Scissor lifts are aerial work platforms used for lifting or lowering materials or platforms to elevated heights. These machines come in several types, including hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, tough terrain, and compact scissor lifts. They are mostly used in construction maintenance, warehousing centers, the entertainment industry, and manufacturing facilities. To choose the best aerial work platform, consider factors such as lift height, load capacity, power source, platform size, and safety features. Keep reading to learn more about different types of scissor lifts and their features.

What Are the Most Common Types of Scissor Lifts?

According to Simplex, there are a few common types of scissor lifts that you can put to work for different purposes. Each of these types is suitable for specific use. The following list ideally helps you to get to know these types of scissor lifts and choose the best one for your needs.

Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Hydraulic scissor lifts are one of the most efficient types. The reason that they are called so is that they use hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the platform. Hydraulic lifts are strengthened by an electric motor that supplies the power using a battery. This system perfectly manages to lift heavy loads. Hydraulic scissor lifts show excellent work when being used on uneven surfaces or on rough terrain.

Advantages

  • Stability on uneven surfaces due to having a wide base
  • Capacity of lifting heavy loads more than any other type
  • Operating with the lowest level of noise, proper for noise-sensitive work environments
  • Being useful for outdoor and indoor projects

Disadvantages

  • The more limited height of lifting loads compared to some other types
  • The complexity of maintaining such scissor lifts
  • Owning a heavyweight, especially for transporting
  • The cost of it is relatively high and expensive

Electric Scissor Lifts

Another type of scissor lift is called an electric scissor lift. This type uses electric motors to raise and lower the platform. There is hardly a limit to the height at which the load can be lifted, which makes working easier for workers. This type performs perfectly indoors and in enclosed areas.

Advantages

  • Operating more quietly than any other type of scissor lifts
  • Requiring less maintenance due to having fewer moving parts
  • Being eco-friendly for not producing any emissions
  • Suitable for indoor uses because it does not produce noise and emissions

Disadvantages

  • Having limited battery capacity to use for long periods
  • Providing lower capacity for the weight of loads they carry
  • Costing more than other types because of the battery and motors

Pneumatic Scissor Lifts

Pneumatic scissor lifts are an eco-friendly type. This type uses compressed air to raise and lower the carrying load. Pneumatic scissor lifts have a simpler design than other types. They are perfectly suitable for industrial uses since they can hold heavier loads.  

Advantages

  • Requiring low maintenance as they have a few moving parts
  • Producing almost no noise when working
  • Handling heavy loads perfectly for industrial uses
  • Suitable for enclosed spaces due to lack of emissions

Disadvantages

  • Limited mobility because of the length of the air hose
  • Additional expenses to also provide an air compressor
  • Requiring higher initial costs compared to the other types

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts

This type of scissor lifts owns large and steady tires. They also have a four-wheel drive which makes them perfect to have better maneuverability on rough terrain. They provide more safety and stability with the help of support beams. They are designed for outdoor uses on uneven and more challenging surfaces.

Advantages

  • Handling outdoor terrains, making them suitable for construction applications
  • Possessing high load capacity to carry more materials
  • Added safety and stability due to the use of support beams and a sturdy design
  • Being able to be used in any weather condition, suitable for year-round use

Disadvantages

  • Being too large and heavy to move and transfer easily
  • Requiring more frequent maintenance because of the complex design
  • Requiring more cost for specialized training

Compact Scissor Lifts

This type of scissor lift is much more lightweight and smaller than the other types. This feature makes it capable of moving in tight places. A compact scissor lift typically has a smaller platform, shorter lift height, and narrower width.  

Advantages

  • Exerting less pressure on the floor
  • Easy to use for inexperienced operators
  • Capability of quick setup
  • Having easier transportation due to the small size

Disadvantages

  • Having a lower load capacity
  • Being unsuitable for outdoor use because of the lightweight
  • Having a more restricted horizontal reach

What Are the Popular Applications of Scissor Lifts?

Among all the applications and uses scissor lifts can have, there are definitely some popular ones for construction or industrial lifts. Referring to Manlift Group, each of these scissor lifts can be put into work for material lifts or even personnel lifts. The following applications help workers access elevated work platforms efficiently and safely.

Construction Maintenance

Scissor lifts have become highly efficient for construction activities such as electrical work, painting, plumbing, and accessing MEWPs.

Warehousing Centers

In warehouses, using a proper scissor lift helps workers reach high shelves for picking or packing. Compact types are beneficial for such places.

Entertainment Industry

In the entertainment industry, scissor lifts are commonly used to set the lighting and equipment installations. Also, they are useful in film productions or setting theater scenery.

Manufacturing Facilities

Scissor lifts are also capable of being utilized for manufacturing facilities for equipment installation.