Scissor Lift

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Introduction

This article will take an in-depth look at scissor lifts.

The article will bring more detail on topics such as:

• Principle of Scissor Lifts
• Types of Scissor Lifts
• Applications and Benefits of Scissor Lifts
• And Much More…

Chapter 1: Principle of Scissor Lifts

This chapter will discuss what scissor lifts are and their components.

What is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are a type of manlift that is commonly used in construction and facility maintenance to raise employees and their tools to working heights.

A power system and a control system make up the scissor lift. These two systems have been combined in the scissor lift. The two have a symbiotic relationship. In truth, the control system is also powered by electricity, diesel or compressed air, and the same operating principle applies. Drive the pressure pump to continually increase the pressure to the hydraulic cylinder, pump the hydraulic oil into the sleeve cylinder, and support the support arm to achieve the aim of elevating with 220V or 380V phase change electricity.

A scissor lift is a piece of mechanical equipment that promotes or unloads items by using electric energy as a power source. It is mostly utilized in high-altitude homework-related sectors and disciplines, such as enterprises, the chemical industry, municipal administration, electric power, and transportation.

Scissor Lift Components

The key components or parts of a scissor lift include:

Scissor Lift Platform

A scissor lift mechanism's platform can be a variety of sizes, forms, and materials. The platform, also known as a lift table, is the working area that supports the load of workers or work objects being raised or lowered by the scissor lift. For fall protection, most units that transport personnel have a platform with guardrails around the perimeter. Lifting and lowering goods and inanimate things are common uses for platforms without rails.

Scissor Legs

The scissor legs are a crisscross array or pantograph design of manufactured metal struts that connect the platform to the base. The length of each scissor leg or the number of scissor legs will determine the scissor lift mechanism's maximum working height. The scissor legs raise and lower the platform as they constrict (pull closer together) and extend, and they can be powered by a variety of sources depending on the application.

Scissor Lift Cylinders

One to four compression or expansion cylinders are commonly attached to a scissor lift mechanism. Depending on the specification and operation conditions, these cylinders can be filled with hydraulic fluid (Hydraulic Scissor Lift) or compressed air (pneumatic pump system). The scissor legs and platform are raised or lowered by increasing or decreasing pressure through these cylinders attached to the scissor legs.

Scissor Lift Base

A robust footing made up of strong, stiff brackets is the foundation of the scissor lift mechanism. Tracks guide the rollers at the bottom of the scissor legs in the base. In conjunction with substantial support from the base, these rollers guarantee that the unit is raised and lowered steadily and solidly. The model and application will determine the size and layout of the scissor lift base.

Scissor Lift Power Source

A variety of different power sources can power a scissor lift. These can include everything from self-contained motors that work on various fuels to remote power packs. The working environment of the scissor lift will determine which power source is most appropriate.

Scissor Lift Down Valve

The down valve is in charge of returning compressed air or hydraulic fluid to its reservoir. The speed of this flow determines the platform's descent speed. The down valve, which controls the descent pace, is connected to the power supply.

Scissor Lift Flow Control Valve

The flow control valve controls how quickly fluid or compressed air leaves or returns to the reservoir cylinder, regulating the ascent or descent rate of the scissor lift.

Chapter 2: Types of Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are classified into four types based on their structure: scissor cylinder type, aluminum alloy (column) type, crank type, and chain type. It is easy to maneuver, use, and hoist, and it has a wide range of home related work, as well as a solid balance function.

The different types of scissor lifts include:

Hydraulic Scissor Lifts

Hydraulic scissor lifts can be used indoors and outside and powered by either an electric motor or compressed air. From cylinder to cylinder, the hydraulic liquid is pushed or drained, allowing the scissor lift to raise or drop as needed. Warehouses, construction sites, and infrastructure projects are all good places to use hydraulic scissor lifts. The scissor lift operator turns on the power supply. Filling the cylinder(s) with hydraulic fluid begins with the use of a valve to control the flow of fluid or air (or compressed air in a pneumatic system).

The hydraulic fluid or compressed air is moved from the reservoir to the operating cylinders via the scissor lift control system. For upward movement, the hydraulic cylinder pushes outwards, causing the scissor legs to push apart, lifting the platform. The operator releases the hydraulic fluid or reduces the pneumatic pressure level in the cylinder by returning it to the reservoir to lower the scissor lift mechanism, causing the scissor legs to retract.

