As you are reading this article, the chances are that you are in an industry that means you need to deploy MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) on a regular basis. As you will know, MEWPs come in all shapes and sizes, from cherry pickers to scissor lifts and are blessed with unique benefits for distinct applications. This article focuses solely on scissor lifts and in particular offers a variety of key tips to help you to choose the best scissor lift for a given job.
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What are scissor lifts?
The distinction between kinds of MEWPs can be a little confusing, so it&#;s worth outlining what makes a scissor lift, a scissor lift! These lifts are able to lift up workers and materials vertically, featuring a surface that can be raised and lowered by opening or closing latticed supports, resembling scissors, hence the name. They differ from cherry pickers as they don&#;t give the outreach option, but remain the best option in many industrial applications, especially construction. Let&#;s move on to look at some of the most important considerations when choosing a scissor lift.
Kind of terrain / indoor or outdoor
The right scissor lift for your job will largely depend on the terrain you will be working on. This will dictate whether you need a rough terrain model, for instance. For smoother terrain work you can get away with an electric model, although these are predominantly used indoors. Electric scissor lifts are sometimes referred to as slab scissor lifts, as they are designed to be operated on concrete slab surface. They are perfect for use on electrical work in industrial buildings, for instance. As they are battery driven and low emission, they are perfect for indoor work, although they are fitted with pothole guard systems slightly uneven surfaces. If you are going to be working on uneven terrain or on slopes, you should certainly opt for a four-wheel drive model. Some rough terrain models are fitted with a self-levelling system, using hydraulic jacks or outriggers. These can be deployed by the operator from the platform to completely level the chassis of the scissor lift on sloping ground.
How high do you need to go?
Another key determining factor in choosing the right scissor lift is height. There are many different models of scissor lifts and they vary as to how high they are capable of lifting workers up to carry out their work. 19-to-40-foot scissor lifts will be enough for reaching into the roof space of an industrial unit for electrical work, pipe fitting, installing fire protection systems or CCTV security cameras, to name just some uses. On many construction sites 50 or 60 footers can be necessary for the exterior of large buildings for such jobs as steel erection, cladding and roofing and window fitting.
Size of platform needed
Depending on the nature of the job, the materials you will need to have with you on the platform, you will have a different set of requirements for the size of your platform. In general terms, the longer the platform the better access you will get and the less repositioning you will need. On the flipside, working in tight spots will necessitate a smaller platform.
Whatever scissor lift you choose you must ensure that anyone working on it and managing the operation is fully trained in the safe operation and overseeing the safe running of scissor lifts. Training courses accredited by PASMA and IPAF are the industry standard.
IPAF&#;s MEWPs for Managers course is a fantastic resource for anyone who is planning and managing a job involving the use of MEWPs.
On the 31st of March IPAF released the new Site Survey course that is an ideal for those who are planning to deploy MEWPs of all types onto any given job. It fully covers the issue of correct MEWP selection for any given job. This is accomplished using various realistic scenarios to highlight the subtle elements that are easy to miss on a survey of the work site. These commonly lead to the wrong MEWP being hired, which at best can be very expensive mistake, and at worst lead to a serious incident.
Both courses are available as an instructor lead classroom session (a full day for MEWPs for manages and a half day for the Site Survey course), or they are available as entirely online courses that have the flexibility of being done a bit at a time. These eLearning options are ideal for those who can&#;t afford to take time away from the job to attend a classroom session.
1. What Are Self Propelled Scissor Lifts?
Self-propelled scissor lifts, also known as self-propelled hydraulic lift platforms, are versatile lifting equipment used for a variety of tasks. With lifting capabilities ranging from 4 to 14 meters, these platforms can be customized to suit individual requirements. Constructed from durable high-strength alloy materials, they offer sturdy structures with minimal deviation and sway during operation.
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Featuring automatic movement functionality, they can be powered by three power control options or batteries, eliminating the need for external power sources. Controlled via a handle, they offer adjustable speeds for flexible mobility and easy operation. These lifts are particularly suitable for extensive aerial operations in stations, docks, airports, power plants, sports venues, and large enterprises, making them the ideal choice for aerial work.
2. Drive Mechanisms Of Self Propelled Scissor Lifts
Self propelled scissor lifts come in two main drive mechanisms: electric and hydraulic. Buyers often wonder why electrically driven lifts are significantly cheaper than hydraulic ones and what the operational differences are between the two.
Load Capacity: For instance, a 6-meter self-propelled scissor lift with an electric drive typically has a safe load capacity of 230kg, whereas a hydraulic drive model can handle up to 550kg. Thus, hydraulic drives can meet heavier load requirements compared to electric drives.
Operational Differences: The major distinction lies in the ability of hydraulic lifts to move while in the raised position, a feature not available in electrically driven lifts. In scenarios requiring frequent small-distance changes, hydraulic drives significantly enhance operational efficiency, making them more suitable for such applications.
3. Seven Precautions For Using Self Propelled Scissor Lifts
1. Avoid entry of individuals wearing slippers or without safety helmets, including children, on construction sites. 2. Strictly prohibit anyone from operating, standing, or walking under the lift platform, basket, or lifting well. 3. Discourage playing, making noise, or throwing objects from heights at the lift operation site. 4.No smoking or ignition of flammable materials on-site. 5. Cross-operations at the same location without safety measures are strictly prohibited. 6. Walking on walls without railings or safety measures at aerial is forbidden. 7. Avoid risky operations in high-voltage power areas.
4. Alternatives To Self Propelled Scissor Lifts
We recommend trailer-mounted scissor lifts for customers with budget constraints seeking alternatives to self-propelled scissor lifts with auxiliary movement capabilities.
Auxiliary movement functionality allows trailer-mounted scissor lifts to add a mobile power system, similar to converting bicycles into electric bikes. This feature is handy for equipment exceeding 8 meters in height, where manual maneuvering can be strenuous, especially in challenging terrain. Adding an auxiliary movement system to trailer-mounted scissor lifts provides a cost-effective solution compared to self-propelled models.
While price is an important consideration, ensuring that the purchased equipment meets usage requirements should be the primary focus for customers looking to buy scissor lifts.
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