Scissor Lifts And What To Look For When Buying One

Scissor lifts are also known as table lifts. They are used to raise heavy objects and people. They consist of a platform that is built over criss-cross supports that can expand and contract as per height. There are available in a variety of different sizes. You can make your selection from among these depending on your height requirements, whether the machine needs to be mobile or stationary, and the method by which the lift is powered. When not in use, these are compact and easy to store because of the collapsible nature of the supports. Thus while they are ideal for use in warehouses and factories, they can still be employed effectively at your workplace and even your garage.

A few things to keep in mind when selecting scissor lifts is to buy a product of high standard of safety, durability, and performance. Depending on the purpose, chose a machine that can withstand high temperatures, water and corrosive elements. Stainless steel lifts are the best option, but definitely more expensive. Also the more you need your lift to expand, the more you will need to pay for the extra scissors inserted. Mobile lifts which come with a front wheel drive are more expensive than stationary ones. Selecting lifts that have a skirting bar around them helps prevent injuries like those of limbs or clothing getting caught in the scissor as it contracts. A safety bar is also available and is most useful for stopping the lift from contracting if excessive weight has been placed on the table surface. Though a lift is very useful, there have been many instances when lives and limbs have been lost due to the scissors collapsing from excess weight or overuse. Remembering all this while making your selection will help prevent injuries.

Scissor lifts are usually of two types depending on the way they are powered.

1. Hydraulic Scissor Lifts - In this type of lifts a high pressure liquid is transmitted through the machine making it expand and contract. This fluid can be controlled by valves. When in motion, it releases a large amount of pressure that is converted by actuators (mechanical devices) into power. The benefit of using a hydraulic lift is that the platform can only be returned to the ground manually. This helps prevent accidents.

2. Pneumatic Scissor Lifts - Instead of a high pressure fluid that pose the danger of leakages, these lifts are powered by air bags. However the precision of these lifts is not as accurate as the hydraulic ones. The fact that air bags are involved in the expansion and contraction leads to some amount of bounce when weights are placed or removed from the platform.

Another type of scissor lifts available is the carousel scissor lift which has a wide base that allows the operator the ability to move across a larger area at a time. One more version is the tandem lift which contains a pair of scissor mechanisms at the base. These are best used for raising very heavy loads in the construction and transport industry. Information on all these models can be found online on any one of the engineering and construction equipment websites. While it is probably a good idea to visit these to get an idea of the complete range available, be sure to ask for a demonstration before you make your selection. This is the only way to ensure that it meets your expectations and requirements.

Scissor Lifts have been in use for many years, the concept is simple, reliable and used in literally thousands of applications worldwide. Please contact us a lift@pentalift.com to discuss a Scissor Lift best suited to your requirements.