The name "scissor" comes from the fact that between the base and the higher platform is a cross-braced mechanism (similar to the arms of a pair of scissors). Fixed installation lifts are frequently used to transport items from cars into a building's goods receiving rooms between floor levels. Mobile hydraulic scissor lifts are tiny, lightweight equipment that can be used to move cargo or large objects around a factory or workshop.

Diesel Powered Scissor Lift

Traditional diesel engines are used to power diesel scissor lifts. They are not as eco-friendly as their electric equivalents because they are noisy and release polluting exhaust fumes when in use. The diesel scissor lifts often have larger platforms and are best used on outdoor construction projects, in well-ventilated inside spaces, and in areas where engine noise will not distract or disturb vital employee communication. Diesel is more cost-effective than gasoline, and it can provide a lot of torque at a low rpm.

Heavy-duty units are common, allowing for larger platforms and greater loads. For use on closed job sites, some variations include a hybrid powertrain. Diesel scissor lifts are among the most powerful scissor lifts available, ideal for the most demanding jobs. They are typically hired for work in outdoor sites, and several, such as tough terrain versions, can handle rough uneven ground. Some diesel scissor lifts can offer large deck surfaces and high platform capacities, allowing operators to operate with bulky and heavy equipment.

Electric Scissor Lift

Electric scissor lifts are more eco-friendly because they are powered by batteries rather than a combustion engine. Due to the lack of exhaust emissions and loud noises when working, they are perfect for interior use. Electric scissor lifts are often smaller, less bulky, and have narrower platforms than diesel scissor lifts. Because they work indoors, non-marking tires are frequently used to prevent floor damage during operations. They're usually used on smaller platforms and have fewer load-bearing capacities than fossil-fuel-powered machines like diesel, gas, or propane.

Between job locations, smaller scissor lifts can be transported or towed. Scissor lifts can be mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), a flatbed, or a railcar for specific applications. Rigidity and durability are provided by an all-steel construction and a twin shear scissor stack for long operating life. The electric scissor lift operates reliably and consistently, thanks to high-quality components. These lifts' deep cycle batteries last as long as the job.

Rough Terrain Scissor Lift

Rough terrain scissor lifts are a type of EWP that has more power for working in harsh outdoor conditions. To offer the necessary power for operating across rugged terrain and lifting bigger cargoes, they are often powered by combustion diesel, petrol, or LPG engines. Rough terrain forklifts have increased traction and travel speed, making it easier to maneuver around huge construction sites safely. The major function of these machines is to elevate people and objects off of the uneven ground. They are best suited for difficult environments where they can increase productivity through positive traction, gradeability, and speed.

Gradeability is a measurement used by rough terrain scissor lifts. When compared to the operating angle, which is the steepest gradient a machine will operate on, gradeability is the steepest gradient a machine can climb. Gradeability is a term used in the accessibility industry to describe the size of the slope that a machine can climb up or down. Rough terrain lifts include high-performance tires and 4WD, which provide adequate power to propel them up a steeper slope.

Pneumatic Scissor Lift

Pneumatic scissor lifts are driven by air rather than electricity or hydraulics, resulting in a very clean and low-maintenance lift. They are great for operations that aim to be ecologically friendly and reduce their carbon footprint because they use air pressure to raise and lower the lift. The airbag or numerous airbags used in the scissor lift operating system are commonly configured as single, double, or multiple, depending on the size of the scissor lift and its use. The unit is elevated and positioned by an air compressor for working or simple loading and unloading.

Pneumatic lifts are a sustainable solution for smaller-scale installations and indoor applications because they do not create harmful gasses. The Pneumatic Scissor Lift, made of high-quality steel, places pallets in a general working posture, bringing work closer to an operator. Because it's fully pneumatic, the unit is exceedingly simple to use (no electrical or hydraulic components). The platform is operated by a lever that raises or lowers the weight to the proper height for the worker. Ball bearing center pivots ensure smooth rotation.

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Chapter 3: Applications and Benefits of Scissor Lifts

This chapter will discuss the applications and benefits of scissor lifts. The considerations when selecting scissor lifts will also be discussed including inspection, maintenance and common challenges experienced by scissor lifts.

