Considering a scissor lift for your next work-from-height task? When selecting a scissor lift from our large fleet you have a range of fuel options, working heights and platform widths to suit your needs. But which lifter is right for your job?
In this ultimate guide to choosing your scissor lift, the experts at Horizon Platforms share all you need to know to ensure you select the correct platform to complete your job at height safely.
What is a Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is a popular type of access platform and is commonly used when working at height. It is a vertical lift with a criss-cross ‘scissor’ mechanism that opens up to raise the platform. The platform on this type of MEWP can usually only move vertically rather than up and over/across like a cherry picker.
For more information, head to our blog, what is a scissor lift?.
What are Scissor Lifts Used For?
Scissor lifts are ideal for maintenance, inspection, stock taking, repair, and installation work, and more. They can be used outdoors and indoors, especially if the project only requires up-and-down mobility.
There are many popular jobs for scissor lifts, a few examples include indoor electrical or air conditioning installation and maintenance on high ceilings in supermarkets, shopping centres, schools, universities, hospitals etc. Alternatively, warehouse and racking companies will use scissor lifts to access high shelves safely and without the use of a ladder.
Scissor lifts can be used in a variety of different industries to help significantly improve the efficiency and safety of your work, including the following:
- Repair and maintenance. Changing lights, hanging banners, accessing ventilation systems and many other tasks can be made safer through the use of work-at-height equipment like MEWPs.
- Construction. Providing a mobile, versatile solution for dynamic construction projects that may have frequently changing environments.
- Signage. Installing or changing overhead signage can be done quickly and safely with scissor lifts.
- Production. Scissor lifts can help to improve operating efficiencies by helping employees quickly and safely reach high heights and lift heavy loads.
- Retail. Store and warehouse shelves are undeniably tall, and products are often stacked up to save space. Small MEWPs or push arounds can be used to reach products on these shelves safely.
- Warehousing. Investing in a scissor lift for warehouses can open new areas for use or expedite the retrieval process. They also make stock taking on high shelving more straightforward.
Anyone from small businesses and individual companies to huge corporate operations will find that hiring (or buying) a scissor lift can help employees accomplish their elevated tasks safely and more efficiently.
The Benefits of Scissor Lifts
We’ve covered where scissor lifts can be useful, but why choose a scissor lift over the alternatives?
Access Heights And Hard-To-Reach Places Safely
Scissor lifts are safer for working at height than ladders or scaffolding because they are equipped with numerous safety devices that protect operators from workplace accidents which can result in falls, injuries, and fatalities.
See our work-from-height health and safety rules blog to learn more about accessing heights safely.
Easy To Operate
The controls within a scissor lift are simple and straightforward to use, plus operators can be trained within a relatively short period of time to ensure they are operating the access platform safely and competently. Explore our training courses to find one for you.
Compact In Size
Scissor lifts are among the most compact types of elevated mobile work platforms, meaning certain models can be utilised in tight, narrow spaces where access may be limited. Push around platforms like the Youngman Boss X3 are also great for working in tight spaces at low levels.
If your working environment involves tight or awkward corners, our blog on operating MEWPs in restricted spaces can help.
Reduces The Risk Of Workplace Injuries
Scissor lifts are used to offer a safe and efficient method of lifting workers, materials and tools to the desired height. This greatly reduces the risk of workers suffering work-related injuries, as scissor lifts raise workers to the correct position so they can easily put loads away and complete their at-height tasks without needing to overreach.
Different Types of Scissor Lifts
If you’ve decided to use a scissor lift for your work-from-height task, you’ll need to consider which type of scissor lift is best for you.
Electric Scissor Lifts
Powered by electric batteries rather than a combustion engine, electric-powered scissor lifts are more environmentally friendly, and we’re proud to have an impressive fleet of electric scissor lifts here at Horizon Platforms.
