Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are platforms that use a scissor-like mechanism to raise and lower the device. Typically, this type of material handling equipment moves only in the vertical plane. The mechanism for raising and lowering scissor lifts employs linked, folding supports in a criss-crossed or X-shaped pattern. Upward motion is achieved by applying pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the platform vertically. Product specifications for scissor lifts include stroke, length, width, and capacity. Stroke is the difference between the device’s fully-lowered and fully-raised lift positions. Length is the lift platform's longest dimension. Width is the lift’s narrowest dimension. Capacity is the maximum force or load supported by the scissor lift. 

There are many different types of scissor lifts. Choices include containers, dock lifts, pallet trucks, personnel lifts, table lifts, and vehicle lifts. Containers or utility carts are round or rectangular devices that wheels. They are used for general-purpose applications or bulk material transport. Dock lifts are scissor lifts that raise and lower loads of material or personnel on loading docks. Pallet trucks or pallet jacks are carts or trucks with forks for engaging pallet slots. Personnel lifts are used to raise and lower personnel to heights where they can store materials or perform other tasks. Table lifts are used to raise and position workpieces for ergonomic access. Typically, these scissor lifts are used for material or load positioning, or lifting operations. Vehicle lifts or service lifts raise and lower vehicles for service, assembly, or storage purposes. 

Scissor lifts are used most commonly as lift tables and personnel lifts. They can also be built into pallet jacks. Lift tables are used within industrial environments for lifting and positioning loads. Personnel lifts belong to a larger family of equipment called aerial lifts. Other types of aerial lifts include manlifts, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP), cherry pickers, and bucket trucks. With scissor lifts, however, the name of the mechanical device that performs the lifting resembles a pair of scissors. Personnel lifts may have narrow-access capabilities, a slide-out platform extension, and quiet electric drives. Scissors lifts for lifting personnel may be designated as rough-terrain models and have working heights up to 60 ft.

• Using Special Scissor Lift to Install Fuel Tank Saves Time
  Scissor lifts solution meets customer challenge. The number of miles an airliner can travel without a major re-design of the airframe was increased using an auxiliary fuel tank. This tank can be...
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• Pipe Casting Case Study
  A leading distributor had a customer in the pipe casting industry that utilized several units of material handling equipment. Several scissor lifts had been incorporated into their production facility...
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• American Lifts Help Indianapolis Motor Speedway Raise Winners to New Heights
  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) put American Lifts to the test requesting a "New Winner's Circle Lift" that could not only lift the winning car, driver, team and sponsors eight feet above the...
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Part Numbers for Scissor Lifts