t reach. Innovative and
durable are words often used to describe these and other lift products manufactured by LPI.

Scissor Lift and Scissor Lifts Information

Scissor lifts give you great lifting capacity and extra floor space, but are limited in their reach and height capabilities. When compared to boom lifts, scissor lifts have a greater weight capacity and larger available workspace on the platform. While the operation of the scissor lift is similar to that of a boom lift, the main difference is that with the scissor lift the platform is only able to be raised vertically. There is, however, the ability to purchase an additional option which allows the users to extend the platform up to 6 ft. horizontally.

The scissor lift makes accomplishing many construction and maintenance tasks possible. One industry that makes frequent use of the scissor lift is painters or drywallers who need to be raised in order to work on high ceilings and walls. The scissor lift is invaluable when you need to lift and then work with heavy material. An example of this applying side paneling to a house, since the paneling would not fit in a boom lift basket.

Initially the only mobility of scissor lifts came from low tech casters. As people began to discover all the tasks that could be completed with the scissor lift, the manufactures began to invent improved versions of this flexible equipment. One innovation that was added was motorized controls. Anther improvement was models that could navigate through rough terrain. This was a welcome machine for people who needed the large platform of a scissor lift but have to work on uneven surfaces.

While boom lifts have really gained in popularity, innovations in both technology and design have helped the scissor lift remain in heavy use. One area where the boom lift offers the scissor lift no competition is the large platform/workspace. The scissor lift is definitely a prime example of aerial work spaces.

Hydraulic Scissor Lifts
Hydraulic scissor lifts provide a great work space in the welding and assembly processes in many industries. They help to ensure worker safety, while at the same time improving efficiency.

Can get any job done

No matter what construction or maintenance project you have, one of Skyjacks eleven models should meet your scissor lift needs. The SJ7135 is the company’s newest model. Skyjack is just one of many manufacturers who have begun to produce rough terrain machines that are compact enough to fit through a set of double doors. Skyjack produces more than 4,000 scissor lifts each year that are in the 30- to 44-foot class, including both compact and non-compact models.

One new product that the company has produced to be more competitive in this section of the aerial lift market is the SJ8831, which is its more expensive, larger, higher capacity machine. Skyjack then developed the SJ7135 which is a more competitively priced unit. The SJ8831 is produced to meet the high capacity large platform needs of some of Skyjack’s customers. The SJ7135 is a great match for smaller projects.

One main characteristic of a Skyjack lift is its durability. One great example of this is the SJ7135. This new model has two component side cabinets that are supported by a base frame with an all-steel, one-piece weldment. This unit is 8 feet taller than the SJ7027, but utilizes the same scissor stack.

This lift incorporates several innovative design elements. One nice feature is the tires, which are Skyjack pneumatic (over foam-filled) for improved traction. You get effective operation of the platform through a pair of single-acting, full-displacement, hydraulic lift cylinders. Heavy duty, tubular steel is used in the construction of the scissor arms, and is further reinforced with cross-bracing members. The standard engine for this model is the Kubota dual-fuel (gasoline/propane), which is liquid-cooled.

Genie Scissor Lift

There are many different models of Genie Scissor lift, each with its own height capability and available options. The Genie is well constructed, and gives you great performance and safety. Genie has over 30 years of experience and innovation behind their products, and provides a great alternative to portable aerial platforms or boom lifts. Some of the benefits available with the GS series of machines include: great working heights (21 to 59 feet), electric drives that are almost silent, side-out platform extension, the ability to access narrow areas, and models that operated effectively on rough terrain.

The scissor lift is just one of the many Genie products that come with a reputation of flexibility, durability, and value. The larger models of scissor lift have their own engine and driving capabilities, while the smaller models are pulled by a truck. The various models come in all shapes and sizes, so there is bound to be a model that fits your particular requirements.

Genie scissor lifts are safe and durable, and come standard with a large selection of features. Some examples of this are steel guardrails made of heavy duty tubular steel to give you maximum balance and platforms that are constructed from solid steel and feature a slip resistant surface. Another feature is the ability to carry large loads by raising or lowering the telescoping end rail.

Smaller Genie machines feature lanyard attachment points which are built in, as well as pivot points which are lubrication and service free. The controls for the smaller machines are easy to use joystick controllers that operate from the platform or the ground, while the larger machines feature more intricate controllers. Most models have excellent maneuverability thanks to high angle steering, and feature swing out battery boxes and power modules for ease of repair. Genies also help you prevent accidents with their on board trouble shooting diagnostics.

