Editors' Picks

Scissor Lift Basics: Here is Everything You Need to Know

Working at height is no fun when you are not armed with the right tools and equipment. Thus, it’s almost mandatory to hire equipment Auckland. This gives you an array of different equipment that you can choose from to work on any project you have. However, as happens with any equipment hire, you must follow certain guidelines to ensure you get the right machinery for the job and the money. In this article, we answer the most pertinent questions that readers ask when they are searching for a top scissor lift hire Auckland residents trust. Read on to learn more.

Scissor Lift Basics: Here is Everything You Need to Know

What is a scissor lift?

Scissor lifts refer to carts propelled aerially by elongated crisscrossing metal. These invaluable machines enable construction and retail workers to reach elevated heights that they would not otherwise be able to reach. There are many types of scissor lifts and all of them are practical and come in a plethora of sizes, flexibility, ease of use, and terrain types. Far better than ladders concerning operational safety, free-standing lifts can save you a great deal of money when working on projects.

Where are they used?

These lifts are versatile equipment used for performing several different tasks. The machines are most commonly used for surveying, painting, temporary maintenance, and more. Although they appear to be a bit constricted vertically, scissor lifts have wheels that give users easy access when making intricate adjustments and moving from one place to another.

They are preferred to ladders, towers, and scaffolding because they are a safer alternative. They have some obvious advantages that include minimized injury risks, and less time needed to maneuver it. Provided you get it from a top scissor lift hire Auckland residents can expect the equipment to complete aerial tasks with minimal fuss.

What can scissor lifts do?

Before you set out to hire equipment Auckland folks should aspire to understand the performance capacities and capabilities of the machinery. Scissor lifts come in different types, and there are those for indoor and outdoor use.

Traditional diesel-powered scissor lifts are designed for outdoor use because they tend to leave tyre marks behind when used within. Also, they release harmful fumes into the environment that can cause breathing problems, especially in places with limited air circulation.

If you are looking for an alternative for indoor use, you will be best off with electrical types. These are clean and never leave tyre marks. It will roll out of the site after use as clean as it arrived. Depending on the model that you opt for, they can reach as many as 18 meters.

What are the most important site considerations that you should make when using a scissor lift?

Although scissor lifts beat other options in terms of safety, it is still important to understand their risks and how to get the most of the equipment onsite. Power lines, high winds, uneven grounds, and overload are a few of the dangers that come with operating scissor lifts. When choosing which equipment to rent and how best to prep your site, keep the following points in mind:

  • Will you use the lift inside or outside?
  • Does the area have enough circulation to cater for emissions?
  • Is the terrain rough and do you need a rough terrain?
  • What is the height that you need to reach?
  • How often will you be using the lift?
  • How many people or equipment will be lifted?

After answering these questions, you will easily know the scissor lift profile that you are looking for.

What are the different types of scissor lifts available?

When considering scissor lift hire Auckland dwellers need to understand all types of lifts available. These include diesel, hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, and rough terrain. Each of the types serves a different situation better.

Is a license necessary to operate a scissor lift?

Before you reach the point of operating a scissor lift, it is recommended to attain either a High-risk Work License or EWP Operator Ticket. The first one makes you qualified to work in heights below 11 meters with the second license covering works whose heights exceed 11 meters.

What are the crucial inspections to do before starting to use a scissor lift?

  • Check for obstacles 

It’s important to assess the job area for potential dangers that could cause the lift to be stuck or damage it altogether. Operators will always look for obstacles like soft fill, drop-offs, holes, bumps, debris, and ditches.

  • Inspect the worksite for overhead hazards

These can prevent your scissor lift from getting to the height it requires. Hazards like power lines can be deadly as they can cause electrocution or injury to people working on the platform. That’s why it is critical to inspect the site for these overhead hazards. Adjust the positioning of the lift concerning these hazards.

  • Ensure battery is charged

Where you have opted to hire an electric scissor lift, it is critical that the battery is of full charge to take you to your desired height and back. Before you start to operate the machinery, check the battery level to ascertain that it is full. Only after that can you proceed to use the lift. Also, if the charging system of the battery is connected to an outer power source, you will need to have it disconnected before you start using it.

  • Inspect components and controls

Last but not the least, take a closer look at the controls of the lifts to be sure they are working like clockwork. Also, you should review the different components of the scissor lift, checking for any damage that could affect its safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

It is a massive undertaking to hire equipment Auckland. For that reason, you need to do your due diligence to ensure that you get the right tool. To help you do that, we have answered the most pertinent questions that readers ask about scissor lift hire Auckland.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.