How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift for Your Worksite
Choosing a scissor lift is not only about finding a machine that reaches high enough. It must also fit through the available access, operate safely on the worksite surface and provide enough room for the people, tools and materials being lifted.
Before requesting scissor lift hire in Auckland, consider:
The height of the work
Whether the work is indoors or outdoors
The ground or floor conditions
Doorways, gates and other access restrictions
The number of people using the platform
The tools and materials being carried
Hazards around the work area
Getting these details right makes it easier to identify a suitable elevated work platform for the job.
Start with the required working height
The first question is simple: how high is the work area?
Scissor-lift specifications normally show both platform height and working height. These are not the same measurement.
Platform height is the maximum height of the platform. Working height includes the additional reach of a person standing on the platform.
When requesting a quote, provide the approximate height of the area you need to reach. If possible, include a photograph showing the work area and its surroundings.
Also consider whether the lift can be positioned directly beneath the work. Pipes, shelving, machinery, landscaping and other structures may prevent the platform from getting as close as expected.
Consider where the lift will operate
The worksite surface is one of the most important factors when choosing a scissor lift.
Electric slab scissor lifts are commonly used on firm, level surfaces such as:
Warehouse floors
Finished concrete
Shopping centres
Commercial buildings
Factories and workshops
Rough-terrain scissor lifts are designed for more demanding outdoor conditions. However, every machine still has limits on the slopes, surfaces and weather conditions in which it can safely operate.
Let us know if the lift will be used on:
Concrete
Asphalt
Compacted gravel
Grass
Soil
Sloping or uneven ground
The surface must be able to support the weight of the machine, its occupants and anything carried on the platform.
Measure the complete access route
It is not enough to measure the final work area. The lift must be able to travel from the delivery point to where it will be used.
Check the complete route for:
Doorways
Gates
Corridors
Corners
Ramps
Loading docks
Low ceilings
Overhead pipes or beams
Changes in floor level
Tight turning areas
Measure the narrowest point instead of relying on the stated size of a doorway or gate. Door frames, handles, bollards and other objects can reduce the available space.
If access is tight, send photographs and measurements with your enquiry. This will make it easier to compare the worksite with the actual dimensions of the available machines.
Check the platform size and capacity
Think about what needs to be carried on the platform.
This may include:
One or more workers
Hand tools
Power tools
Building materials
Cleaning equipment
Installation components
Every scissor lift has a rated platform capacity. This includes the combined weight of the people, tools and materials on the platform.
You should also consider how much room is needed to perform the work. A platform may have enough weight capacity but still be too small for the people and equipment needed.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity or use the machine outside its operating limits.
Think about indoor and outdoor conditions
Indoor work often has different requirements from outdoor work.
Inside a building, important considerations may include:
Floor strength
Machine width
Turning space
Ventilation
Ceiling height
Doorway access
Protecting finished floors
For outdoor work, consider:
Ground stability
Slopes and drop-offs
Wind
Rain
Overhead power lines
Vehicle movements
Pedestrians
Other contractors working nearby
Outdoor conditions can change during the day. A surface that appears firm when dry may become unsuitable after heavy rain.
Identify hazards around the work area
A scissor lift should only be used after the worksite and task have been properly assessed.
Common hazards include:
Overhead electrical services
Open trenches or floor edges
Unstable ground
Moving vehicles
Pedestrian traffic
Low beams and overhead structures
Restricted operating space
Strong wind or changing weather
Tools or materials falling from the platform
Operators must be trained and competent to use the machine. They should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the worksite’s safety procedures.
Provide useful information with your enquiry
You do not need to know the exact scissor-lift model before making an enquiry. Providing clear information about the worksite and the task is more useful.
Include:
Worksite address or suburb
Expected start date
Expected hire period
Approximate working height
Indoor or outdoor use
Ground or floor conditions
Access measurements
Number of platform occupants
Tools and materials being carried
A short description of the work
Photographs are especially useful when the site has narrow access, uneven ground or obstacles around the work area.
Where possible, allow at least two business days to arrange delivery. Earlier delivery may sometimes be available, depending on machine and transport availability.
Versatile Hire supplies scissor lifts and elevated work platforms to trade and commercial customers across Auckland. Hire is available from seven days, with delivery and collection arranged directly with the worksite.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between platform height and working height?
Platform height is the maximum height the platform can reach. Working height allows for the additional reach of a person standing on the platform. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the individual machine.
Can an electric scissor lift be used outside?
Some electric scissor lifts are approved for limited outdoor use, but this depends on the individual machine, surface, slope, wind and manufacturer’s operating limits. Confirm the intended use before hiring.
How do I know whether a scissor lift will fit through a doorway?
Measure the narrowest part of the doorway and the complete access route. Remember to include door frames, handles, corners and the space required to turn the machine.
How much weight can a scissor lift carry?
Capacity differs between machines. The rated capacity includes everyone, every tool and all materials carried on the platform. Check the specifications of the selected lift before use.
What should I send with my hire enquiry?
Provide the required height, site location, start date, expected hire period, access measurements and ground conditions. Photographs can also help identify potential access or operating problems.
Need help choosing a scissor lift?
Send us your required working height, worksite location, access measurements, surface conditions and expected hire period. We will review the information and help identify a suitable available machine.
This article provides general information only. It does not replace operator training, manufacturer instructions, a worksite risk assessment or professional health and safety advice.
Comments