A scissor lift provides a safe and stable platform to lift workers and equipment to heights and hard to reach places with ease. Free standing and designed with safety and efficiency in mind, scissor lifts are one of the most popular aerial work platforms to hire, saving businesses time and money whilst keeping workers safer. There are several types of scissor lifts available, each with their own distinct features and benefits so before you proceed with hiring a scissor lift, it’s important to understand which type will suit your needs best.
Damoli is a Melbourne based, family-owned and operated company specialising in the hire and sales of forklifts and other access equipment. Read on to learn more about the different types of scissor lifts to help you decide which one is best for your worksite.
There Are Five Types of Scissor Lifts
While most scissor lifts hold the weight of four workers and their tools and have the ability to reach up to 18 meters high, there are five different types to choose from. These include:
- Hydraulic scissor liftd
- Diesel scissor lifts
- Electric scissor lifts
- Rough Terrain scissor lifts
- Pneumatic scissor lifts
Hydraulic Scissor Lifts
Powered by either an electric motor or compressed air, hydraulic scissor lifts can be utilised both inside and outside. Hydraulic liquid is either pushed or drained from cylinder to cylinder allowing the scissor lift to raise or lower as necessary. These lifts are recommended for operation in warehouses, on construction sites and for infrastructure projects.
Diesel Scissor Lifts
Diesel scissor lifts are loud machines powered by traditional diesel fuel. Since they emit fumes into the environment and are noisy, these lifts are best utilised in outdoor construction where there is sufficient space for ventilation and where the noise will not distract other workers. Diesel machines generally come with large platforms which are useful for working in outdoor areas.
Electric Scissor Lifts
Another popular aerial platform machine, electric scissor lifts do not operate on fuel, instead they feature a silent, electric-powered drive mechanism. Since they do not emit fumes or noise, electric scissor lifts provide a cleaner solution for indoor spaces, which often have insufficient ventilation. These machines are also less bulky than their diesel counterparts, making them optimal in smaller spaces.
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
ERobust, construction-oriented machines with positive traction control, rough terrain scissor lifts are designed for increasing productivity in demanding outdoor worksites. With a high lift capacity, rough terrain lifts can seamlessly take the weight of several workers as well as heavy-duty equipment and tools and lift up to 50ft. Well equipped with a wide range of exceptional safety mechanisms such as arrestors, tilt level sensors, rear wheel braking, fall restraint and stable foam-filled rough terrain tyres, they also feature increased power supplied by their internal combustion engines – either gas, diesel or liquid propane. Designed for use on sites with sloping and uneven surfaces as well as on construction sites based in extreme areas, the function of these lifts is the same as that of the electric lifts, however the stable tyres are made exclusively for exterior rough and rugged surfaces.
Pneumatic Scissor Lifts
Air powered with no electrical or hydraulics, pneumatic scissor lifts are incredibly clean and relatively maintenance-free. Built to handle goods and move products without the risk of damage, they use air pressure to raise and lower the lift, this make them ideal for operations that want to be environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint. Their streamlined design ensures they can be integrated into a wide variety of working environments including manufacturing, processing or warehousing locations.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Scissor Lift
- Lifting capacity will vary depending on the model – Different scissor lift platforms can hold different weights, and reach from anywhere between 2 to 18 meters high. Ensure you check the lift capacity before you hire – you may need 2 machines to complete the job if you have more workers and tools than one machine can safely carry.
- You need a licence to operate a scissor lift – All operators of access equipment including scissor lifts, must possess the correct licence, known as a yellow card.
- There are regulations that apply to all lifting and access equipment – These regulations stipulate that you need to ensure that a scissor lift is operated by a competent person, who is appropriately supervised, and that all work is carried out in a safe manner.
- Will you be operating the machine indoors or outdoors? Choose a 4WD model for outdoor use as these are able to navigate rough terrain including gravel, grass and even mud with ease. If you are hiring a scissor lift for an indoor job, choose an electric option as this will ensure that no harmful fumes are released inside and it will also prevent damage to floors.
Not Sure Which Type of Scissor Lift to Hire?
As experienced professionals in our industry, our team can provide expert advice to ensure you hire the right machine that suits you needs best. Give us a call today to discuss your requirements and we will guide you through our range to help you determine the best solution for your specific site, job or project. Contact us by calling (03) 8362 9024.
If you are looking for reliable and affordable scissor lift hire in Melbourne or regional Victoria, get in touch with the team at Damoli today. With a fleet of lifts available, we can help with electric, diesel-powered or rough terrain scissor lift hire. With large platform working areas and high lifting capacities, our scissor lifts will help to improve safety and efficiency in your worksite. Reach out to us online now or call us today.
Not sure where to get started? Damoli is a one-stop shop for Forklifts Hire or Sale. Speak to our team on 1300 326 654 today.Damoli Forklift Services offer one-stop shop for forklift hire, sales and servicing. We have a wide range of gas, diesel and electric forklifts ranging from 1 tonne right through to 45 tonne container handlers. We also have high reach forklifts and specialised scissor lifts available.