A scissor lift raises a wide, stable platform straight up, which makes it ideal for ceiling, lighting, ductwork and warehouse maintenance where the work is directly above the machine. The main choices are the power type, the height and the platform size. UAE Equipment Rental does not rent scissor lifts; this guide is general information to help you describe the job to a specialist access supplier.
Electric or diesel
- Electric scissor lifts are quiet, produce no exhaust and usually have non-marking tyres, so they suit indoor work on smooth, finished floors such as warehouses, malls and offices.
- Diesel rough-terrain scissor lifts are larger and heavier, with bigger tyres, for outdoor sites with unpaved or uneven ground. They are not suited to enclosed indoor spaces.
Height and platform
Working height is usually the platform height plus about 2 metres. Measure the highest work point and choose a machine that reaches it without stretching. Consider the platform size and load: several workers with materials need a larger deck, and some platforms have an extension deck to reach slightly beyond the machine’s base.
Floors, doors and slopes
Check that the lift fits through doorways and lifts, and that mezzanines, slabs and ramps can carry its weight. Scissor lifts are designed to be raised only on level ground, so check the slope and levelness of the working area.
Operator and safety
Operators should be trained for the machine type; many sites ask for certificates such as IPAF cards. Keep the platform gates closed and follow the site’s rules on harnesses.
What affects the cost
Height class, electric or diesel, hire duration, delivery and collection, and whether an operator is needed.
Questions to ask an access supplier
- Which height and power type do you recommend for my work and floor?
- What are the machine’s width and weight for my doorways and floors?
- Is an operator included, and what training does the operator hold?
- What are the delivery and collection arrangements?