Application of Scissor Lifts

The applications of scissor lifts include:

• Building Maintenance: Changing lights, hanging banners, laying bricks, pouring concrete, changing signs, accessing utilities, and a variety of other chores all necessitate working high in the air. Inside structures, scissor lifts are a popular choice since they allow personnel to complete duties safely. Furthermore, they are transportable and can be moved from one building area to another on their own. Churches, Libraries, Schools, and Hospitals are often responsible for these applications.
• Building: Scissor lifts are a transportable, adaptable solution for construction projects with constantly changing conditions. As a result, scissor lifts are useful for: contracting for renovations and contracting in general.
• Delivery: The activities that scissor lifts excel in, such as reaching great heights and carrying big cargo that can't be lifted by hand, are common in busy shipping hubs.
• Signs in the Sky: The world is filled with signs that change frequently, from single companies to property managers with several locations. A scissor lift, whether rented or purchased, may reduce many of the concerns and problems that come with making those improvements. Some businesses that commonly change signage include workshops for mechanics, utilities for storage facilities, and maintenance of parking lots.
• Production: By swiftly and safely reaching great heights and lifting heavy items, an aerial platform can improve operating efficiencies. Scissor lifts are therefore useful for manufacturing, chemical transformations, processing of food, and brick-laying.
• Warehousing: When it comes to warehousing, every vertical and horizontal inch of space must be utilized effectively. Investing in a scissor lift for warehouses might expand the amount of space available for storage or speed up the recovery process. Similar applications can be found in the management of real estate, landscaping, and management of transportation.

Advantages of Scissor Lifts

The advantages of scissor lifts include:

Improve Productivity

Scissor lifts are advantageous in palletizing and loading activities. They also help in setting the work surface at the right height. They shorten cycle times while increasing loading efficiency.

Reduce Workplace Injuries

Back injuries related to heavy lifting commonly lead to time losses. A scissor lift is a way to raise goods to the required height. Offloading heavy goods, for example, necessitates repetitive, heavy lifting of the products from the pallet to the table. In this case, a lift table can place the pallet at table height, alleviating the worker's weight. This eliminates the strain of lifting in both the vertical and horizontal planes. If safety instructions are followed properly, scissor lifts can lessen the risk of acute injuries associated with heavy lifting.

Enhance Process Ergonomics

Scissor lifts are easily adjustable so each operator can use a preferred height. A scissor lift does not only enhance repetitious stacking and loading chores but also makes the process more ergonomic. A scissor lift decreases the requirement for bending and twisting to adapt to table height. Scissor lifts, also known as lift tables, are the best solution for vertical lifting and material and personnel. They increase work productivity at the same time lowering the risk of injury on the job. A scissor lift can be used as a pallet positioner, for lifting and positioning operations, or for transferring cargo, making the job faster and safer.

Access High Places and Difficult-to-Reach Areas

Because some lifts can reach heights of up to 32 feet, this is a tool that allows employees to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to access. Height and carrying capacity, of course, go hand in hand with overall weight. As a result, the heavier the lift is, the higher the height it can reach and the more weight it can lift.

User-Friendly

These lifts are especially simple to use. The controls are straightforward and virtually foolproof, reducing operator fatigue. This also implies that operators may be taught the usage of this technology in just a few days, allowing it to work quickly.

Compact Dimensions

A scissor lift is the tiniest type of aerial work platform to ever come across. This is critical in confined places, such as event rooms or tightly packed warehouses, where stacked crates limit access to the ceiling.

Floor Area Requirement

Scissor lifts are among the most compact aerial work platforms, while other aerial work platforms require a lot of floor space to operate. These lifts are easy to store because the total area required is about equal to the area of the lift-able platform.

Customizable to Personal Liking

Depending on the industry, they may be needed to tailor the lift to meet the specific requirements. Scissor lifts can be customized to fit specific needs. Tilters can be added to reduce the chance of the operator falling. There may also be a need to add a turntable to it, which allows it to spin in addition to raising the platform.

Economic

Scissors are undoubtedly the most cost-effective and versatile option among all other options. A single vertical lift may service a full warehouse. Hydraulic lifts also require nearly no energy, enhancing their efficiency.

Disadvantages of Scissor Lifts

The disadvantages of scissor lifts include:

• Lower Lift Heights — most scissor lifts can only reach 20 to 50 feet in height. This is far less than the majority of boom lifts.
• Due to the fact that most scissor lifts can only move vertically, there is no way to navigate them up and around obstructions.

Considerations When Choosing Scissor Lifts

The considerations when selecting scissor lifts include:

• Lift and Lower Speeds - The speed at which the lift rises and falls significantly impacts production.
• Operator Controls - The lift's controls should be simple and precise. The easier the lift is to move, the less time the operator will spend situating it.

