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Selecting the right scissor lift for your business is important to maximise productivity, improve safety, and keep your operations running smoothly. With a wide range of scissor lifts available, understanding the key factors can help ensure you choose the right machine for your application. This guide covers the main things to consider before hiring or purchasing a scissor lift.
1. Determine Your Work Requirements
Before choosing a scissor lift, it’s important to understand exactly what the machine will be used for.
Height Requirements
Determine the maximum working height you need to reach. Scissor lifts are available in a range of platform heights, from smaller indoor electric units to larger rough terrain machines designed for high-reaching outdoor applications.
Load Capacity
Consider the weight of the workers, tools, and materials that will be lifted. Choosing a machine with the correct safe working load is essential to ensure safe operation and avoid overloading.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Think about where the machine will mainly operate.
- Indoor scissor lifts are typically electric, quiet, and produce zero emissions, making them ideal for warehouses, shopping centres, stock takes, maintenance work, and indoor fit outs. They are commonly used for stock picking, changing lights, warehouse maintenance, and event setup.
- Outdoor scissor lifts are generally diesel-powered rough terrain machines designed for construction sites and uneven surfaces. These are ideal for installing signage, roof access work, outdoor maintenance, construction projects, and working on rough ground conditions.
2. Choose the Right Machine Size
Scissor lifts come in a variety of sizes and configurations depending on the application.
Narrow Scissor Lifts
Narrow electric scissor lifts are perfect for warehouses and tight indoor spaces where aisle width and access can be limited. These compact machines are ideal for navigating through doorways, tight aisles, and confined areas.
Wide Body Scissor Lifts
Wide body scissor lifts provide larger platforms and increased lifting capacity, making them ideal for bigger jobs requiring additional workspace or multiple operators. These are commonly used for installing pallet racking, large maintenance projects, signage installation, and construction work.
3. Choose the Right Power Source
Different power options suit different working environments.
Electric Scissor Lifts
Electric scissor lifts are perfect for indoor applications thanks to their quiet operation and zero emissions. They are ideal for warehouses, retail sites, and facilities where noise and air quality are important.
Diesel Scissor Lifts
Diesel-powered scissor lifts are better suited for outdoor work and rough terrain applications. These machines provide greater power and traction, making them ideal for construction sites and uneven surfaces.
4. Evaluate Platform Size and Extension Capabilities
The size of the platform can make a big difference to productivity and safety on site.
Platform Size
Choose a platform large enough for workers, tools, and materials. Larger platforms are beneficial for tasks requiring multiple workers or bulky equipment.
Platform Extensions
Many scissor lifts feature extendable decks, providing extra reach and additional working space. This can be especially useful when working around obstacles or across wider areas.
5. Assess Mobility and Site Conditions
It’s important to choose a machine that suits the environment it will operate in.
Electric Indoor Scissor Lifts
Indoor electric scissor lifts are designed with compact dimensions and tight turning circles, making them easy to operate in confined warehouse environments and narrow access areas. These machines are ideal for warehouses, stock takes, maintenance work, and indoor fit outs where access can be limited.
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Rough terrain scissor lifts are designed for outdoor use and more demanding site conditions. These machines are commonly used for installing signage, roof access work, construction projects, and maintenance on uneven ground. Many rough terrain models feature stabilisers or outriggers to help improve stability and safety when working on sloped or rough surfaces.
6. Prioritise Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting elevated access equipment.
Look for features such as:
- Sturdy guardrails
- Non-slip platform surfaces
- Emergency stop buttons
- Tilt alarms
- Automatic braking systems
- Stability controls and leveling systems
It’s also important to ensure operators are properly trained and that daily pre-start safety checks are carried out.
7. Consider Maintenance and Support
Reliable backup support is just as important as the machine itself. Choosing a reputable supplier with strong service support can help minimise downtime and keep your equipment operating safely.
At Mars Forklifts, we provide fully maintained scissor lift hire with fast breakdown support and experienced technicians to help keep your business moving. Our team can also assist with onsite inspections to ensure you select the right equipment for your application, site conditions, and working environment.
8. Budget and Long-Term Value
While budget is always important, choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the best long-term solution. Reliable, late-model equipment can help reduce downtime, improve safety, and lower maintenance costs over time.
When comparing options, consider:
- Reliability of the equipment
- Service support availability
- Maintenance inclusions
- Safety features
- Suitability for your specific application
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right scissor lift involves more than simply selecting a working height. By considering your work environment, load requirements, machine size, mobility needs, safety features, and ongoing support, you can ensure you select equipment that improves productivity and keeps your team safe.
At Mars Forklifts, we offer a wide range of reliable indoor and outdoor scissor lifts for both short-term and long-term hire. Whether you need a narrow electric scissor lift for warehouse stock takes or a wide body rough terrain scissor lift with stabilisers for outdoor projects and uneven ground, our team is more than happy to help recommend the right machine for your business.
