Considering a scissor lift for your next work-from-height task? When selecting between the different types of 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?
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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 – including the types of scissor lift available, and how to choose the right machinery for the job.
A scissor lift is a popular type of access platform and is commonly used when working at height. It is a 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.
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:
Anyone from small businesses and individual companies to huge corporate operations will find that hiring a scissor lift can help employees accomplish their elevated tasks safely and more efficiently.
We’ve covered where scissor lifts can be useful, but why choose a scissor lift over the alternative types of MEWPs?
For more information about the uses and benefits of this type of MEWP, head to our blog: what is a scissor lift?
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.
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, such as the JLG 6RS, Genie GS and Dingli JCPTDCS.
This type of scissor lift is:
Due to their low carbon emissions, electric scissor lifts are ideal for businesses working towards sustainability-focused ESG goals (to unlock even greater levels of sustainability, follow our tips for increasing MEWP battery life).
Our blog comparing electric vs diesel scissor lifts can help you decide which of these popular machines is best suited for your purposes.
Hydraulic scissor lifts can be powered by either an electric motor or compressed air, and are highly recommended for:
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, such as the SkyJack SJRT and Haulotte Compact 12DX, are powered by traditional diesel engines. This type of scissor lift is less environmentally friendly, as they emit exhaust fumes and can be noisy.
On the plus side, they’re generally fitted with larger platforms and are recommended for:
This scissor lift type is a specialist MEWP, designed to 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 GSRT and SkyJack SJRT.
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 scissor lift is ideal for those who want to be more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon footprint.
Choosing between scissor lift types 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:
Consider the maximum height you need your scissor lift to reach over the duration of a project. We have scissor lifts ranging from five to twenty-one metres, so you’re sure 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.
Scissor lifts are excellent for projects that require you to work at heights. However, if horizontal reach is required, a cherry picker may be better for your task than a scissor lift.
This is the maximum amount of weight your platform can carry, also know as Safe Working Load (SWL). 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.
This impacts the drive power, and the 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:
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 when selecting from our nationwide selection of rental scissor lifts.
Need help selecting your ideal platform for your project? Check out our Platform Finder today.
We’ve referenced our range of cherry pickers, otherwise known as boom lifts – so it’s also worth considering whether you’re choosing the right MEWP for the job when comparing types of scissor lifts.
To decide whether a scissor lift or cherry picker is best for your task, we’ve outlined some of the differences below.
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.
If you’re interested in learning more, explore our full guide to cherry picker.
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.
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 a scissor lift (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.
To operate a scissor lift, work at height, and legally operate a mobile elevated work platform, you will need to be over 18 years old, carry the right licence (a PAL or ePAL card), and have suitable training qualifications.
While there’s no legal definition around the level of training required to be deemed appropriately trained, it’s considered best practice for all MEWP and scissor lift 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.
Before using any type of 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 adhere to the correct access platform health and safety procedures:
The company is the world’s best Hydraulic Mobile Scissor Lift supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
With a whole host of scissor lifts available to hire, contract hire, or buy, finding the right type of scissor lift and powered access platform for your project can be a challenge. Fortunately, here at Horizon Platforms, we make your hiring MEWPs straightforward, which is why 98% of our hires are trouble free. We achieve this by providing:
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. No matter the different types of scissor lift you’re considering, 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.
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. this means guaranteeing each machine has a full-service history, is in working order, fully charged or fuelled 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 scissor lift 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.
Finally, if you own a scissor lift or fleet of scissor lifts, we offer access platform maintenance and breakdown packages that cover your entire powered access platform servicing, maintenance and repair needs. This ensures your chosen lift type is always in good working order, fully operational, safe and compliant at all times.
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.
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 or , every Horizon Platforms customer 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.
Our expert team of access hire specialists will always be on hand to offer advice on which types of scissor lift are 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. So, call us 24/7 via our out of hours service, and we’ll be there to help out.
Horizon Platforms is delighted to provide different types of scissor lift hire in numerous locations around the UK, including:
Car lifts are a crucial component of any well-equipped garage workshop, whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast. These powerful machines elevate vehicles off the ground, providing easy access to the undercarriage for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Car lifts not only enhance your ability to perform a wide range of automotive tasks with greater efficiency and safety, but they also help maximize garage space by allowing you to store vehicles vertically. Investing in a high-quality car lift can significantly improve the functionality of your workshop, making it easier to handle everything from routine oil changes to complex mechanical repairs.
When choosing a car lift for your garage, it's important to understand the different types available and their specific uses. Here’s a brief introduction to the most common types of car lifts:
2-Post Car Lifts: These are among the most popular and versatile car lifts. They feature two upright posts with adjustable arms that lift the vehicle by its frame. Ideal for most mechanical work, 2-post lifts provide excellent access to the vehicle's underside.
4-Post Car Lifts: Known for their stability and ease of use, 4-post car lifts have four posts and drive-on ramps. They are perfect for long-term vehicle storage and alignment tasks. Due to their stability, they can handle heavier vehicles and provide more secure lifting.
Scissor Lifts: Compact and efficient, scissor lifts use a series of crisscrossing supports to raise the vehicle. They are great for small garages and quick maintenance tasks, though they may offer limited access to the vehicle's underside compared to 2-post or 4-post lifts.
Portable Car Lifts: These lifts are designed for mobility and easy storage. They are ideal for garages with limited space or for use by mobile mechanics. Although they typically have lower weight capacities, they are convenient for light-duty work.
Alignment Lifts: Specifically designed for alignment work, these lifts are similar to 4-post lifts but come with additional features like turn plates and slip plates. They are essential for precise wheel alignment tasks and are commonly used in professional shops.
By understanding the different types of car lifts and their functionalities, you can make an informed decision about which lift best suits your garage workshop needs. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each type, discussing their features, benefits, and ideal applications.
When selecting a car lift for your garage, it's important to evaluate several key features to ensure the lift meets your specific needs and provides a safe and efficient working environment. Here are the critical factors to consider:
By carefully considering these key features, you can select a car lift that not only meets your garage's requirements but also provides a safe and efficient working environment. In the next sections, we'll compare popular brands and models to help you find the perfect lift for your needs.
Installing a car lift in your garage can significantly enhance your ability to perform maintenance and repairs. Here are some tips for both DIY installation and professional installation to ensure your lift is set up correctly and safely:
Basic Setup Steps
Professional Installation Benefits
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your car lift in top condition and ensure its safe operation. Here are some key maintenance tasks and tips:
Regular Inspection
Lubrication
Hydraulic Fluid Checks
Troubleshooting Common Issues
By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can ensure your car lift remains safe, reliable, and efficient. Regular upkeep not only extends the lifespan of your lift but also enhances your garage's overall functionality and safety. For more detailed information or professional assistance, don't hesitate to contact our team at Home Garage Workshop.
When investing in a car lift for your home garage, it's important to consider both the initial purchase price and any additional costs associated with installation, maintenance, and accessories. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:
Price Range for Different Types of Lifts
2-Post Car Lifts
4-Post Car Lifts
Scissor Lifts
Portable Car Lifts
Alignment Lifts
Installation
Maintenance
Accessories
Investing in a car lift involves more than just the initial purchase price. By budgeting for installation, regular maintenance, and essential accessories, you can ensure your lift operates safely and efficiently for years to come. Understanding the full range of costs helps you make an informed decision and get the most value out of your investment.
At Home Garage Workshop, we offer a variety of car lifts and accessories to suit different budgets and needs. Explore our selection to find the perfect lift for your garage, and feel free to contact our team for expert advice and assistance.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Tracked Crawler Scissor Lift.