A scissor lift, sometimes known as a table lift, is a work platform used for carrying loads or people. It moves upwards when the criss-crossing supports beneath the platform draw together, pushing the lift upwards. It enables the operator to adapt its height to suit any task.
Scissor lifts can use hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical power to extend in height, and come in various types and sizes. Originally designed as an industrial lift it has now been modified to suit retail and wholesale environments.
There are many benefits of using scissor lifts, including:
1) Helping operators to reach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. Larger models can extend to a height of 18.8 metres (62 feet).
2) Being so simple to operate and move that they reduce fatigue in operators, increasing levels of production.
3) Eliminate repetitive strain injury (RSI) by avoiding the need to bend and stretch repeatedly.
4) The weight of the load being lifted is distributed evenly, because of the lift's vertical scissor motion beneath a flat platform.
5) Different lifts utilise different methods of power, so companies can opt for a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical model depending on their requirements.
6) Scissor lifts vary in base size, platform size, vertical travel and height. They can carry different capacities from standard to heavy loads, enabling companies to choose the appropriate model according to the working environment.
7) Lifts can either be stationary or mobile, depending on the needs of the company
8) Turntables can be added to scissor lifts to allow the operator to rotate loads. This saves time and minimises the risk of injury from heavy loads.
9) Tilters can be used to allow the operator to position a product by tilting the platform, sliding goods off. Operators do not have to risk injury by lifting heavy loads.
10) When not in use and fully retracted, scissor lifts take up little space in a warehouse or office.
Today scissor lifts can be seen operating in most warehouses. Mobile models can travel over smooth surfaces or be adapted to tackle the uneven terrain of building sites. It is not unusual to see a scissor lift on a film set as they have proved popular for supporting the cameras.
For many years industry has benefited tremendously from the use of scissor lifts, resulting in increased production and less strain and injury to employees. Continual innovations mean that there is now a wider choice of features making the scissor lift a very useful piece of equipment.
