The Practical Renter’s Blueprint for Scissor Lifts

If you’re in the market to rent a scissor lift for an upcoming project, there are some key things you need to know beforehand. 

Renting the wrong type of lift can significantly impact productivity, safety, and your budget. 

This renter’s blueprint breaks down everything you need to consider when deciding which scissor lift is right for your specific needs.

What is a Scissor Lift?

A scissor lift is an elevated work platform that provides temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. 

The lift gets its name from the crisscross supports that work together to extend the platform vertically. Scissor lifts are extremely versatile and allow workers to safely carry out tasks such as construction, maintenance and repairs at height. 

Scissor lift rentals come in various sizes, lift heights and weight capacities. They are typically self-propelled and provide work access via a platform that the worker stands on. Guardrails surround the platform to prevent falls. Most scissor lift rentals also allow the platform to be extended forwards or sideways to access hard-to-reach areas.

Types of Scissor Lifts

There are two main types of scissor lifts:

Mobile Scissor Lifts

Mobile scissor lifts are designed to drive within a work area. The maximum drive height varies significantly between models, but commonly ranges from 23 – 39 feet. These self-propelled lifts utilize electric or combustion engines to maneuver on tires or crawler tracks over flat, solid surfaces. Outriggers extend sideways to stabilize the lift when stationary.

Mobile scissor lifts can access greater heights than other access equipment like ladders. This allows workers to carry out jobs across wider and taller work areas, whilst still having the ability to drive the lift around site.

Stationary (Push Around) Scissor Lifts

Stationary or push around scissor lifts don’t have a built-in drive system. They are designed to stay in one area and rely on manual force to move them. Push around lifts utilize a folding base with wheels and a handle to manually maneuver them into position at ground level. Outriggers then extend to level and stabilize the lift before elevating.

As stationary lifts don�t have the capability to drive whilst elevated, they are generally designed for indoor use only. Lower platform heights up to 21 feet allow the lifts to more easily fit through standard doorways and confined spaces indoors.

Scissor Lift Features to Consider Before Renting or Buying

Every scissor lift model offers a unique combination of features that factor into deciding which is suited to your rental needs, including:

Lift Height

Consider what overhead height tasks need to be carried out to determine the platform height required. Mobile scissor lifts offer greater reach in general, whilst still fitting access through doorways. Stationary lifts work better for lower indoor overhead access.

Capacity & Platform Size

The platform capacity indicates the combined maximum weight the lift can safely lift. This accounts for the weight of workers, their tools and materials that will be elevated. The larger the platform deck space, the more workspace provided aloft. Bigger capacity lifts often correlate with larger platforms.

Power System

Mobile lifts utilize electric or diesel engines to power the drivetrain and hydraulic lift system. Electric lifts work well indoors where diesel fumes can�t be emitted. Diesel lifts perform better over long durations and on uneven terrain. Stationary lifts use an all-electric powered hydraulic system for quiet overhead indoor operation.

Navigation Controls

More advanced lift controls improve the steering precision and terrain handling capabilities. Options like 4-wheel electric drive/steer, crab steering and active oscillating axles provide greater maneuverability. Complex navigation features come at a cost though and may prove unnecessary if working on flat, dry surfaces.

Tires vs. Tracks

Wheeled scissor lifts offer high mobility on smooth, solid surfaces. Track lifts with rubber or steel tracks provide superior grip and lower ground pressure on soft or uneven ground. Tracks lifts allow driving over curbs and up steeper slopes but tire lifts are faster on flat hard surfaces. Tires are also less likely to damage sensitive flooring.

Outriggers & Stabilizers

Integrated outriggers, spreaders and stabilizers play a crucial role preventing lifts from tipping over. Manual or hydraulically activated outriggers work to level and anchor stationary lifts. Pendulum axle lock systems automatically engage when elevated to stabilize mobile lifts. Stabilizer designs and dimensions also impact obstacles that can be driven over.

Platform Configuration

Standard lift platforms offer open space to elevate workers and materials within the guardrails. Optional platform accessories provide flexibility to accomplish specialized tasks:

• Extension decks increase forward or sideways reach
• Lift gates close off platform access when raised to hold tools or materials
• Mesh platform inserts prevent small items falling through gaps
• Self-leveling platforms keep things horizontal on uneven ground
• Special Features

Various value-adding features can improve operator comfort, convenience, accessibility and versatility. These include options like:

• Rotating/tilting platforms to access angle work overhead
• Onboard inverters and outlets for power tool operation
• Cold weather packages to enable operation in freezing temperatures
• Narrow or low clearance designs to access confined spaces

Evaluate Lift Safety Features

Working at height presents risks that rental scissor lifts are specifically engineered to control. Strict design regulations and stability testing ensures lifts won�t topple over as long as they operate within safe working limits.

