Scissor lifts are versatile, reliable and easy to operate. They make it possible to undertake projects that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous if not impossible to complete at height or in hard to reach places. But what is a scissor lift? How do scissor lifts work? What are the different types of scissor lift available and where are they used? Here we answer all your questions and more!
What is a Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform. Mechanical means are used to provide the vertical component of transport, and the platform itself normally moves with the help of hydraulics. The device is meant to be used by trained personnel only. It replaces traditional ladders or scaffolding in many industries, due to their being much better vehicles for safe extraction/replacement activities at heights. The platform can be much bigger than with, say, basket-cranes (lifted and moved about using cranes then). Involving fewer people per job also increases safety.
Types of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are categorized into different types in order to provide their use in different situations. Here is a list of the most popular ones:
Electric Scissor Lifts: Electric lifts are environmentally friendly with no emissions, ideal for indoor use and in areas where the lowest noise rating is required. Electric scissor lift terrain tires are non-marking and use solid rubber compounds to provide better traction on smooth, wet or slippery surfaces.
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts: Built especially for uneven and rough surfaces, rough terrain scissor lifts come with heavy-duty tires, better traction and increased ground clearance and can be powered by either diesel or gas. They are normally used for construction at outdoor sites, agricultural needs, and landscaping.
The hydraulic scissor lift: These lifts incorporate the use of hydraulics in raising the platform. They may be driven by either electricity or combustion engines. The hydraulic scissor lift is identified for its long services and they are used in high demanding job most of the times.
Pneumatic Scissor Lifts: These lifts use compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid, making them an environmentally friendly option lift. Pneumatic scissor lifts are typically used in clean environments where the risk of contamination must be minimized, such as food processing plants.
How Does a Scissor Lift Work?
The basic working mechanism of a scissor lift is centered around the functioning of that scissor like arm that contracts and expands to raise and lower the platform. This is best understood with the help of simple points.
Power Source: An electric motor, diesel engine or compressed air(one of the three depending upon type) powered the lift.
This is however achieved differently whether using hydraulic or pneumatic systems: The power source drives a hydraulic pump or an air compressor engine that provides the required force.
This type is Hydraulic Scissor Lift that uses hydraulic or pneumatic system to transmit fluid or air in a series of cylinders, which causes the scissor arms to expand. When the arms are extended, they push the platform upwards.
Control System: Lift operators make use of a control panel to move the lift, and it may have joysticks, pushbuttons, and security devices among others. The control system checks the speed and the height of the lift and regulates them.
Safety Features: Scissor lifts are designed with safety features including railings, emergency stop buttons, incline sensors, and load guards to ensure that the operators and the nearby personnel are always safe.
Applications of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are the most widely used in many industries in the world because of the its utilization and the economy. Some common applications include:
Construction: Scissor lifts are one of the main tools that are very popular and widely used in construction projects, which include window setting, painting, repair of accessories to inaccessible areas, etc.
Maintenance and Repair: Scissor lifts help in various maintenance tasks, from fixing a broken light bulb in a distribution center to altering a HVAC system.
Warehousing: In warehouses, scissor lifts are the ones that are used for stacking and retrieving loads, inventory management, and the erection of rackings systems.
Event Management: Scissor lifts feature predominantly in events mock up modules like onstage constructions, mounting of lighting, stage setups, sound setups installation and so on.
Manufacturing: Equipment like scissor lifts in the manufacturing units aid in the easy maintenance of the equipment, work at the assembly lines, and also carry out all the works that are at a high level.
Retail: Scissor lifts are used in leading department stores to help in moving products to the highest shelves, changing displays, and the upkeep of the facilities.