Tips on Hiring a Scissor Lift

As with any hire of equipment, there are many little details that can make all the difference in making your experience the best one possible.

Scissor lifts are suited to situations where a straight vertical lift is desired. You will definitely benefit from a scissor lift over, say, a ladder in a wide range of situations. Speedy, cost-effective and safe, scissor lifts add an extra dimension to many jobs. There are a wide range of models on the market with specific features that may or may not enhance your experience.

Desired Features

Narrower units – these can be particularly useful when working in confined spaces.

4 x 4 units – when jobs require work on uneven and hazardous terrain, a 4 x 4 scissor lift will be a lifesaver.

Units with non-marking tyres – when working indoors on floors that will show marks, non-marking tyres are an absolute must.

Alternative Power Choices – The choice of which power source will run your scissor lift is arguably the most important one. Often you may be confronted with a lack of choice when it comes to choosing between diesel-powered, electric, petrol and duel fuel scissor lifts according to what is and is not in stock. However, there are some key environmentally determined factors that could mean that you really need one or another power source. If working indoors, diesel will likely be prohibited and an electric model is by far the best choice – as it is in low emission areas. And yet there are many situations when diesel is preferred. If you have a lot of other diesel equipment on site (which is likely) it is far more convenient to fill it up at the same time. Diesel engines also usually outlast petrol engines and are actually better suited to the sort of work cycle that scissor lifts demands, as well as being up to 15-20% more efficient on rough terrain.

Anti-slip – Any scissor lift worth its salt will be fitted with a safe, slip-resistant platform and extensions. In addition it is worth double checking that the model has joystick drive and steering controls for easy manoeuvrability.

Check equipment standards and condition

As in any business it pays to inspect condition and check for the compliance of the model with health and safety guidance before signing on the dotted line. There is no worse feeling than having work come to a standstill because of faulty or inadequate equipment. A little prior research can save you a BIG headache in the long run. It is also highly advisable to check with your insurance company that your liability insurance covers staff while operating the equipment.

Finally, make sure that when you have chosen and hired your scissor lift that it is left in the hands of someone that is correctly trained in how to assemble, move, inspect, maintain and use the lift to mitigate against accidents in the workplace. Keep all this in mind and your hire experience will be a good one.

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