Sep. 08, 2025
When your crews need to access overhead work – hanging drywall, installing plumbing, or performing electrical work – a scissor lift is one of the most effective tools to help them get the job done.
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That's because this type of MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) offers workers the unique ability to move the machine into place and then ascend/descend vertically to complete a task – eliminating the need for more cumbersome tools like scaffolding and ladders.
Today's scissor lifts come in various models and sizes that match different work environments. For example, rough-terrain scissor lifts are well-suited for work on unfinished, uneven ground and projects requiring higher capacity machines and larger platform sizes. In contrast, "slab" scissor lifts are intended for operation on flat, level surfaces and are ideal for indoor work.
As a contractor, you must match the machine to the work but also consider your customers' and the operator's needs. What does the project owner need from the equipment your crews are using? It may be different. For example, they probably don't want oil leaks on the job site, and they might not want diapers on the products – what they want are clean machines.
You should also consider the needs of the crew members who operate scissor lifts on the job. They probably don't care about the same things as your customers. Instead, they want a safe machine that's easy to use.
So, how do you know which scissor lift is right for your next project?
Here are four tips for selecting a scissor lift that will allow your crews to complete overhead work efficiently.
Choosing the right scissor lift is influenced by what the machine will be doing – and where it will be doing it. Before renting one, you should be able to answer the following questions about your project:
Most scissor lift models allow operators to complete a specific task, but the model selected will impact how efficiently a task is accomplished. When you head into an equipment provider, you'll quickly discover several differentiating factors among various models that will affect your rental choice. That's why it's imperative to do your research beforehand so you can choose wisely.
First, consider the machine's drive system (i.e., the system that actuates movement). Choosing a machine with the right system – hydraulic or electric – for the job depends on where the machine works (inside, outside, or both) and the types of surfaces and ground conditions it will work on.
Hydraulic-drive systems take electrical energy from the batteries and convert it to hydraulic flow to power the machine's lift, drive and steer functions. This requires hydraulic oil, hoses, fittings, manifolds and other components that must be frequently inspected and maintained. So, although these lifts can be less costly to rent, they are not always less expensive to operate over time.
Electric-drive systems have batteries connected to the drive motors to drive the wheels, which makes them more efficient overall and significantly reduces the number of leak points. This is because they are engineered with fewer components than their hydraulic drive counterparts.
Scissor lifts are often used in environmentally sensitive work areas, like clean rooms and data centers, so leak protection systems for these machines are increasingly important. That's why many OEMs, including JLG, have introduced leak containment systems that capture leaks and drips from the power unit and the steer cylinders, replacing the need to cover the machine's underside with a diaper.
But JLG, for example, isn't focused solely on leak containment – we're focused on eliminating leaks altogether. Advancements in technology today make it possible to design and engineer products differently, enabling us to bring hydraulic-free products, like all-electric scissor lifts, to market. All-electric systems are highly efficient, and the power required to run them is significantly less. For example, power consumption on the JLG® all-electric DaVinci® lift is cut by nearly 70 percent.
The scissor lift's drive system also impacts the second thing to consider: Runtime required. Understanding how long a machine needs to run to complete the work is essential to renting the right machine. For example, will the scissor lift need to run on continuous shifts, or will your crews have the opportunity to charge the machine regularly?
A typical hydraulic- or electric-drive scissor lift takes 8-10 hours to charge fully. This is a big deal for crews because the time between machine use must be carefully calculated. By contrast, all-electric scissor lifts can go much longer. For example, the JLG DaVinci lift, powered by a single, lithium-ion battery, can go from not charged to fully charged in 3.5 hours, delivering substantial productivity gains. Your crews could use this scissor lift for nearly 20 hours daily.
Additionally, lithium-ion battery technology offers opportunity charging. With as little as 20 minutes of charging, an all-electric scissor lift, like the JLG DaVinci model, could provide up to a couple of hours of power for your operators to finish their work.
Understanding other technologies and features available on a rental scissor lift can also deliver significant job site benefits.
