What Are The Uses Of Scissor Lifts
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- Admin
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- scissor lift, lift, platforms
- Posted date:
- 02-12-2021
Do you want to find out more about the uses of scissor lifts? We look at the benefits of scissor lifts and how they are used in workplaces and commercial industries.
What is a Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is a type of mobile elevating work platform, or MEWP, which temporarily allows you to reach areas at height. Typically, because they are not meant to be permanent fixtures, scissor lifts are used when construction or maintenance work is required for a limited period before being removed.
While he did not invent the scissor lift himself, Charles Larson took out the first patent on this type of machinery in 1963 in the USA. However, the working world would not see a scissor lift commercially available until 1970, when it became one of the most sought-after pieces of machinery. Their wide range of applications has caused people to name them the "swiss army knife of MEWPs".
Unlike other mobile elevating work platforms with horizontal reach, scissor lifts can only extend vertically. They are made up of folded supports formed into a criss-crossing "X" pattern, technically known as a pantograph. When pressure is applied to the sides of the bottom-most intersection, the entire structure is forced upwards, elevating the work platform. They are also often fitted with wheels at the base to be transported where they are needed.
Most scissor lifts you will come across will be diesel-powered and use hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to extend the working platform vertically. You can lower the aerial platform without using a power system by releasing the pressure exerted on the extending structure. Given its minor limitation in only being able to extend upwards, you may find customisable extensions for scissor lifts that allow you to reach out horizontally from the work platform.
Uses Of Scissor Lifts in Industry and Business
There are many industrial and commercial applications for scissor lifts in various working environments. From warehousing to retail, shipping, construction and entertainment, the efficient and safe practicality of scissor lifts makes them a handy piece of kit to have at your disposal in almost any setting.
Here are a few professional areas in which scissor lifts excel in providing practical solutions when working at height is necessary.
Building maintenance
Many construction and building maintenance jobs require you to complete tasks at height, whether this means hanging or changing lights or signs, pouring concrete, laying bricks or accessing electrical systems and utilities.
Scissor lifts offer a safe and adaptable method of reaching these elevated positions inside buildings, making them popular for building maintenance work.
Their versatility also allows you to easily move the scissor lifts from one area to another, meaning you can cover a large interior space in an efficient manner.
Given that scissor lifts are primarily used to reach areas that are high up, they are best used for large public or commercial properties, such as churches, schools, libraries and hospitals.
Construction
Construction projects have many moving parts, with each operation having to execute its brief to ensure the job continues smoothly. Therefore, using such a versatile piece of machinery as a scissor lift can help any project stay on time with the right equipment. Whether it is a general contracting job or one with a more specific brief, such as renovation work, scissor lifts are an almost vital necessity to ensure success.
Delivery
Busy warehouses or storage areas used in the shipping and transportation trade benefit greatly from scissor lift MEWPs. Scissor lifts are perfect for plucking packages and freight from height in large, vertical storage areas. Heavy loads that you cannot manually carry are also perfectly suitable for scissor lifts.
Overhead signs
Given the wide array of private businesses and managed properties across our high streets, there is almost a constant need to change the overhead signs above them.
Whether you are renovating your property or have recently purchased one and need to establish your ownership, scissor lifts provide the perfect method of hanging and replacing overhead signs.
Small businesses often do not own their own lift. However, scissor lift rentals are very common services available with a professional operator to oversee the safe installation of any overhead sign you need.
Signs most frequently need to be changed on storage facilities, utility properties or car parks, either through damage, wear or change of ownership.
Production
Scissor lifts also have a range of practical uses in the production and manufacturing sectors. Being able to reach heights easily and safely and transporting heavy loads makes scissor lifts incredibly versatile and useful for any form of manufacture, from chemicals to food processing and even bricklaying.
Rail
Railyards often involve a great deal of lifting and carrying regarding freight transportation. This work is often carried out in smaller spaces and at height, making mobile scissor lift MEWPs perfect for the job. Given that freight is a 24/7 operation, fully owning a set of scissor lifts would make a more efficient investment than simply hiring one as and when you need it.