These are ideally suited for indoor operation due to the lack of loud noises or exhaust emissions when operating. They are generally more compact in size and have small, narrow platforms ideal for restricted spaces. They can also be fitted with non-marking tyres to prevent floor damage during operation.
Due to their low carbon emissions, this is an ideal scissor lift option for businesses working towards sustainability-focused ESG goals. To unlock even greater levels of sustainability, follow our tips for increasing MEWP battery life.
Examples of electric scissor lifts include the JLG 6RS, Genie GS1932 and Dingli JCPT0807DCS.
Our blog comparing electric and diesel scissor lifts can help you decide which of these popular types of scissor lifts is best suited for your purposes.
Hydraulic Scissor Lifts
Hydraulic scissor lifts can be powered by either an electric motor or compressed air and are highly recommended for operation in warehouses, on construction sites and infrastructure projects. The changing pressure of the hydraulic oil in the machine helps to operate the lift and move the platform up and down. They are easy to operate and usually require little training, making them a simple option when you have on-site lifting needs.
Diesel-Powered Scissor Lifts
Diesel-powered scissor lifts are powered by traditional diesel engines. These lifts are less environmentally friendly as they emit exhaust fumes and can be noisy. They are generally fitted with larger platforms and are recommended for outdoor construction projects, in well-ventilated indoor spaces, and in environments where engine noise will not distract or cause a nuisance for the community around you.
Examples of diesel scissor lifts include the SkyJack SJ6826RT and Haulotte Compact 12DX.
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
These are specialist MEWPs which offer increased power for operation in tough outdoor ground conditions. They are typically powered via diesel to provide the necessary power for operating across rough terrain and drifting heavier loads. They come equipped with high-weight capacity, heavy-duty tyres, and additional safety mechanisms like fall restraints and arrestors, making them ideal for worksites with uneven surfaces and slopes.
Examples of rough terrain scissor lifts include the Genie GS2668RT and SkyJack SJ6832RT.
Pneumatic Scissor Lifts
Pneumatic scissor lifts are air-powered, which results in an incredibly clean and maintenance-free lift. Using air pressure to raise and lower the platform, this type of MEWP is ideal for those who want to be more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint.
Boom Lift vs Scissor Lift: What Are the Differences?
Among our fleet we also have cherry pickers, otherwise known as boom lifts. To decide whether a scissor lift or cherry picker is best for your task, we’ve outlined some of the differences below.
What is a boom lift?
A boom lift is a piece of equipment that elevates a worker and their tools in a compact work platform. It features a grounded base and hydraulic lift system. Electric boom lifts can be used indoors or outdoors. Their hydraulic arm allows for greater manoeuvrability, which in some models can rotate 360 degrees. Boom lifts are great for navigating in tight spaces where the desired area might be harder to reach.
The differences between a boom lift and a scissor lift
When deciding between a scissor lift and a boom lift you will need to consider what kind of job you are doing, the environment you will be doing it in and how much power you will need.
| Boom Lift | Scissor Lift | |
| Height | Telescopic lifts can raise workers anywhere from 30 to 210 feet. Articulating lifts can extend from 30 to 135 feet. | Scissor lifts can raise workers up to 60 feet. |
| Direction | Many can rotate workers 360 degrees. Telescopic boom lifts can direct workers straight up or outward, or a combination of the two. Articulating boom lifts can provide access around obstacles in tight spaces. | Scissor lifts are limited to straight up-and-down (vertical) lifts. Some models may have a small extending platform. |
| Platform Capacity | Boom lifts can carry up to 500 pounds, making them effective for small and moderate loads. | Heavier models can bear heavier loads. For example, a 19-foot electric lift might be able to lift 500 to 700 pounds, while a 50-foot rough-terrain scissor lift might carry up to 2,250 pounds. |
| Terrain | Diesel boom lifts may be equipped with tough treading on their tires, making them well-suited to outdoor maintenance and construction jobs. | Some models come with four-wheel-drive engines and are fueled by powerful diesel engines specifically designed to work on rough terrain. |
If a boom lift seems like the right option for your job, our guide to choosing a cherry picker can help. Also, check machine specifications and user manuals before use.
