When working at height, scissor lifts are among the most versatile and widely used equipment. These machines are a staple for contractors engaged in construction, maintenance, facility management, cleaning, and more. Scissor lifts offer a safe and efficient way to access areas at varying heights. And in most cases, is the preferred option compared to traditional scaffolding.
However, choosing the right scissor lift to rent or buy for your project is not as straightforward as it may seem. Many customers inadvertently rent scissor lifts that are either too tall, too short, or otherwise unsuitable, leading to unnecessary expenses and delays. To help you make the best decision, here are some essential tips for selecting the right scissor lift for your needs.
Looking to rent or buy scissor lifts in Malaysia? Contact Uptop Access today!
Tips For Choosing The Right Scissor Lift
1. Understand Your Working Height Requirements
The first step is determining your working height, which refers to the highest touchpoint your workers need to reach to complete their tasks. It’s important to differentiate this from the platform height, which is the maximum height the scissor lift’s platform can be elevated.
So what’s the difference? As workers will be standing on the scissor lift platform to complete their work, the effective reach height is beyond the rated platform height of the scissor lift. As a rule of thumb, the working height of a scissor lift is its platform height + 2 meters (or around 6 feet).
Most scissor lift brands will provide both working height and platform height information in their catalogues for easy reference. Below is a snippet from the Mantall XE-W Series Scissor Lifts catalogue:
For example, if your worker is required to reach 12m for maintenance work in a building, the Mantall XE120W with a platform height of 10m is sufficient for your work.
2. Consider The Working Environment And Choose the Right Power Source
Scissor lifts are available in two main power sources:
- Electric: Ideal for indoor use with solid and level ground. They are much quieter, have zero emissions, and are compact in size. They are also more readily available and affordable for rental or purchase. It is also important to take note of the power supply at worksites, as electric scissor lifts typically require overnight charging to ensure uninterrupted work during the day.
- Diesel: Best suited for outdoor applications, especially those requiring greater heights and the need to lift more than 2 workers at the same time. Diesel models tend to be equipped with rough terrain tyres and are suitable to operate on soft and uneven grounds. They are durable and capable of continuous operation with diesel top-ups, making them a reliable option for highly demanding tasks.
3. Assess The Scissor Lift Platform Capacity & Occupancy
Next, consider the load that the scissor lift platform needs to support. Most electric scissor lifts can hold two workers, though some higher-capacity models can accommodate three. The standard platform capacity of electric scissor lifts starts at around 227kg and varies depending on the model.
If you require to lift more workers on a single scissor lift platform, then diesel scissor lifts are the solution. They are designed for heavier loads and in most cases chosen for outdoor settings. Below is a snippet from the Genie Rough Terrain Diesel Scissor Lifts catalogue:
Referring to the catalogue above, the Genie GS-5390 RT has a platform capacity of 680kg and is rated to lift a maximum of 6 workers at a time.
4. Check The Scissor Lift’s Weight And Dimensions
The weight of the scissor lift is crucial, especially if the worksite’s ground bearing capacity is a concern. Small electric scissor lifts already weigh upwards of 1.2 tons, larger electric scissor lifts can go beyond 3 tons, and diesel scissor lifts are typically above 5 tons. Ensure that the flooring or surface at your worksite can support the scissor lift’s weight to avoid potential damage, such as cracked tiles or structural issues.
Additionally, confirm that the scissor lift’s dimensions can fit into your worksite’s access points, such as doors, corridors, cargo lifts or loading areas. Once on-site, verify that there is enough overhead clearance when the platform is raised.
Failure to account for these details may result in delays, additional costs or inability to complete the tasks.
In the Mantall catalogue above, you can easily refer to the full specifications of its scissor lifts including crucial information on machine weight and dimensions.
5. Choose The Right Scissor Lift Supplier
Selecting the right supplier is as crucial as choosing the right scissor lift. A reliable supplier ensures smooth operations, minimizes downtime, and offers expert guidance throughout your project. If you’re looking to rent or purchase scissor lifts in Malaysia, here’s what to consider when selecting a supplier, and why Uptop Access is the perfect choice:
Extensive Industry Experience
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Uptop Access has built a reputation as a trusted provider of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in Malaysia. This wealth of expertise allows us to recommend the perfect machine tailored to your specific project requirements.
At Uptop Access, we go beyond simply providing machinery – we deliver solutions. Whether you’re working in confined areas with limited access, have strict worksite safety, large quantity orders or any other requirements, we have the expertise and resources to recommend the best solutions. Our team’s experience allows us to anticipate potential issues and provide proactive guidance, ensuring your project stays on track.
Excellent Market Reputation
Our track record speaks for itself. Uptop Access is highly rated with a 4.8-star average on Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to service quality and customer satisfaction. On top of that, we’ve earned strong word-of-mouth recommendations from contractors and businesses who value our dependable service and good-condition machines.
Exceptional Service Quality
At Uptop Access, we prioritize reliability and customer support:
- Comprehensive Documentation: service reports, JKKP PMA renewals and minimum validity, all-risk insurance arrangements, and many more.
- Quick Response to Breakdowns: Our team ensures prompt attendance to minimize downtime, keeping your project on schedule.
- Operator Training: Safety is key, so we offer familiarization training to ensure your team operates the equipment confidently and correctly.
- Spare Parts Availability: As an established supplier, we maintain a ready stock of spare parts to address any maintenance needs swiftly. We are also the sole authorized distributor of Mantall machines in Malaysia, ensuring genuine spare parts and top-notch services.
When you choose Uptop Access as your supplier, you’re not just renting or buying a machine – you’re partnering with a team dedicated to your project’s success. With our experience, reputation, and commitment to excellence, you can be confident in achieving optimal results with minimal hassle.
Contact Uptop Access today to discuss your scissor lift requirements and let us help you take your project to new heights!