For example, is the scissor lift you plan to rent equipped with full drive-at-height capabilities? This functionality allows your operators to continue working at a fixed height, which comes in handy when running cables inside or outside along the length of a building or when changing light bulbs across individual lighting units in a parking lot. Without this capability, your operators must ascend and descend each time they move the lift to the next work area.
Also, did you know traditional slab scissor lifts cannot elevate when working on a side slope over 1.5 degrees? But, some manufacturers, including JLG, now have technology that gives your operators a larger working envelope. For example, JLG slab scissor lifts are equipped with variable tilt technology, which shows your crews the maximum height they can achieve, before elevating. This is based on side-to-side tilt angles and the current capacity in the platform, so it removes any guesswork that often results in descending and trying again.
To offer even more versatility, many scissor lifts can be equipped with accessories for specific applications, making it a little bit easier for your crews to get the work done. Optional accessories and application-specific packages, such as panel carriers, pipe racks, machinist vices and on-machine welders, to name a few, should be evaluated as part of your rental.
Does the rental unit have a battery monitoring system? It's not uncommon for machine batteries to die during the workday, causing a huge efficiency problem. Knowing how much charge remains in a machine's battery pack and what can be done with it can drastically improve its efficiency and performance on any job site.
To address this, some OEMs, including JLG, offer battery monitoring capabilities on their products. JLG's technology, for example, is sophisticated enough to analyze the machine's battery charge and share information, via a mobile app, on battery usage and diagnostic information on the battery and charger system.
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As digital technology continuously develops, you should ask your equipment provider what other apps are available on the machine you plan to rent. For instance, the JLG Mobile Control app allows operators to use their smart devices to load and unload a stowed scissor lift from a distance, rather than being next to or inside the machine's platform. It also lets operators remotely control the lift when positioning the machine into areas with low clearances, giving them a better view of the job site while moving equipment. Advances in technology like this help improve safety conditions and reduce potential damage to the working environment.
While many believe scissor lifts are a somewhat commoditized product, as you have read, they are far from that. Key features and technologies drive tangible job site benefits. Many of the scissor lifts available in rental fleets today may be similar, but they are not the same, which can make a big difference in the rental experience.
So, even though selecting the right scissor lift for a job will depend on you identifying the type of work to be done and the conditions where the work will be done, before renting, it's best to investigate the available models. It's important to review the specs and know what features and technologies your crews will need to accomplish the task at hand in the most efficient and productive manner possible.
Learn more about JLG's full line of electric- and engine-powered scissor lifts at JLG.com/ScissorLifts.
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Choosing the right lift for your needs is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity in any material handling task. Whether you’re dealing with vehicles in an auto shop, managing materials in a warehouse, or working at height in construction, selecting the right lift can significantly impact your operations. Morn Lift, a leader in lift solutions, provides various options, from hydraulic lifts to scissor lifts, to meet the unique needs of different industries. Understanding load capacity and how it influences lift selection is key to making the right choice.
Before diving into specific lift types, it’s essential to understand why load capacity matters. Load capacity refers to the maximum weight that a lift can safely support. Selecting a lift with an adequate load capacity ensures smooth operation and reduces the risk of accidents or equipment failure. For example, a hydraulic lift with insufficient capacity might struggle to lift heavy loads, leading to inefficiency or dangerous situations.
When choosing the right lift for your needs, it’s important to consider the types of loads you’ll be handling, whether it’s vehicles, construction materials, or goods in a warehouse. Morn Lift offers a variety of scissor lifts for sale, allowing businesses to select the perfect lift with the correct load capacity for their operations.
One of the most popular types of lifts for heavy-duty applications is the hydraulic lift. Hydraulic systems use fluid pressure to raise and lower loads, making them powerful and reliable. If you’re considering purchasing a hydraulic lift, it’s important to assess its load capacity to ensure it matches your needs.