Should I Buy or Hire a Scissor Lift?
At Horizon Platforms, we have scissor lifts available for both hire, contract hire and purchase. Hiring is a cost-effective choice for scissor lift use over a set period of time; however, buying or long-term hire can work out cheaper over time if you will use your scissor lift over a long period in one location. Our guide on buying or hiring an access platform can help you to decide which is the right option for you.
How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift Platform
Choosing the right scissor lift is crucial to ensuring your project is completed efficiently and safely. You will need to consider factors such as terrain, power supply, the weight of the items you need to lift, height, loading method and the desired platform size.
Here are a few questions you should consider when hiring a scissor lift:
Working Height
Consider the maximum height you need your scissor lift to reach for your task or over the duration of a project. We have scissor lifts ranging from five to twenty-one metres for you to easily find the one most suited to your working environment. Don’t forget to consider minimum working height, too. If working indoors, take the size of access and entrance points into consideration, as well as obstacles.
Is horizontal and vertical reach required?
If horizontal reach is required, a cherry picker may be better for your task than a scissor lift.
Safe Working Load Capacity
This is the maximum amount of weight your platform can carry. You will need to consider how heavy the materials needed for your task are as well as how many workers (including their weight) will need to use the platform.
What is the job site’s terrain? Indoor or outdoor?
This impacts the drive power, types of tyres or fuel type needed, as diesel power is often used on rougher terrain and electric scissor lifts often used indoors.
Other factors include:
- Does the platform need to be mobile?
- How narrow or restricted is the space I need to access?
- What power source is appropriate?
- What is my budget?
Whether you need quiet, clean operation with an electric scissor lift or you are looking for an access platform that can manoeuvre over rough terrain, we can offer you expert advice on selecting from our nationwide selection of rental scissor lifts. Need help selecting your ideal platform for your project? Check out our Platform Finder today.
Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Scissor Lift in the UK?
To operate a scissor lift you will need to be over 18 years old, carry the right licence and have suitable training qualifications to legally operate a mobile elevated work platform.
Anyone working at height, including those operating access platforms such as a scissor lift, is required by law to be able to demonstrate appropriate training. While there’s no legal definition around the level of training required to be deemed appropriately trained, it’s considered best practice for all cherry picker operators, managers, demonstrators and inspectors to undergo relevant IPAF training. For scissor lifts, this would be IPAF training 3a.
A PAL (Powered Access Licence) or digital ePAL card is issued which demonstrates the type of access platform the operator is qualified to operate. These cards are valid for five years, with the option to renew your IPAF training ahead of the expiration date. Future intelligent scissor lifts and MEWPs will actually require the relevant PAL card to be swiped in order to function, ensuring unlicensed people cannot operate them. For more information, take a look at our Ultimate Guide To Access Platform Training.
Health and Safety When Operating Scissor Lifts
Before using a scissor lift, you should assess the potential risks and put control measures in place to help minimise them. Scissor lifts may often be operated in challenging, narrow spaces and therefore you first need to be aware of your surroundings and any obstacles within the vicinity of the project, as these could increase the chance of an accident.
Before operating a powered access platform, you must ensure you do the following:
- Conduct a pre-use inspection to ensure the machine is fully functional, including the brakes and emergency stop button. Remember – as part of PUWER (1998), it’s your legal responsibility to ensure all MEWPs are maintained and repaired ahead of the operation.
- Confirm all scissor lift operators have received training and are familiar with the MEWP in use for the day. Ensuring all MEWP operators are properly trained can prevent several common accidents.
- Conduct a risk assessment taking into account safety hazards such as power lines, considering how you will avoid them.
- Conduct a ground assessment to see how safe the terrain is for your chosen scissor lift.
