Scissor Lifts for Building Maintenance: A Solution for Height Access and Safety

In heavy-duty projects, there are a lot of different equipment and pieces of machinery that you will encounter. In this article, we will be focusing on the benefits of scissor lifts for building maintenance and why this machine can be the solution to your project needs.

What is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are commonly used to transport workers or heavy loads off the ground to reach difficult heights. There’s a range of these machines available but before we get into the specific types and advantages, let’s discuss what a scissor lift is.

Scissor lifts are a type of Elevated Work Platform (EWP) which serves to safely move workers and heavy loads across different elevated heights. In building projects, this type of machine is a safer alternative than ladders and scaffolding since it’s more stable and highly mobile.

Here are a few main components of scissor lifts to better understand how they work:

• The Lift Platform is the surface that carries workers and their tools. It usually has a safety guardrail around its perimeter to secure everything and everyone on it.
• The Scissor Legs describe the crisscross metal structure that connects the base to the platform. The size of each leg determines the overall working height of the lift.
• The Lift Cylinders work to expand or compress the scissor legs. These cylinders can have either compressed air or hydraulic fluid, and the increase and decrease of pressure determine if the platform is lowered or raised.
• The Lift Base is the metal frame built with stiff brackets to ensure the overall stability of the machine.
• The Lift Power Source, as the name suggests, powers the lift. There are varying power sources, like remote power packs or self-contained motors, depending on what type of lift you are using.
• The Down Valve is connected to the power supply and determines the platform’s descent speed. It’s the part on the lift that returns the hydraulic fluid or compressed air back into its container.
• The Flow Control Valve determines how fast the compressed air or hydraulic fluid returns or leaves the reservoir to raise or lower the platform.

All the parts of the scissor lift are mostly the same across its different types. The main contrast between the types is dependent on their cylinder mechanism.

Features of Scissor Lifts

There are a lot of features to a scissor lift, and this can vary per model and manufacturer. However, there are some common features that you will find in each one.

• The platform size lets you know how much space you can work with and the number of people who can work on the lift at the same time.
• The working height will notify you about the maximum height that the lift can reach when fully extended. Typically, these lifts can reach about 6 meters to 18 meters but it’s still dependent on the model.
• The weight capacity talks about the maximum load that the lift can support, which can range from 500 to 3,000 pounds.
• There are two types of power sources for scissor lifts: electric and hydraulic systems. Electric lifts are often quieter and more efficient, making it ideal for indoor use, while hydraulic lifts offer more power and are best used for outdoor jobs.

All the specific features differ with various models and manufacturers. Of course, it’s up to you which one you choose to use for your projects—depending on what you need to do.

Types of Scissor Lifts for Building Maintenance

Now that you know the basic information about scissor lifts, there are actually several types to choose from. The differences between each type of scissor lift are specific to certain tasks.

So, what are these types?

Electric Scissor Lifts

This type of lift is most commonly used in building maintenance and is suited for indoor jobs. These lifts are powered by rechargeable batteries, don’t emit any fumes, and don’t create much noise. Electric scissor lifts are also cost-effective, requiring less maintenance compared to other types.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts

RT Scissor Lifts are specifically designed for uneven surfaces like construction sites and other outdoor areas. These lifts have heavy-duty wheels and a robust suspension system that allows them to move around in rough environments.

So, if your building maintenance project needs to work around harsher areas, the rough terrain scissor lift is your best choice.

Diesel Scissor Lifts

Diesel Scissor Lifts are powered by diesel engines and are also designed for outdoor environments. These lifts are usually more powerful than electric scissor lifts, making them ideal for outdoor building maintenance.

Hybrid Scissor Lifts

This type of lift combines the benefits of both electric lifts and diesel scissor lifts. It runs on a combination of electric batteries and diesel engines, providing a more environmentally friendly and affordable option. True to its name, the Hybrid Scissor Lift can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Trailer Mounted Scissor Lifts

Trailer Mounted Scissor Lifts are designed for easy transport and setup. These lifts can be attached to trailers and be towed by a vehicle to different locations. So, if you’re building maintenance project needs to be done across several locations, this lift would be efficient for you.

Self-Propelled Scissor Lifts

This type of lift is specifically designed for maneuverability. Self-propelled scissor lifts are equipped with wheels and a steering system that allows the workers to move the machine around without the need for external assistance.

With all these types of lifts, all you have to do is to identify which one works best for your needs, given the different challenges and demands involved in construction and maintenance projects.

Some examples of top-performing scissor lifts are the Genie Scissor Lift and the Sinoboom Scissor Lift. Between these two brands, you can choose either a battery-driven lift or an engine-driven one.

The Advantages of Scissor Lifts for Building Maintenance

With the range of applications you can do with elevated work platforms, there are a number of reasons to use scissor lifts in building maintenance.

Productivity

The efficiency of using scissor lifts gives your workers an easier time when doing loading activities. Its mobility allows for a quicker turnaround for tasks that might be more difficult to do when using ladders or scaffolding.

Safety

Working at great deals of heights with heavy loads can cause a lot of injuries, especially if you’re using tools that are challenging to work with. For scissor lifts, you can rest assured that the ride on the platforms is safe and smooth.

Not only do they have a bigger working area you can move around in, but they also have railings surrounding the platform. An additional safety measure is also added by putting provisions for harnesses to ensure that no one falls off the platforms.

Easy to Use

Scissor lifts are simple to use. With heavy machinery, you would expect that scissor lifts would be complicated, but it’s really not. This is a great quality as operators experience less fatigue while new operators can learn the system in just a few days.

Compact

One of the best things about the scissor lifts is that it’s relatively smaller compared to other elevated work platforms.

Usually, the size of the machine is as big as the liftable platform, but the compact scissor lift is easier to store and fit into smaller spaces. This is especially useful when your projects require you to move around in tightly packed warehouses or confined spaces.

Versatility

Scissor lifts can be used for a wide range of building maintenance tasks. Be it for painting, cleaning windows, changing light bulbs, repairing roofs and facades, or fixing electrical wiring. It can help you reduce the costs and risks of other equipment, making jobs much easier to do.

So, Why Use a Scissor Lift for Building Maintenance?

With all the benefits you can get by using scissor lifts, the most important reason to use them is that it’s safe and efficient.

For businesses, ultimately, you’ll have quicker project turnaround times and get the most bang for your buck in the long run.

Partner with Hastings Motors

Learning all about the features, benefits, and the types of scissor lifts used in building maintenance can help you decide which one would work best for your projects.

Here at Hastings Motor, we have a variety of lifts to choose from like the Sinoboom GTZZ16EJ Boom Lift, the Sinoboom GTZZ25J Boom Lift, and the Genie GS-1930 Scissor Lift.

Whether you’re not set on buying your own machine yet or if you only need a heavy equipment rental, we have packages that are equipped to help you.

We’ll assist you from start to finish, and you won’t have to worry about the upkeep and delivery. Our expertly trained staff are available to you for any troubleshooting that you may require at any time you’re using our machines.

Learn more about our products through our website or you can contact us for inquiries and quotations.