Grove Aerial Scissor Lifts

Some of the most respected machines around are Grove aerial scissor lifts, which is fitting due to the company’s history. Dwight L. Grove, John L. Grove, and Wayne A. Nicarry founded the company in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania in 1947. Its start was modest; manufacturing farm wagons with rubber tires in a rented garage.

There current employees continue their tradition of pride in their machines with the new line of products, featuring hydraulic cranes and aerial lifts. Grove Worldwide remains headquartered in Shady Grove, but has moved from the small garage to encompass an office complex and the manufacturing plants for both Grove Manlift and Grove Crane. Gove now has dealers and distribution centers around the world. Its largest installations overseas include its facilities in Tonneins, France and Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

Toucan is the brand name for the Grove aerial scissor lift. Manlift is the product brand for its line of more portable aerial lifts. There are a wide variety of options available on the high quality Toucan scissor lifts. They come in a range of models, all of which include features which allow for operator safety and ease of use.

Picking the right equipment can be a real challenge. It makes sense to test drive your prospective machine to see if it meets your needs. When purchasing a machine manufactured by a company you trust, such as Genie or Grove, it still makes sense to make sure you are getting the best machine at the best price.

Benefits

Hydraulic scissor lifts provide a great work space in the welding and assembly processes in many industries. They help to ensure worker safety, while at the same time improving efficiency. The lift capacity of scissor lifts ranges between 500 to 100,000 lb. There are also several available options including: units with multiple tiers, increased mobility, specially sized tables, pit mounted units, and platforms with either turntables or conveyers.

There are a wide range of uses for hydraulic scissor lifts. Hydraulic lifts come in two main types. The first type, called the scissor jack, is small and is primarily used to elevate automobiles for either repair or display or small sections of an assembly line. The second type is often used to transport workers to high, difficult to reach places on a construction site and features elaborate mechanized lifts.

One of the great features of the scissor lift is its wide platform, which makes it the machine of choice to lift both workers and supplies. Another aerial lift that is used is called a hydraulic lift table. This device does not always feature scissor lift technology and is used to lift a heavy object so that the bottom of it can be accessed. Hydraulic technology has made its way into a variety of applications, from tools to workout equipment.

While there may not be a tremendous performance difference between hydraulic and non-hydraulic scissor lifts, there will definitely be a price difference. It is important to know exactly what you need your equipment to do so that you buy a machine with the features you need. This is the only way to be sure that you get a machine that will satisfy you.

JLG Scissor Lift

The maximum platform height available on JLG scissor lifts is 50 ft., and there are a variety of models of both gas powered (rough terrain) and electric powered machines.

JLG manufactures a wide selection of scissor lifts, as is fitting for one on the largest aerial lift producers in the world. On this page we will discuss the following questions: What are the features of a scissor lift? What are the applications that it performs best? Which model of JLG machine would be best suited to your company’s needs?

The scissor lift gives you great lifting capacity and superior workspace, but less range when it comes to height and reach. They usually have a greater lifting capacity than boom lifts, and are designed to give you a larger work platform. While the ground maneuverability of a scissor lift is similar to that of a boom lift, it usually can only be raised vertically. The exception to this is an option which allows for a 6 foot extension of the platform.

JLG Scissor Lifts: Finding the Right One
The maximum platform height available on JLG scissor lifts is 50 ft., and there are a variety of models of both gas powered (rough terrain) and electric powered machines. The electric powered models feature long battery duty cycles which allow for hours of safe operation, and come in platform height ranges of 19 to 40 feet. The electric models also feature quick lift speeds and easy operation, which improves worker productivity. There are many industries which find the JLG electric scissor lift invaluable, including maintenance, distribution, industrial, construction, and even the entertainment industry. Other excellent applications of the electric scissor lift are warehouses, recreation facilities, hotels and education centers.

Mobile Scissor Lifts

Almost all the best scissor lifts, produced by industry leaders like JLG and Genie, are mobile scissor lifts.

Almost all the best scissor lifts, produced by industry leaders like JLG and Genie, are mobile scissor lifts. These lifts are able to park as close to the work area as possible due to their four wheeled engine. Companies are increasingly making scissor lifts that allow the lift to be driven while employees are completing their task on the aerial platform.

