Lifting Solutions Used by Different Industries

Scissor Lift

Scissor lift is also widely used in different industries. Scissor lift refers to equipment that is used to lift objects or persons up to the height required. As a platform, scissor lift can only move in vertical motion. While there are different kinds of scissor lifts, they usually have three core parts. These are the platform, scissor arm (or pantograph) and control. The scissor lift will move upwards upon stretching the scissor arms, and it will move downwards upon compressing the scissor arms. When lifted up, the platform could be extended through the use of bridge(s). Since scissor lifts can only move vertically, there are inherent limitations hence the use of extenders are necessary.

Further, a scissor lift can be either self-propelled or manually-propelled. Manually-propelled scissor lifts move upward and downward manually. Self-propelled scissor lifts move upward and down with the assistance of motors.

Depending on the drive mechanism, a scissor lift can be also categorized as a hydraulic or a pneumatic lift. Hydraulic scissor lift uses liquid in moving upward; the liquid will be released and the scissor arms will stretch upward. The required amount of liquid to be released is dependent on the required height that the scissor has to be stretched. Hydraulic scissor lifts use valves to regulate the amount of liquids released. Pneumatic scissor lifts use air bags in moving the scissor arms in both upward and downward motions.

Scissor lifts can be also categorized based on the source of power. Scissor lifts can be either gas- or electric-powered. Scissor lifts that are gas-powered are typically used outside. Oppositely, electric-powered scissor lifts are used indoors.

These different kinds of scissor lifts are widely used in construction and manufacturing industries. These industries are commonly characterized by workers who inherently have difficulties in reaching spaces. Scissor lifts are also used in performing maintenance works especially for those hard-to-reach areas like the windows of skyscrapers. Scissor lifts are also utilized in various emergency situations such as fire fighting.

With the aid of scissor lifts, the work of the staff becomes easy since they do not necessarily have to carry loads manually to places where these loads are expected to be. Simply put, scissor lifts are able to increase a worker’s efficiency.

When buying a scissor lift, the specification of the equipment must be thoroughly considered. There are two things to know – the maximum height that it can reach and the maximum weight of load that it can carry. For any scissor lift, the standard height reach is 50 ft. and the standard load capacity is 10,000 pounds.

Buyers should be also aware of the unique features of the scissor lift. The available scissor lifts today have tilting and rotating capacities, which allow the use of finding the desired angle or position where the use of the scissor lift can be maximized. Some newer models of scissor lifts have platforms that can be moved horizontally. There are scissor lift manufacturers which design and build lifts based on the specifications of the client.

Be reminded, however, that using scissor lifts can be extremely dangerous. Following safety instruction is thereby critical. Avoid the mistake of loading the platform more than the permissible capacity limit. Overloading is one of the leading causes of accidents and thus, must be avoided. Keeping the equipment locked, particularly when no one is using it, avoid unauthorized use of such. Check out Safetech for more.