How does a scissor lift work

In many scenarios, we frequently use scissor lifts. As regular users, it's often challenging for us to fully understand the working principles behind scissor lifts. However, for scissor lift dealers, distributors, and service personnel, it is crucial to comprehend how a scissor lift operates. As a professional scissor lift manufacturer from China, we would like to share some insights from this perspective.

1. What is a scissor lift?

How does a scissor lift work? First of all, we need to know what is a scissor lift.

There are 2 kinds of scissor lift, stationary scissor lift and mobile scissor lift, both of them is made up with scissor structure, chassis and platform. The scissor structure makes sure that the lift will be  stable and durable.

The stationary scissor lift usually is used to transport heavy goods to another floor, like a cargo lift. It is a customized product, color, size, load capacity, lifting height, voltage and etc...All can be customized according to your requirement.  

The mobile scissor lift is divided into towable scissor lift and self propelled scissor lift, it has 4 wheels so you can move it or drive it easily. The towable mobile scissor lift can only be towed to move, but you can drive the self propelled scissor lift to move it. This model is used for aerial work, such as ceiling maintenance, window cleaning, building house, etc...This is a standard product with standard height like 4m 6m 8m 10m 12m 14m 16m 18m scissor lift. The size and power are also standard, but we TUHE also accept OEM and ODM production.

2. How does a scissor lift work?

No matter stationary scissor lift, or mobile scissor lift, their working principle is hydraulic system. So how does a scissor lift work exactly?

a. The main parts of hydraulic system is the pump and cylinder, and the power can be AC electric wires or DC battery.

b. When the scissor lift is connected with the power source and when you push the working button, the control box will receive a signal and it will tell the pump to send oil to the hydraulic cylinder through the oil tube.

c. When the hydraulic oil gets into the cylinder, it will push the internal cylinder out, then this internal cylinder will push the scissor structure move, and the lift will go up.

d. For going down, the hydraulic oil will go back to the oil tank from the cylinder, the internal cylinder will also get back and drive the scissor structure together go down.

3. How to maintain a scissor lift?

After you understand how does a scissor lift work, maybe you would like to know how to maintain a scissor lift. The scissor lift is also a machine, the “fuel” is the hydraulic oil, but this oil is not a consumable, it will get back to the oil tank when a scissor lift goes down, so you don’t need add hydraulic oil often, you just need to check if the oil is clean and pure regularly. And you need to check if the lubricating oil is OK.

Maintaining a scissor lift is crucial to ensure its safe and efficient operation. Here are some maintenance tips for scissor lifts:

Regular Inspections: Conduct routine visual inspections of the scissor lift before each use. Check for any signs of damage, leaks, loose bolts, or worn-out components. Pay attention to the hydraulic system, electrical components, platform, guardrails, and tires.

Hydraulic Oil Check: While hydraulic oil is not consumed in the same way as fuel, it's essential to regularly check the hydraulic oil level and quality. Ensure the oil is at the recommended level and is clean without contaminants. Dirty or contaminated oil can affect the lift's performance and cause damage to the system.

Lubrication Maintenance: Lubricate moving parts and components as per the manufacturer's recommendations. This includes lubricating the scissor arms, pivot points, hinges, and other mechanical parts. Proper lubrication reduces friction, extends component life, and ensures smooth operation.

Battery Maintenance: If the scissor lift is battery-powered, maintain the batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check the battery charge level, clean terminals, and keep them properly charged to avoid downtime.

Inspect Electrical Components: Check the wiring, controls, switches, and connectors for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Faulty electrical components can lead to operational issues or safety hazards.

Tire Inspection: Examine the condition of tires or tracks regularly. Ensure proper inflation, and replace any damaged or worn-out tires to maintain stability and maneuverability.

Safety System Testing: Regularly test safety features such as emergency stop buttons, limit switches, and overload protection mechanisms to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Operator Training and Usage: Ensure that operators are adequately trained in the safe operation of the scissor lift. Encourage them to adhere to manufacturer guidelines and avoid overloading or using the lift beyond its rated capacity.

Scheduled Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This may include periodic servicing, inspections, and component replacements. Keep comprehensive maintenance records for the scissor lift.

Professional Service: If there are any issues or concerns beyond routine maintenance, contact qualified technicians or service personnel to address them promptly.

By following these maintenance practices, you can prolong the lifespan of the scissor lift, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and ensure a safe working environment for operators and users.

If you purchase our scissor lift, we have detailed maintenance instructions and you can follow the instructions.

4. How much does a scissor lift cost?

Now you know how does a scissor lift work and how to maintain a scissor lift, you may have interest to know how much does a scissor lift cost.

The stationary scissor lift is a customized product, platform size, load capacity, lifting height and other customized items will influence the price, so its price is flexible, from hundreds of US dollars to tens of thousands of US dollars.

The mobile scissor lift is standard product, so the price is relatively stable. If you don’t need to add extra function, the basic price of towable scissor lift is from 1000+ US dollars to 6000+ US dollars. And the self propelled scissor lift is a little more expensive, because you can drive it to move at any height, the basic price is from 5000+ USD dollars to 10000+ US dollars.

Understanding the functioning of the hydraulic system in a scissor lift is essential for operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel. This knowledge allows for proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure the lift's safe and efficient performance.