• Dimensions - Select a lift that will fit into the available area (ceilings, doorways, etc.). Fold-down guardrails provide more versatility and a control box with remote capability. Consider whether a lift that can accommodate more than one employee is required. Some scissor lifts are only designed to accommodate one person at a time.
• The platform height plus six feet equals the working height. As a result, the actual working height will vary based on the worker's height and arm length. The operational height of some scissor lifts is included in the product number.
• Working Conditions on the Jobsite - Scissor lifts, like forklifts, have a variety of wheel options. The small wheels are appropriate if the scissor lift will be used solely indoors or on flat, smooth surfaces. Consider larger tires built for uneven terrain for outdoor applications or applications where the lift must go between buildings.
• Simple features like tilt warnings and anti-rollback help to prevent tragic tragedies. When the platform is raised, some scissor lifts automatically reduce maximum travel speed to help minimize tip-overs when the operator is in a hurry.

• Any time personnel are hoisted with tools and equipment, there is a capacity limit, which must be strictly adhered to for the safety of everyone on the job. Users should know a few facts about the project before deciding on weight capacity. Users should have a decent sense of how much weight is to be lifted before beginning. Make a list of the workers' weights, as well as the equipment and tools that will be on the scissor lift platform. In some circumstances, estimates are acceptable, but getting a precise figure should be the objective. Users must ensure that capacity of the scissor lift is not exceeded. In addition to a limit on the scissor lift's capacity, there will be a personnel limit, regardless of weight capacity even if the capacity exceeds the project's requirements. This may necessitate a change in the work plan; rather than completing multiple tasks at once, they may need to divide time to ensure that the staff limit is not surpassed. Investing more time to protect the safety of the employees is a wise decision.
• Platform Size - Scissor lift platforms are available in a variety of sizes, most of which are rectangular in shape, but square ones do exist. If the platform isn't wide enough, the extension deck, which is standard on all new modern scissor lifts, becomes quite useful. It can be extended to add at least two more feet to the platform, with up to a seven foot extension feasible in very extreme scenarios. However, any changes to the platform's dimensions will affect the scissor lift's stability. When the platform size is increased, it changes the center of gravity of the entire scissor lift, and having a load that is too heavy or uneven might cause serious complications. The center of gravity is significant since it has a direct impact on the scissor lift's performance. An unbalanced object puts a strain on the lift, so in this case, a larger platform with a higher center of gravity might be the answer.
• Project Nature - Lifting big things, such as workers, tools, or any other stuff, to great heights is a challenging task. To safely hoist the load and workers, a scissor lift is needed. If working several stories above, keep in mind that a fall could damage or even destroy property, or worse, the scissor lift itself, which is a costly piece of machinery. Other than whether or not the load is stable, consider what's inside it and where its center of gravity is. The nature of the load is also important, as some items do not handle bumps well.
• Type of Terrain - Construction sites have a wide range of terrain, so make sure the scissor lift is built to provide a high level of stability and a stable foundation on whatever surface it is working on. One of the most basic requirements for operating at heights is a stable base on working terrain. The last thing wanted for tools or equipment is for them to slide together with the occupant. It is not only the sort of terrain that the scissor lift will be on while elevating, but also the terrain that the scissor lift will travel on to reach the working location. The scissor lift is wonderful for transporting personnel and their equipment up and down straight, but there is a need to get right underneath the object that needs to be worked on and maneuver past any obstacles on the working site. If the terrain is difficult, muddy, or rocky, a rough terrain scissor lift with four-wheel drive is recommended. If there will be debris on the job site, a rough terrain scissor lift with increased ground clearance should be considered.

Common Problems Encountered With Scissor Lifts

It is unavoidable that some failures occur when using fixed elevators. If not resolved in a timely manner, significant inconvenience to users may be caused and have a negative impact on job efficiency. Some of the problems encountered using these lifts include:

• The lifting procedure is irreversible: If the travel switch on the lifting platform is damaged, it should be replaced. If the lifting platform's control handle or the distribution box's button are damaged, repair or replace the handle or button.
• The lifting platform is either too weak or too heavy to hoist: The lifting platform's overload shall ensure that the load does not exceed the lifting platform's rated load. The voltage of the power source is insufficient. Check the power supply voltage to make sure it's within the permissible floating range when the motor is functioning with a load.
• The lifting platform drops naturally: In the valve group, look for the one-way valve. If there is dirt on the one-way valve's sealing surface, clean the one-way valve. In order to repair or replace the pressure relief valve, it must be tightly closed.
• Failure of the down valve causes the lifting platform to not drop: When the down button is pressed, check to see if the down valve has electricity. Check whether the solenoid valve spool is jammed or damaged if there is no electricity; if there is electricity, try to eliminate it. There is a problem with the descending speed control valve. If the adjustment is invalid, replace the descending speed control valve with a new one.

