What is a scissor lift?

A scissor lift is a piece of machinery that moves up and down and is equipped with a platform. It’s very useful in warehouses and construction sites and provides a safe way for workers to accomplish tasks in high-up places. 

Scissor lifts vary in size and application. Let’s take a look at these different types of lifts and how they work. 

How does a scissor lift work?

There are several types of scissor lifts, and while they all function the same, the way the lift is powered varies. Here is the general idea as to how they work:

• The power is turned on by a person on the lift. This fills a cylinder with hydraulic fluid or compressed air. 
• As the fluid or air is pushed through the cylinder, it causes the lift’s legs to push apart.
• When the legs get pushed apart, the platform is raised.
• This platform can carry people or equipment up in the air to reach things high up. 
• When that person is ready to return to the ground, they will push a button to release the pressure or fluid in the cylinder, thus lowering the lift.  

What are some types of scissor lifts?

Although scissor lifts are similar in the way they move, each type of lift has a distinct purpose and application. Let’s take a look.

Hydraulic scissor lifts

These construction lifts are powered by hydraulic systems. These systems are either hand-operated or driven by an engine and are relatively easy to use. When the lift is turned on, the changing pressure of the hydraulic oil moves the platform up or down. 

Hydraulic oil is difficult to use in cold weather environments, so these lifts are best suited for warmer climates or where horsepower is not a high priority for the lift. The speed of a hydraulic lift is dependent upon the weight that is on the lift when it is raising or lowering, so if you have a heavy load, this lift may not be the best option for your project. 

Electric scissor lifts

Electric lift tables run off of electricity and are less bulky than some of the other scissor lifts. They do not emit fumes or noise since they are run by electricity and feature silent drive mechanisms. This makes them perfect for small, indoor spaces. 

Pneumatic scissor lifts

This type of scissor lift runs using air pressure. These are perfect for companies looking for environment-friendly options, as they do not emit hazardous fumes. Pneumatic lifts do not provide as much horsepower as some of the other options, since they run off of compressed atmospheric air. This makes them better for smaller projects. They are suitable for any environment, indoors or out. 

Rough terrain scissor lifts/all-terrain scissor lifts

These lifts are hardier than the other types of scissor lifts. They are designed for outdoor use and have heavy-duty tires. They also have a high weight capacity and additional safety features, such as arrestors and fall restraints. Rough terrain lifts are perfect for places with uneven surfaces, working on slopes, and projects that must take place in poor weather. These all-terrain lifts can be powered by diesel fuel, gas, or liquid propane.

Using the right lift

When purchasing a scissor lift, look at what tasks you will be doing. This will help you determine which type of lift you need. Using a lift that is designed for a small indoor space would be disastrous when working outside in a snowstorm. For more information on how the different styles of lifts can benefit you, visit our lift equipment page.