A scissor lift is an aerial work platform that can lift operatives in a vertical direction to carry out a variety of tasks at height in industries including construction, manufacturing, and facilities management. Scissor lifts are named after the lifting mechanism used, typically a criss-cross configuration of tubes, powered by hydraulic cylinders to raise the platform.
Scissor lifts are usually self-propelled machines that are powered in different ways, generally dependent on their use. Electric scissor lifts are mainly used inside, utilising solid non-marking tyres and able to work in tight areas. Rough terrain scissors used outdoors are mostly diesel engined, with enough power to travel over challenging surfaces. There’s also a new generation of hybrid machines that feature electric and diesel engines.
Electric scissor lifts
Electric scissor lifts are ideal for indoor work as they are quiet, light, emit no emissions and are fitted with non-marking tyres. Electric machines are compact and able to access job sites through doorways and corridors making them ideal for areas where space is restricted.
The working height of electric scissors make the units a good fit for work in warehouses and building management with tasks such as lighting maintenance and stocktaking. Electric scissors are also known as ‘slab scissors’.
The Genie GS-4047 - 13.7m Electric Scissor Lift is an indoor machine that can be driven at full height and offers excellent manoeuvrability in narrow aisles and tight spaces.
Diesel scissor lifts
Diesel scissor lifts are used in outdoor locations where the extra power of a diesel engine is needed to manoeuvre over rough terrain using lugged tyres, often using four wheel drive. Diesel scissors can also feature outriggers to offer support on uneven ground and are perfect for use in the construction industry and other applications such as signage tasks and cleaning projects.
The Haulotte COM12DX diesel scissor lift demonstrates the power benefits of a diesel engine, with four wheel drive and the capacity to lift two operators. The COM12DX does meet low emission zone standards so is one of the most environmentally friendly diesel machines.
Bi-energy scissor lifts
Bi-Energy scissors feature a direct electric drive with an onboard diesel generator so the unit can be charged in situ. Bi-Energy scissor lifts offer a ‘greener’ form of powered access with minimal emissions and quick charging batteries.
A Bi-Energy scissor lift such as the JLG M4069 gives a working height of 14.19 m with a platform capacity of 360 kg and is capable of working both indoors and outdoors. The M4069 can also climb gradients of up to 35% and is suitable for tasks such as factory maintenance.
Scissor lift training
It is recommended that before operating scissor lifts, you complete a recognised working at height training course such as the following:
IPAF 3A/3B Mobile Vertical/Mobile Boom Operator Course
IPAF 3A/3B/1B Mobile Vertical/Mobile Boom/Static Boom Operator Course
