The Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Scissor Lifts
What Is a Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is a platform designed to elevate and move significant loads. They can travel various vertical heights or can be lowered to ground level. Scissor lift tables not only transport loads, but they help increase work output, product safety, employee safety, and employee ergonomics, by eliminating the need for employees to manually move heavy loads. Scissor lifts are used in a wide variety of industries and applications, including manufacturing and material handling.
How does a Scissor Lift Work?
The 5 Components of a Scissor Lift
1. The Platform
This is the top of the scissor lift where items that need to be transferred are placed. Platforms are available in various sizes, depending on the application and requirements.
2. The Base
The base is the foundation of the scissor lift. On the base, there are tracks that the scissor legs sit on. These tracks help guide the scissor legs and move the lift table.
3. Scissor Legs
The scissor legs are located in between the platform and the base. They allow the scissor lift to extend and reach various vertical heights.
4. Hydraulic Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders allow the legs of the scissor lift to be raised and lowered.
5. Power Supply
The power supply depends on the type of scissor lift as they can be pneumatically powered or powered by an electric motor.
Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing a Scissor Lift
Size
What is the size of the load that needs to be moved? Different sized loads will require a different platform size to transport the load effectively and safely.
Weight
What is the weight of the load that needs to be moved? It is important to make sure the scissor lift can handle the load. Placing a load on a scissor lift that is too heavy can put employees and product at risk and cause damage to the scissor lift table.
Height
Does the scissor lift need to reach a specific height? Scissor lifts are available in various travel ranges and can extend as high as necessary, depending on the application.
Mobility
Does the scissor lift need to be mobile? Although stationary lift tables are more common, mobile lift tables are available if necessary.
Different Types of Scissor Lifts
Single Scissor Lift
Single scissor lifts are the most common type of scissor lift. They are a practical solution for transporting loads and are suited for numerous applications in various industries. In addition, they help to improve operator ergonomics and productivity.
Double and Triple Scissor Lift
Double and triple scissor lifts extend and reach heights that a single scissor lift cannot. They are ideal for higher lift applications, and are a safe and efficient solution for product storage and transfer.
Tandem Scissor Lift
Tandem scissor lifts come with an extended platform length. They are ideal for applications where materials of greater length are being handled.
Low Profile Scissor Lift
Low profile scissor lifts are designed for ground level loading. They are built for easy ground level loading and unloading by pallet trucks and other material handling equipment.