• The descending valve cannot be closed for one of the following reasons: The descending valve is damaged or stuck in order to clean or replace the hydraulic valve; the descending valve is damaged or stuck in order to clean or replace the hydraulic valve; the lower travel switch has been tampered with. Replace the lower travel switch with a new one. If the lifting platform does not have a lower travel switch, the time relay should be checked.

Inspection and Maintenance of Scissor Lifts

Checking for apparent leaks (oil or battery fluids) or foreign objects is common in daily electric scissor lift checks.

• Look for apparent damage such as dents, weld or metal splits, and other flaws.
• Examining the machine decals and signs for cleanliness and legibility.
• Inspecting the platform gate, as well as the scissor arms and centering link, to check that it closes properly.
• Hydraulic fluid levels and cleanliness are being checked.
• Ensure that all relevant manuals are located on the machine.
• Before use, a check must be done in an area free of overhead and ground-level obstructions. It's also a good idea to look over the accessories and attachments.

Checklist for General Maintenance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) recommendations for scissor lift maintenance are listed below. To ensure perfect compliance, consult the machine's factory-issued manuals.

Operational Checklist

• Check the levels of all fluids, including oil, gasoline, coolant, and hydraulics. Make a thorough inspection of the machine for any leaks.
• All the wheels and tires must be in good shape. Look for worn tire treads and sidewall cracks or bubbles. Ensure that the tire pressure is at the proper PSI. Look for any structural damage on the wheels.
• Check the steering and brakes to make sure they're working properly.
• To guarantee that power isn't lost on the job, check the battery and charge level.
• Make sure all of the emergency controls are operational. Horns, gauges, lights, and backup alarms are all included.
• Ensure that all personal safety devices are in place and functioning properly. Safety harnesses, fall prevention equipment, and other items are among them.

Structural Checklist

Examine the following locations for any signs of a problem:

• Systems for air, electricity, pneumatics, and hydraulics
• Components that insulate
• Written instructions, posters, and warnings
• Locking pins and mechanical fasteners
• Wiring and cable
• Stabilizers and outriggers
• Guardrails
• Parts that are loose or missing

Maintenance of The Battery

For scissor lift owners, batteries are one of the most common and expensive issues. Batteries that have not been properly maintained may degrade over time and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. As a result, monitoring and maintaining batteries is vital to ensuring that they are fully charged and have acceptable water levels. These battery maintenance routines will help to get the most out of the battery:

• Clean the battery banks to get rid of any dirt or debris. Ensure that the batteries are kept dry and clean. Surface discharge may occur otherwise, resulting in shorter working durations between charges.
• Run a test to see how much current can be pulled. To check that each battery is performing to its recommended specifications, use a high-quality digital battery tester. ,li>Plug in the battery charger and perform a charge test. Check to see sure all of the batteries are charging properly and replace any that aren't. It will be unnecessary to exchange a rental item or replace the battery on site if each battery is in good working order.

For the inconvenience of easy monitoring and maintenance an advanced battery monitoring system can be employed. It evaluates the battery charge/usage of the machine remotely and offers diagnostic information on the battery and charger system. The proprietary algorithms are constantly learning about batteries and can predict when it's time to add water, a critical task that can be difficult to predict based on a variety of factors such as usage, ambient temperature, previous maintenance history, and other variables. On the machine controller, the system logs charge history and details, and a hardware module offers wireless connectivity and interactivity. When used in conjunction, system components provide real-time data such as accurate state-of-charge, battery depletion tracking, fluid level monitoring, and charging history. For machine owners and operators, having access to this level of battery data has various advantages, including increased uptime, lower maintenance and replacement costs, and time savings through faster, proactive monitoring.

Conclusion

A scissor lift is a piece of mechanical equipment that promotes or unloads items by using electric energy as a source of power. It is mostly utilized in high-altitude homework-related sectors and disciplines, such as enterprises, the chemical industry, municipal administration, electric power, and transportation. Selecting the right scissor lift should consider the different types, applications, and benefits.

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