Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts: The Ideal Choice for Outdoor Elevated Platforms

Working outdoors can be a daunting task, especially if you have to reach elevated heights on uneven ground. There are always questions of “How can we do this?” or “How can we do this safely?”

Well, you’re in luck, because this article will be discussing one of the most useful types of elevated work platform equipment, Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts; and like any other scissor lift, its main function is to carry heavy loads and workers off the ground to perform various tasks.

But before we get into what RT scissor lifts are, let’s briefly discuss what scissor lifts are in general.

What is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are a type of elevated work platform (EWP) which serve to raise heavy loads and workers from the ground to reach difficult heights.

It was coined as a “scissor” lift because of how the main structure of the mechanism is crisscrossed to look like scissors moving simultaneously. If you look from afar, the lift’s legs look like a stack of Xs.

One of the greatest things about scissor lifts is their ability to safely move across high levels while maximizing the productivity of the worker using them.

This type of EWP is perfect if you need to navigate through compact and narrow vertical spaces, be it for repair, maintenance, or construction. Its vertical movement means that there are no rotational and telescopic abilities, which also means it takes up less floor space.

With scissor lifts, you are equipped with safety harnesses mounted on the lift platform’s guardrails, so your workers won’t have to worry about falling off it. And because of its stability and safety measures, it’s a better alternative to ladders and scaffolding.

Aside from RT scissor lifts, there are a few other different types of scissor lifts available:

• A diesel scissor lift is mainly used for outdoor work like construction.
• An electric scissor lift, commonly known as “battery scissor lifts,” is an eco-friendlier alternative to diesel lifts. This is great to use indoors as it doesn’t leave tire tracks.
• A hydraulic scissor lift is one of the easiest lifts to use, since its hydraulic system is powered by machine or hand. While it is slower than other lifts, it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor jobs.
• A pneumatic scissor lift uses compressed air to operate its mechanisms. It’s by far the most environmentally friendly type of scissor lift.

Each type of scissor lift has, more or less, the same general function. The main differences between each type of lift only lie with their cylinder and their power source. Also, some scissor lifts work better indoors, while some perform better outdoors.

Now that you have an overview of what a scissor lift is. Let’s talk more about the Rough Terrain Scissor Lift.

What is a Rough Terrain Scissor Lift?

RT scissor lifts are a type of elevated vertical work platform made to handle harsh environments and uneven terrain, which make them perfect to use for outdoor projects.

This lift uses large heavy-duty wheels with high ground clearance that allows it to travel over rocks, debris, and other obstacles. It also uses powerful engines or motors that provide the necessary power to lift people and equipment to great heights.

Typically, this type of lift can reach up to 50 feet or more depending on the model. This makes them ideal for working on tall buildings, bridges, and other structures that are on difficult terrain.

Key Features of the Rough Terrain Scissor Lift

To go into more detail about why RT scissor lifts are ideal outdoors, let’s discuss the key features of the machine.

• Four-Wheel Drive Heavy-Duty Wheels provide traction on uneven surfaces, allowing the machine to remain stable as it moves on rough ground.
• The Large Tire Clearance is an additional feature that complements heavy-duty wheels so that the machine can travel over obstacles without getting stuck. This also helps prevent damage to the undercarriage of the machine.
• Stabilizing Outriggers provide additional stability on uneven terrain and can extend from the sides of the machine to provide additional support, preventing it from falling over.
• High Platform Lift Capacity lets the machine lift people and heavy equipment to great heights—making it the ideal machine for industrial settings.
• The Safety Features of the lift are the most important part of EWPs. And RT scissor lifts are designed with a stable base, emergency stop buttons, guardrails, and provisions for safety harnesses to ensure that the worker on the lift platform is secured in place.

Given these features, it is apparent why the RT scissor lift is a reliable option for vertical lifts on especially difficult terrains.

With that in mind, you might be asking the question, “Well, how can I use this lift then?”

So, How Does a Rough Terrain Scissor Lift Work?

Its basic design consists of a lift platform that is attached to a crisscrossing mechanism that raises or lowers the platform to the needed height required for the job being done.

Typically, RT scissor lifts are powered by gasoline. This differs from other scissor lifts because traversing difficult worksites and challenging terrain usually require more power in a day. Other lifts are battery-powered that last 8 hours long and this just might not be enough for a full day’s work on outdoor projects.

Similar to other scissor lifts, operating the RT scissor lifts requires at least two people: the operator and the worker tasked to execute the job. The job of the operator is to provide support for the workers on the platform and make sure they are situated on the height level and in the area where they need to get their jobs done.

What are the Benefits of a Rough Terrain Scissor Lift?

Now that you know how they work, let’s move on to talk about the advantages of rough terrain scissor lifts.

In this article, we’ve briefly described the key features that make the lift. Here is a breakdown of the different reasons they are the ideal elevated work platform on uneven grounds.

• The enhanced stability offers more balance on uneven surfaces than other traditional scissor lifts.

Since the parts and mechanisms are made for heavy-duty jobs in debris-filled areas, rough terrain lifts use highly durable materials. This makes them safer to operate and reduces the risk of injuries or accidents.

• The improved accessibility provides access to elevated work areas in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. This makes them ideal for outdoor construction, maintenance, and repair projects.
• Using RT scissor lifts helps increase the productivity of workers as it enables them to move quickly and efficiently even in challenging outdoor environments. This means that you can have a faster turnaround for your tasks.
• The versatility of RT scissor lifts offers a wide range of outdoor applications. Aside from construction and maintenance, it can also be used for landscaping and event setup. Businesses that require adaptable equipment can use them for their projects.

With all the benefits listed, using the RT scissor lift overall can be a great investment for your project needs.

What are the Uses of Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts?

Here are the different applications and industries wherein you can leverage the use of RT scissor lifts:

• Construction is the most common application as this heavy-duty equipment work well in tasks such as framing, roofing, siding, and painting either houses, buildings, or any other structures of the like.
• Maintenance and repair are another common use for the lift since it’s able to reach electrical wires, telecommunication towers, or wind turbines.
• Landscaping also utilizes RT scissor lifts in caring for forests with high trees. These machines will definitely make for an easier job for workers to reach tree levels without having to use a ladder to climb them.

Of course, the use of rough terrain scissor lifts is not limited to just these three applications. You can use the lift on any high-level projects on uneven terrain you may have.

Hastings Motor: Your Rental Partner

Now that you’ve learned all about rough terrain scissor lifts, try out our units!

Here at Hastings Motor, we have heavy-duty equipment rental suited for your projects’ needs. Unsure if investing in an RT scissor lift is right for your business at the moment?

We’ve got you covered!

You can rent out our hydraulic engine driven RT scissor lifts to test out the stability and efficiency of our machines. You can also rent them if you only intend to use them for a few jobs.

Our wide array of products includes the Genie scissor lift and the Sinoboom scissor lift, which both offer high-quality performance. You don’t need to worry about repairs or upkeep because our team is here to help you out. Our customer service team is readily available for any troubleshooting needs you might have.

So, what are you waiting for? Try out our Genie rough terrain scissor lift GS-2669 DC model for your next project!

If you’d like to learn more about our products and packages, check out our website or get in touch with us.