Scissor Lifts: Components & Types

What is a Scissor Lift?

In order to raise workers and their tools to work heights, scissor lifts Hagerstown MD, a form of man lift, are often employed in the construction and facility maintenance industries.

Components of a Scissor Lift

A scissor lift's main pieces or components are as follows:

Platform

The platform of a scissor lift mechanism can be of many shapes, sizes, and materials. The working space that supports the weight of people or work items being lifted or lowered by the scissor lift is referred to as a platform, sometimes known as a lift table. Most vehicles used to transport personnel have a platform with guardrails surrounding it for fall safety. Platforms without rails are frequently used for lifting and lowering anything, both human and material. 

Legs

The fabricated metal struts known as "scissor legs," which join the platform to the base, are arranged in a crisscross pattern or pantograph design. The maximum operating height of the scissor lift mechanism depends on the length of each scissor leg or the number of scissor legs. Depending on the application, the scissor legs can be driven by a number of sources to constrict (draw closer together) and stretch, raising and lowering the platform.

Cylinders

A scissor lift mechanism typically has one to four compression or expansion cylinders linked to it. These cylinders can be filled with compressed air or hydraulic fluid, based on the specification and operating conditions (pneumatic pump system). By raising or lowering pressure through these cylinders connected to the scissor legs, the platform and legs are lifted or lowered.

Base 

The scissor lift mechanism is built on a sturdy footing composed of strong, rigid brackets. The rollers at the base of the scissor legs in the base are guided by tracks. These rollers ensure that the unit is lifted and lowered gradually and firmly together with strong base support. The shape and size of the scissor lift base will depend on the model and application.

Power Source 

Scissor Lifts Frederick MD can be powered by a variety of different power sources. These can range from standalone engines that run on various fuels to portable power packs. Which power source is best will depend on the scissor lift's working conditions.

Down Valve

The down valve is in charge of transferring hydraulic or compressed air back to the reservoir. The platform's drop speed is determined by the rate of this flow. The power supply is connected to the down valve, which regulates the rate of fall.

Flow Control Valve

The scissor lift's ascent or descent pace is controlled by the flow control valve, which regulates how rapidly fluid or compressed air leaves or returns to the reservoir cylinder.

Types of Scissor Lifts

Scissor Lifts using hydraulics

Both indoors and outdoors, hydraulic scissor lifts in Hagerstown MD can be run by compressed air or an electric motor. The hydraulic fluid is moved or drained from cylinder to cylinder, enabling the scissor lift to rise or fall as required. Hydraulic scissor lifts are useful for usage in infrastructure projects, building sites, and warehouses.

Scissor Lifts Powered by Diesel

Diesel scissor lifts are propelled by conventional diesel engines. Because they are loud and emit toxic exhaust fumes when in operation, they are less environmentally friendly than their electric counterparts. The best places to employ the diesel scissor lifts are on outdoor building projects, in well-ventilated interior spaces, and in places where engine noise won't distract or interfere with crucial worker communication.

Elevator Scissors Electric

Because they are powered by batteries rather than an internal combustion engine, electric scissor lifts in Frederick MD is less harmful to the environment. They are ideal for indoor usage because they don't produce exhaust pollutants or loud noises when they're operating. Compared to diesel scissor lifts, electric scissor lifts frequently feature smaller, more compact, and narrower platforms. Non-marking tires are typically utilized to prevent floor damage during operations since they operate indoors.

Conclusion

A Scissor lift is a very useful piece of heavy equipment that is important to perform tasks at elevated workstations. If you wish to rent good quality scissor lifts in Frederick MD or scissor lifts in Hagerstown MD at the most competitive rental prices, get in touch with Rent Equip.