Considering a scissor lift for your next work-from-height project? These access platforms have a range of benefits that make them ideal for use in several industries and work-at-height projects, but which scissor lift is best for your job? Do you go for the same machine type regardless of the job? Or do you choose the right fit for each project?
In this guide, we’ll cover all the advantages and disadvantages of working with a scissor lift so you can decide if it’s the correct MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) for your next job at height.
Already know the benefits of a scissor lift but need a helping hand selecting the right one? Head over to our guide on choosing a scissor lift.
What is a Scissor Lift
A scissor lift is a mobile access platform that raises workers, tools, and equipment vertically to complete jobs at height. It is different from a cherry picker, another type of access platform available for hire at Horizon Platforms, which has a wider range of movement, such as up-and-over.
Our blog ‘What is a Scissor Lift’ can explain the intricacies of these machines further.
Advantages of a Scissor Lift
There are an abundance of advantages when it comes to hiring a scissor lift for your next project, including:
Enhanced safety
Safety is of paramount importance when working at height, and scissor lifts have a number of features that help to protect your workers from accidents.
The design of these access platforms, coupled with a low centre of gravity, makes them more stable and secure than most other work-from-height solutions. However, it is crucial to remember that overturn still presents a risk and accidents can happen. So the gradient your lift needs to travel on should always be considered, and you should take care not to overload one side of the platform or stretch the limitations of the machine.
The scissor lift raises and lowers workers and equipment, tools, or materials they will use, reducing the need to climb and carry heavy objects at height which poses a significant risk.
For additional safety, the platform is surrounded by guardrails to help prevent falling and is provided with user manuals and safety stickers and decals for correct use.
Space-saving design
Some scissor lifts are compact, making them well-suited to narrow aisles between racking and shelves in warehouses or shops, for example. They are also an excellent space-saving alternative to a large expanse of scaffolding. Unlike scaffolding, which needs to be built and stay in situ, lifters can move from place to place. Of course, using mobile access towers is an exception to this.
Productivity
The raising and lowering of a scissor lift is far less time-consuming than setting up a scaffolding tower, and their simple controls allow you to quickly manoeuvre as needed. This allows more time for the actual work-at-height job.
On top of this, the risk of strain injury is also reduced, meaning you can avoid rest and recovery time cutting into the timescale of your project.
Variety – a Scissor Lift for Every Environment
Scissor lifts are incredibly versatile, and various types are available to suit your needs. While rough terrain scissor lifts have tyres with deeper treads suitable for outdoor building sites, indoor electric scissor lifts are quieter and can be equipped with non-marking tyres to protect floors etc.
Disadvantages of a Scissor lift
When it comes to hiring a scissor lift you may also need to consider the following disadvantages.
Carbon Emissions
One concern with fuel powered lifters is carbon emissions, which impacts environmental and sustainability objectives. However, modern scissor lift advancements allow you to enjoy access platform convenience and enhanced safety while still supporting ESG goals.
Electric scissor lifts, which use electrical power rather than diesel, reduce emissions significantly. Plus, we can use new technologies such as battery regeneration to make your scissor lifts even more sustainable. See our blog on scissor lift innovations to see how the benefits of these amazing machines continue to increase.
Some Restriction to Movement
Scissor lifts allow your workers to reach heights vertically. However, some tasks require reaching up and across or up and over. In these situations, you should opt for a cherry picker which offers a wider range of movement.
For a better understanding of different access platform types, see our Guide to Understanding Your MEWPs.
If a scissor lift is the right option for your next work at height project, you can hire one with Horizon or buy one via www.platformsupermarket.com. Contact us or create an account on our HireHub to receive a quote within 15 minutes.
Not sure which scissor lift will suit your task best? Our team is available 24/7 or you can use our Platform Finder tool can help.