Looking to rent a scissor lift for your industrial or manufacturing application? Whether for a warehouse, port, factory or construction site, scissor lifts are useful equipment when it comes to ensuring safety while working at height.

However, all scissor lifts are not created equal. With the many different kinds of scissor lifts available on the market for hire, choosing the best machine for your particular job can be quite overwhelming. Nonetheless, it is important that you select the right machine to ensure your project needs are met.

Generally, you will need to make a choice from four main types of scissor lifts. There are hydraulic, electrical, diesel and pneumatic lifts. 

Read along to learn more about each of these scissor lift types.

Hydraulic Scissor Lifts 

Powered by hydraulic oil, the hydraulic scissor lift is by far the most common type of scissor lift found. This is primarily owing to the fact that it is the easiest to operate compared to other scissor lift types. This kind of lift requires minimal operator effort to manipulate.

Plus, this type of scissor lift is quite powerful, as it can lift a great amount of weight. 

Diesel Scissor Lifts

For industrial lifting applications where a great amount of power is needed, diesel-powered scissor lifts are an excellent choice. These scissor lifts have a higher load capacity than other types of scissor lifts. They also provide better traction, which is vital for ensuring safety at outdoor worksites. 

The major drawback of diesel scissor lifts is that they are not ideal for indoor worksites. This is due to the fact that they produce harmful carbon emissions into the air. 

Electric Scissor Lifts

An electric scissor lift is a perfect choice for indoor applications where quiet and emission-free lift operation is desired. However, the work platform sizes and load capacities of electrically-powered lifts are generally smaller than that of their diesel cousins. 

The electricity used to run electric scissor lifts can be from a direct power outlet or a battery. Owing to their compact size and advanced operating controls, electric lifts are quite easy to manoeuvre even in tight spaces.

Pneumatic Scissor Lifts

These scissor lifts use air pressure as a lift mechanism. Like their electric counterparts, they don't release toxic fumes into the surrounding air. Compared to other types of scissor lifts, pneumatic lifts are the most expensive. However, they are the most economical because they only require atmospheric air to run.

Plus, they require the least maintenance owing to the fact that they have fewer running components. 

So, which type of scissor lift is right for your project? Scissor lifts vary in design and application. Power supply is just one of the many important things to consider when selecting a scissor lift for your job. Other important considerations include the weight of the materials or objects you want to lift, maximum reach height of the lift, how many people the lift's platform can hold and the loading method. If you need help with selecting the best scissor lift for your job, consult an expert.