There are also supplementary safety features to evaluate because not all makes and models offer the same operator protections:

Guardrail Systems � Mesh walls or bar guards prevent falls from the platform while allowing visibility. Gates with electrical, mechanical or height cut-off switches immobilize operation if opened incorrectly when elevated.

Safety Harnesses & Lanyard Anchor Points � Attachment points to connect a full body harness allows workers to arrest from height in a fall. Harnesses should always be worn elevated.

Platform Access Gates � Half height access gates keep the platform contained while entering and exiting. Spring loaded self-closing gates prevent the platform being left open accidently.

Emergency Lowering Systems � Alternative power systems utilize gravity or manual tools to lower platforms if primary controls fail. this allows safe extraction of operators if engines stall unexpectedly aloft.

Tilt & Tip OverWarnings � Sensor systems trigger audible and visual alerts if abnormal tilt angles are detected to avoid unstable conditions. Some lifts auto-level or halt operation to prevent tipping.

Fall Protection Cages � Cages mounted around the platform provide added fall prevention for those elevated. Mostly used on lifts working at excessive heights like above 40 feet.

Matching Scissor Lifts to the Task

The right scissor lift matches both the physical parameters of the job and safely fits within realistic site conditions. Answering these key questions will ensure you select a suitable rental:

• What is lowest and highest height to be accessed?
• How much side reach from the lift is required?
• What capacity payload needs to be lifted?
• How many workers will occupy the platform?
• Can the lift access the work area and fit through entry points?
• Does the lift offer adequate stability and outrigger spans?
• What terrain type will the lift maneuver on and over?
• Is there sufficient power supply for electric lifts?
• What potential overhead or ground level hazards are there?
• Do workers require specialist accessories or tools aloft?

Carefully thinking through the lifting task, site logistics and safety risks means you�ll select the optimal scissor lift rental no matter the job at hand.

How to Operate Scissor Lift With Safely?

Whilst scissor lifts utilize various design features to maximize stability, they rely heavily on being operated safely within specified limits. Lift operators should be comprehensively trained and regularly evaluated for competence. Unsafe practices lead rapidly to an increased risk of serious falls or tip-overs.

By following professional guidelines and the manufacturer�s operating instructions, scissor lift operators can significantly control hazards:

• Maintain safe distances from overhead powerlines, structures and obstacles
• Avoid uneven or sloped ground that exceeds incline limits
• Don�t override hydraulic or electrical safety mechanisms
• Never exceed the rated platform capacity limit
• Only drive at speeds suitable to terrain with the platform lowered
• Always fully extend outriggers before elevating
• Avoid sudden stops, starts or turns whilst elevated
• Use authorized tie-down points and anchors if working in windy conditions
• Watch for protruding platform components near walls or tight accesses
• Thoroughly assessing risks on-site before operating, combined with safe working practices reduces exposure to scissor lift hazards.

Inspecting and Maintaining Lifts

All rental scissor lifts undergo regular professional maintenance and repairs to remain compliant. However operators should still visually check their lifts before use for signs of damage, wear or faults.

The pre-start check should verify:

• No oil leaks from the hydraulic system
• No cuts, cracks or excessive tread wear on tires
• Guardrails are secure with gates functioning normally
• Safety decals are clearly visible and undamaged
• Controls, gauges and indicators appear normal
• Any issues should be reported to rental suppliers or supervisors immediately if faults are suspected. Never operate faulty equipment.

Conclusion: 

Renting the right scissor lift is critical to tackle overhead access work safely and efficiently. Clearly defining your lift requirements and site conditions allows suppliers to suggest optimal models matching the physical demands and safety considerations of planned tasks. Carefully operate within manufacturer guidelines whilst proactively controlling on-site hazards. Implementing thorough planning, training and strict supervision ensures scissor lift rental success. Partnering with reputable suppliers simplifies acquiring suitable lifts without the cost burdens of ownership. So utilize expert rental outfits to make lifted access productive and incident-free.