How do Scissor Lifts work?

 Maintaining a building's exteriors or lifting goods to significant heights in industries is a daunting task. In this endeavor, aerial work platforms such as Scissor Lifts are making life easier for all. They have varied uses in businesses and industries. Scissor Lifts increase productivity, save money, and improve safety at the workplace. We have discussed Scissor Lifts in our blog on construction site safety. In this blog, we will explore the type, components, and working of Scissor Lifts.

What are Scissor Lifts

Scissor Lifts are elevated aerial work platforms that help inthe vertical lifting of goods and people in warehouses, factories, etc. They protect employees from the dangers of using scaffolding by providing freedom of movement. Their use in outdoor maintenance and construction work is also well known. Scissor lifts are of varying sizes and capacities. They are also called mobile, elevated work platforms (MEWP).

Scissor Lifts are especially useful in tight and narrow spaces where there is restricted access. They are compact, easy to operate, flexible, and reduce workspace injuries to workers.

Types of Scissor Lifts

There are different types of Scissor Lifts based on their application in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. They are Hydraulic, diesel-powered, electric, rough terrain, and pneumatic Scissor Lifts.

Figure 1: Types of Scissor Lifts

Electric Scissor Lifts have a longer runtime and can operate in a quiet environment. They are smaller, less bulky, and are environmentally friendly. Engine-powered Scissor lifts have larger platforms and increased lift capacities. They can lift and carry cargo and many people on their platforms.

Components of Scissor Lifts

Scissor Lifts have many components which enhance their working. We need to know the parts of the Scissor Lifts before understanding its working.

Figure 2: SCISSOR LIFT

Parts of a Scissor Lift

1. Platform / Lift Table

It is the place where people stand or where products are placed. It comes in different sizes and dimensions. Guardrails are included for transporting people. It has optional parts such as a ramp, anti-skid plate, etc.

2. Base

It is the foundation of the lift which is ridged metal. It rests on the floor and has tracks to guide rollers on the bottom of the scissor legs. A strong base ensures steady raising and lowering of the lift. It can be customized to work at different heights.

3. Scissor Legs

Vertical members that allow the platform to change elevation. Scissor legs extend from the base of the lift platform. They are in pantograph or criss-cross pattern.

4. Cylinder

Typically one to four in number. Contents of the cylinders are based on the type of scissor lift. Responsible for giving power to the table and allowing the lift table to descend and rise.

5. Power source

It can be an electric motor or, remote power pack. A scissor lift can also be powered pneumatically by a high-pressure industrial air compressor.

The other components of a scissor lift include valves such as:

The down valve controls the flow of compressed air or hydraulic liquid in its container. It ensures that the scissor lift does not descend rapidly.

The Flow control valve handles the speed of the descent of the platform of the scissor lift. It controls the swiftness with which the compressed air or fluid leaves the cylinder.

NIHVA provides customized scissor lifts with robust construction that are durable and have a long service life.

Now that we know the different parts of a scissor lift- let's focus on the working of a scissor lift.

• How does a Scissor Lift work?

The standard operating procedure of a Scissor Lift has to be studied by an operator before using it. Before operating a Scissor Lift, there is a pre-start preparation check. The area near the Scissor Lift has to be closed for movement. Any obstacles or overhead cables near the lift platform need removal. The Scissor Lift is operated with a control panel to raise or lower the lift table platform.

• Raising the Lift Table Platform

The lift cylinders are filled with hydraulic fluid or compressed air that pushes the cylinder outwards. It causes the scissor legs to thrust apart, and the lift table platform rises. The lift table platform remains high because of the control of the fluid in the cylinder, checked by a valve. Having an appropriate motor horsepower and voltage can increase the speed of the lift, which depends on the load capacities of each scissor lift.

• Lowering the Lift Table Platform

The lowering of the lift table platform occurs after releasing the air pressure or fluid in the cylinder of the scissor lift. It is done by using a down valve that is usually closed unless the electronic solenoid is activated. It is a safety feature that prevents the scissor lift from descending suddenly in case of power failure. The flow control valve of a scissor lift controls the descent of a scissor lift steadily.

Moving parts need to be of the best quality to provide reliable performance for heavy-duty applications. With years of experience and guaranteed quality and service, NIHVA is the right partner for advising and supplying scissor lifts as per your requirements.

Conclusion

Scissor Lifts are the ideal equipment for working at heights either indoors or outdoors. They provide a safe and efficient option for companies where the work occurs at a high location. They provide ergonomic benefits to the operators in industries. NIHVA provides Scissor Lifts to its customers with the latest safety and quality features. From tailor-made scissor lifts to successful commissioning, NIHVA is your best bet for the best quality scissor lifts at competitive prices.