This is really the next generation in technology for scissor lifts. The United States government department that deals with worker safety (OSHA) has some concerns about the equipment. The added mobility could lead to accidents, especially if the machine is not properly maintained or operated in a reckless manner. As these machines have grown in popularity and availability, there has been an increase in falls and accidents.

Approximately 17 percent of construction, painting, and dry walling deaths occur while using a mobile elevated work platform, compared with only 3 percent using standard aerial lifts. Scissor lifts have a 10% higher fatality rate than boom lifts, most likely due in part to their use in dry walling and painting.

The OSHA Standards Committee analyzed all the data regarding elevated, mobile work platforms, and in 1998 made the choice to include aerial and scissor lifts in its standards for construction scaffold. One thing that their investigation showed was that the acts that led to fatalities on aerial and scissor lifts were similar to the acts that led to fatalities on construction scaffolding. The main point of their results was that most often human error was to blame, not the malfunctioning of the lifts.

Snorkel Scissor Lifts

All of the Snorkel Scissor lift models fit into one of two categories, rough terrain or slab.

Snorkel International is a worldwide leader in the production of aerial work platforms. They have a wide ranging product catalog, including articulating and telescopic boom lifts and rough terrain and narrow slab scissor lifts. This global company has a large network of support services for its customers, including sales schools which teach the specifics of their products, service training and troubleshooting guides, and service parts.

All of the Snorkel Scissor lift models fit into one of two categories, rough terrain or slab. When working on smooth terrain, such as a building renovation or several maintenance applications, slab lifts are the perfect tool for you to use. These battery powered scissor lifts are packed with safety features like slope level sensor interlocks and built-in pothole protection. There is also a wide selection of standard options which set these machines apart from their competitors, who only offer these features at an additional cost.

Snorkel Scissor Lifts: Slab Versus Rough Terrain Models
We have discussed the best applications for the Snorkel scissor lifts, now it is time to discuss the rough terrain model. These machines are designed to give the operator superior stability, no matter what type of surface the machine is on. They are more powerful and larger than slab models, and truly live up to their name – rough.

The working height of the Snorkel rough terrain scissor lifts is between 31' to 46'. They can easy power around and over construction site clutter with a patented articulating rear axle and 4-wheel drive which give it a maximum of 40% gradability. These machines come with huge platforms of 84 sq. ft. with weight capacities up to 1750 lbs. They are amazing machines, tough, reliable lifts with dual fuel or diesel engines that are sure to become the workhorse of your heavy equipment fleet.

For safety information: http://www.osha.gov

Upright Scissor Lift

UpRight was founded by an engineer, Wallace Johnson, in 1972.

In Selma, California you will find another manufacturer of aerial work platforms, UpRight. This worldwide company was founded in 1946, and now both manufactures and distributes its products, with manufacturing plants in both Selma and Madera, California and Dun Laoighre, Ireland.

UpRight was founded by an engineer, Wallace Johnson, in 1972. Johnson created and sold the first powered platform, which was called a “scissor” lift due to the steel cross bracing that supported the platform, giving it the product name “Magic Carpet”. This Magic Caret was able to provide almost instant revenue for the young company due to its quick popularity among US companies.

The company continued innovating and by the early 1980’s their product included the X-Series Scissor Lifts. By 1986 they had introduced their first Sigma arm lift, model SL20. In 1990 they improved upon their product line by introducing the Sigma arm Speed Level. This feature continues to be unique to UpRight products and allows self-leveling of the platform on rough terrain.

UpRight introduced an equally innovative family of boom lifts in the 1990s. In 1995 they produced their first trailer-mounted boom, the TL33, which was followed by its first self-propelled boom, the SP37 (now known as the AB38) in 1996. This truly innovated company has left their mark with other products, including compact scissor design and modular alloy bridging, as well as expanding the versatility of Instant Span towers with aircraft docking and façade systems.

You will find UpRight products, especially their scissor and boom lifts, as standard equipment for a variety of applications. Just look around and you will find an UpRight – at airports, shopping malls, schools and churches, making maintenance easier at stadiums, hospitals, and warehouses, just to name a few of their many uses. UpRight is a definite competitor in the heavy equipment industry, their innovative designs have turned their small start into a worldwide corporation.