Scissor Lifts

Tips for Buying a Scissor Lift

Scissor lifts are a fantastic piece of equipment for working at heights. Your business can use this piece to both hold people for delicate work or lift heavy loads vertically. However, picking the right scissor lift can become complicated quickly.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Scissor Lift?

Standard 30-foot to 40-foot scissor lifts cost between $25,000 to $75,000. Larger or heavier-duty models will cost more. Even buying a used scissor lift will still cost at least $20,000.

How High Do Scissor Lifts Reach?

Scissor lifts have height ranges, though the most typical is 32-feet to 40-feet. The wider range is anywhere from 20-feet up to 50-feet. In contrast, boom lifts can reach more than 100 feet.

Considerations for Choosing Your Scissor Lift

Mobility

Every job site for your company is unique, as are your facilities. A scissor lift needs to navigate all of these. Therefore, finding one that exceeds your mobility requirements is essential, since what your company needs may change over time.

Safety Accessories

Even though scissor lifts don’t go as high as other machines, you still need to consider safety and fall risk mitigation. Read through the owner’s manual to learn what’s built into the device and ensure you take any other reasonable precautions.

Measurements

Measurements help you determine if what you’re looking at actually meets your needs. From lift height to the work space to turn radius, measurements can tell you a lot. Additionally, consider bringing a tape measure with you when shopping. That will help you confirm the lift will work in the necessary spaces.

New or Used?

New scissor lifts are expensive. However, the equipment has no history on it and no chance of lousy maintenance practices. New is often a reliable choice if you expect to use this equipment continuously for years since there is no starting wear and tear.

Used scissor lifts are less expensive than new ones are, though it will still set you back. You’ll need to inspect the lift, check the odometer, and examine the service history before committing to a used piece of equipment. These items supply a snapshot and may help you identify future problems.

Questions

You should always be able to ask questions about scissor lifts, and your equipment dealer should be committed to answering every single one. If a dealer representative starts dodging questions, especially about a used piece of equipment, that machine may not be the one you want.