Retail
Many retail operations require the help of scissor lifts to carry out their work. Retailers will often have warehouses or storerooms with a large amount of vertical storage to house their stock. Scissor lifts allow them to quickly and safely transport said stock throughout their property.
Transportation
Much like the freight industry, transportation services can also enjoy the adaptable benefits of scissor lifts. Whether you use them to retrieve items from height, transport heavy stocks or lift people throughout their facilities, scissor lifts offer a wide range of benefits. Transporting pallets, automotive parts, roll cages, and any other heavy items you could want to move can all be done with scissor lift MEWPs.
Warehousing
Warehousing and professional storage services can also benefit from using scissor lifts. When you need to make the most of the space you have, accessing every vertical and horizontal inch available can prove vital. This can help you transform unused areas of your facility or improve the efficiency of your warehousing services.
Types of Scissor Lifts & Their Uses
Scissor lifts are also particularly useful for construction services, offering a safe and stable enclosed space that can elevate workers, materials, tools and machinery vertically. They are also perfectly suited to maintenance checks, close inspections and cable wiring work.
There are scissor lifts specifically designed for construction work. These types can extend higher and carry heavier loads, often being more robust than their commercial counterparts. Boom lifts are also a common sight in the world of construction, but these machines differ greatly from scissor lifts.
While boom lifts offer greater horizontal and vertical scope when working at height, scissor lifts have the unique advantage of being able to transport multiple workers at once, meaning they are often a more efficient and affordable option when transporting large quantities of people or materials is necessary.
There are several different types of lifts, which we have listed below so that you can get a better idea of the right scissor lift for your needs. Rental options are always available if you do not want to invest in your own lift.
Hydraulic
Hydraulic lifts are either hand-operated or used with other engine-driven hydraulic systems, using hydraulic pressure to raise and lower the MEWP.
The hydraulic oil is compressed, forcing it through the system, extending the vertical structure upwards.
These systems are often the simplest for operators to use, meaning those working with the hydraulic scissor lift will not require much professional training to use them safely.
One drawback is that hydraulic fluid can become thinner in colder temperatures, meaning control of the hydraulic system may grow more difficult during the winter.
While this issue has been somewhat addressed in newer models, they are typically best used in work that does not require much speed or power.
Diesel
Diesel scissor lifts are the most common type of MEWP you will find in use on construction sites and other locations where reliable and durable machinery is required. Depending on the model, they offer a fantastic vertical range and working height of between 30 to 60 feet.
Given that these lifts use diesel as their power source, they are noisier than other types of scissor lifts and will emit hazardous fumes. Therefore, diesel lifts are best used in open spaces or those with adequate ventilation so that the fumes and noise can dissipate safely.
Pneumatic
Similarly to hydraulic systems, pneumatic scissor lifts use pressurised air to operate the MEWP. Like the other non-fuel operated lifts, pneumatic systems do not emit hazardous fumes when in operation, making them ideal for indoor use.
While they do not have the same power output as traditional lifts, such as diesel or rough terrain lifts, the fact that they only need atmospheric air to raise and lower the work platform with increased air pressure means you can use them in any environment.
Electric
Electric powered scissor lifts are another popular alternative form of MEWP. Unlike diesel-powered models, the drive mechanism is silent, doesn't produce fumes, and is less bulky than their diesel counterparts.
This makes electric scissor lifts perfect for indoor projects with relatively limited ventilation and space. They are a more environmentally friendly option for those who still require a scissor lift with adequate power
Rough Terrain
As the name suggests, rough terrain models are best suited to outdoor work. They are equipped with tougher tires, higher weight carrying and lift capacity for more weight and specific safety functions such as arrestors, safety harnesses or fall restraints. This makes them the perfect option when working on uneven surfaces, such as slopes, a place outdoors, messy work sites, or when you need to carry out lifting work in bad weather. They can reach platform heights of up to 50 feet, with a width of around 10 feet. You can use a range of fuels to power them, including diesel, liquid propane, dual fuel or gas.
We hope you got some useful information about the uses of scissor lifts. If you require access equipment hire in Daventry and Northampton contact our specialists today.
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