- Clear the surrounding area of potential safety hazards and cordon off areas to keep out unauthorised people and alert passers-by of potential dangers.
- Consider the weather – certain rain, ice and wind conditions may prevent you from safely using your scissor lift that day.
- Always have a rescue plan should someone get stuck in a MEWP or be injured while operating powered access at height.
Where Can I Rent a Scissor Lift Near Me?
With a whole host of scissor lifts available to hire, contract hire, or buy, finding the right powered access platform for your project can be a challenge. Here at Horizon Platforms is an access hire company who makes your hiring experience straightforward.
Providing over 16,000 platforms nationwide to help you carry out work safely at height; offering fast, reliable delivery (potentially within 4 hours), competitive rates; and impressive accreditations – that’s why 98% of our hires are trouble free. Check out our access hire case studies to see how we achieve a stress free experience.
An Extensive Fleet of Powered Access Platforms
At Horizon Platforms, we are proud to offer a cherry-picked nationwide fleet of 16,000 access platforms and only offer quality machines from reputable, trusted manufacturers. Whether you are looking for a scissor lift or boom lift, you can rely on us to find the correct MEWP for your next project. We can source a suitable scissor lift in no time, no matter where you’re based.
Professionally Inspected, Repaired and Maintained
Here at Horizon Platforms, we ensure every access platform is delivered in great condition, having been thoroughly checked during our 40-point pre-delivery inspection. Ensuring each machine has a full-service history, is in working order, fully charged or fueled and complete with an in date LOLER. All so you have full peace of mind that your hired equipment is safe and ready to use from the get-go.
We also offer a nationwide repair service, so in the unlikely event of machine failure, you’ll have access to an expert within 15 minutes and an engineer on site within three hours if needed, during working hours. We also have out of hours support for those working around the clock.
If you own a scissor lift or fleet of scissor lifts, we offer maintenance and breakdown packages that cover your entire powered access platform servicing, maintenance and repair needs. This ensures your MEWP is always in good working order, fully operational, safe and compliant at all times.
Impressive Accreditations
With the triple crown of ISO standards, Safe Contractor certification, and IPAF Rental+ Gold, our accreditations separate us from the pack. They ensure we provide the highest standards of service when you work with us. What’s more, we recently acquired a silver medal from EcoVadis, reflecting our strong sustainability credentials.
Fast & Smooth Access Hire Process From Start to Finish
We don’t just offer quick delivery (potentially within 4 hours) – we pride ourselves on offering a speedy, professional service from start to finish. Simply open a credit account in just a few minutes and get a decision within one hour from Monday to Friday so there’s no hanging about. Then we can get lifters on site within the same day or next day.
Need hire flexibility and easily accessible supply performance data? In addition to getting access to our knowledgeable and supportive team by phone or email, every Horizon Platforms customer can choose to use our online customer portal, HireHub. HireHub is designed to make the hiring process easier than ever allowing for complete control, flexibility and transparency of your hire account.
From quotes and extending contracts to off-hires and invoices, it’s all there in a few clicks. You can even monitor how Horizon performs via the Hire Statistics Dashboard.
Expert Advice
Our expert team of access hire specialists will always be on hand to offer advice on which scissor lift is right for you and help you find an access platform that’s perfect for your project. We know you don’t often work the standard 9-5, and we don’t either—call us 24/7 via our out of hours service, and we’ll be there to help out.
Availability Around the Country
Horizon Platforms is delighted to provide scissor lift hire in numerous locations around the UK, including:
- Scissor lifts for hire in West Yorkshire
- Scissor lifts for hire in South Yorkshire
- Scissor lifts for hire in East Yorkshire
- Scissor lifts for hire in North Yorkshire
- Scissor Lifts for hire in the North East
- Scissor Lifts for hire in the North West
For more advice on choosing the right MEWP for your project, including more information on scissor lifts, check out the Horizon Platforms blog, see our FAQs or get in touch.