If you work in an industrial space, then investing in scissor lift platforms may be a great idea. Scissor lift platforms have many different uses and can be extremely useful in many different working environments. Here are some things to consider before purchasing a scissor lift platform for your business.

Needs and Site Assessment

When it comes to investing in scissor lift platforms for your workspace, there are many things that you need to consider. You first need to establish what it will be used for, as well as evaluating the site for safety and working conditions to be able to narrow down your choice of scissor lift platforms. Here are some crucial questions to ask yourself;

Environment – will it be used indoors, outdoors or both?

Emissions – is there a limit on emissions for your work area?

Terrain – what sort of terrain will it operate on?

Work Heights – what are the minimum and maximum height requirements for operation?

Temperature – is the environment of use temperature controlled/will weather effect operation?

Frequency of Use – will it be in use frequently or occasionally?

Load Weigh – what is the maximum weight it will need to lift?

Travel Distance – how far will the scissor lift platform have to travel in a day?

Essential Function – will the main function be to reach heights, carry loads or both?

Accessories and Attachments for Scissor Lift Platforms

There are many different types of accessories that you can get with scissor lift platforms. You may not need them all but some features can improve safety, as well as efficiency. These accessories have the ability to make your scissor lift platform more versatile and to customise it to your businesses specific needs. Some of the many different types of accessories and attachments for mobile scissor lift platforms include;

• Flashing light (amber)
• Quick change capability
• All-wheel drive
• Lights on the work platform
• Levelling jacks
• Lights on the work platform
• Spring-loaded gate on platform
• Heavy-duty hinges for battery compartments
• An airline to the platform
• Swing-out surfaces to allow more room on the platform
• Maintenance free batteries
• Horn
• Biodegradable hydraulic fluid
• Platform padding
• Welder/electrician/plumber package

Buy or Rent

You can either buy scissor lift platforms new, used or rent them. It’s important to weigh up your requirements and budget before making a decision.

New

New scissor lift platforms come with the added benefit of being under warranty, which most will have for the first 5 years. You are also guaranteed that it will be in good shape and excellent working condition and come with all instructions and other information.

Used

Many companies opt for second-hand scissor lift platforms as it is more economical but you need to be careful. Health and safety needs to come first and it is essential to get as much information as you can about a second-hand scissor lift platform if you are considering buying it, including;

• Age of scissor lift platform
• Previous frequency of use
• If it has been recently safety checked
• If it has any damage or previous faults – even if they have now been fixed
• Does it come with a manual for use and safety?

Rent

Renting can be a good option if you are only going to require the use of a scissor lift platform occasionally, as this will likely work out cheaper.