For instance, if you’re lifting vehicles in an auto repair shop, a car scissor lift or an automotive scissor lift with sufficient load capacity is essential. Scissor car lifts are specifically designed to handle the weight of cars, providing a stable and secure platform for vehicle maintenance. Whether you’re looking for a car lift for sale or a hydraulic car lift, always verify that the lift’s load capacity exceeds the weight of the vehicles you’ll be handling.
Scissor lifts are ideal for tasks that require vertical lifting, such as maintenance, construction, and material handling. These lifts are available in a variety of sizes and load capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. For example, a scissor lift table can support heavy loads in warehouses, while an aerial lift is perfect for working at height.
When selecting a scissor lift, load capacity is a crucial consideration. Whether you’re purchasing a new scissor lift for sale or opting for a second-hand scissor lift, ensure that the lift can handle the weight of the materials or workers you’ll be moving. Many businesses choose scissor lifts for cars, which are engineered to support the weight of vehicles during maintenance. Morn Lift offers various models of scissors car lifts with different load capacities, ensuring you can find the right lift for your needs.
A cherry picker lift, also known as a bucket lift, is another versatile tool used across industries. These lifts are designed for tasks that require height access, such as building maintenance or electrical work. Cherry picker lifts are highly flexible, providing a safe and stable platform for workers to perform their tasks.
When choosing a cherry picker lift, it’s important to ensure that the lift’s load capacity can support the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials. Overloading a lift can compromise its stability and lead to accidents. Morn Lift offers a range of cherry picker boom lifts with various load capacities, so you can find the right solution for your needs.
For businesses that handle large quantities of goods, freight elevators are an essential part of material handling operations. These elevators are designed to transport heavy loads between different floors of a building, making them ideal for warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.
Load capacity is one of the most important factors when choosing a freight elevator. If the elevator cannot support the weight of your materials, it could lead to equipment failure or accidents. Whether you’re looking for a freight elevator for sale or planning to upgrade your existing system, make sure to choose a model with a load capacity that meets your material handling needs.
In environments where workers need to access high places, man lifts offer a safe and efficient solution. A single man lift or one man lift is ideal for tasks such as maintenance, cleaning, or construction work at height. These lifts provide a stable platform for workers, allowing them to perform their tasks safely.
When selecting a man lift for sale, it’s essential to consider both the load capacity and the height requirements for your specific application. If the lift will be supporting heavy tools or equipment, make sure it has a load capacity that exceeds the total weight of all items involved. Morn Lift offers a variety of man lifts with different load capacities, so businesses can find the perfect lift for their specific tasks.
Hydraulic lifts are commonly used in automotive facilities for vehicle maintenance and repair. These lifts make it easy for technicians to access the underside of vehicles, providing a stable platform for inspections and repairs. A hydraulic auto lift or vehicle scissor lift with the correct load capacity is essential for ensuring safety and efficiency in the shop.
When purchasing a car on hydraulic lift or hydrolic car lift, it’s important to verify that the lift can support the full weight of the vehicles you’ll be working on. Many shops choose auto scissor lifts for their versatility and ability to handle various types of vehicles. Morn Lift offers a range of hydraulic car lifts with different load capacities, ensuring that businesses can find the right lift for their specific needs.
In the construction industry, construction lifts are used to transport heavy materials and workers to elevated work sites. These lifts need to have a high load capacity to safely handle the weight of construction materials, equipment, and workers.
When choosing a construction lift, load capacity is one of the most important considerations. Whether you’re using a small boom lift or a larger telescopic boom lift, make sure that the lift can handle the weight of everything that will be transported. Morn Lift offers a range of construction lifts with various load capacities to meet the demanding needs of the industry.
Choosing the right lift for your needs starts with understanding load capacity. Whether you’re looking for a hydraulic lift, scissor lift, or man lift, it’s essential to ensure that the lift you select can safely support the weight of your materials, vehicles, or workers. Morn Lift provides a wide range of lifting solutions, including car scissor lifts, freight elevators, and cherry picker lifts, designed to meet the unique needs of various industries.
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