Scissor Lift Tables get their name from the shape of the scissor mechanism under the work platform, but the industry term for them is a ‘MEWP’ or Mobile Elevated Work Platform. They are an incredibly versatile tool that can serve in many applications. If you are considering investing in one, it’s worthwhile to look at how this powerful tool can benefit you! So, what is a scissor lift table? Well, you can use it to reach materials or objects at a height or lifting loads and heavy goods. It can help protect your back during the safe movement of bulky or heavy items. Musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly affecting workers and scissor lifts can help prevent these by re-positioning work at suitable heights for workers. This can help reduce accidents in the workplace!
Applications & common uses
Smaller scissor lift tables are ideal for transporting products being worked on in a factory or warehouse. Its adjustable work platform can also double up as a table for quick maintenance work! Overall, scissor lifts can be customised and adapted for virtually any application, as handrails, conveyors and gates can easily be added to the platform. Here are a few common applications for the scissor lift table:
- Commercial premises maintenance, such as changing lights, adding decorations or sale signs
- Warehouse or stock room work such as accessing high shelves, lifting bulky items to be stored, pallet and roll cage handling, vehicle loading and dock operations
- Industrial applications such as fixing and mounting product parts, carrying heavy items, materials, load & work positioning
- Building maintenance such as window and gutter cleaning, roof inspection and tree-trimming – read our blog on Roof Maintenance for additional information!
- Workshop usage work such as furniture upholstery, woodworking, metalwork, publishing and surprisingly, dog grooming!
- Scissor lifts can also aid mobility as a wheelchair lift to assist in raising and lowering mobility impaired persons
Why it’s worth considering
Security and speed is what you can expect when purchasing a scissor lift table. Falls from ladders are at a higher risk, whereas scissor lifts have a supported platform that will not move unless you want it to. Scissor Lifts can offer more security than other climbing equipment. Scaffolding and towers are another option, but it takes time to set them up. Thus, a scissor lift is ideal for work that needs to be quickly set up and carried out. Simply climb onto the deck, lift yourself up and there you go! A quick and simple work platform. Even while working on a scissor lift table, always stay safe! Wearing a harness is always a good idea when working at height. Read our blog here on Work at Height for more information.
Anatomy of a Scissor Lift Table
Scissor Lift Tables have an straightforward design that, after a bit of training, anyone could operate! Here is a quick video on how to use a Scissor Lift Table:
- The platform or table is where products can be lifted. It is available in several sizes and can be manufactured in different materials. For example, food handling or pharmaceutical applications might require stainless steel worktops. It is also available in a U structure, which allows hand pallet trucks to introduce goods. Some platforms are fitted with anti-crush protections to prevent injuries.
- The base or bottom of the structure is what rests on the floor or what supports the scissor structure. It contains a track that allows the scissor legs to travel in.
- Scissor legs are the vertical parts that allow the table to change height. They can be single or double, depending on what height elevation is required.
- Hydraulic cylinders, which allow the table to be raised or lowered when hydraulic fluid is forced in or out of the cylinders. This can be done manually with a foot pump or with an electric motor. The table is then lowered using either a hand-operated release control or electrically.
Types of Scissor Lift Tables
There are so many different types of scissor lifts that can fit any budget and application. Some main features to look out for are these:
| Mobile Scissor Lift Table | Static Heavy Duty Scissor Lift Table |
| H340 – 900 x W500 x L850mm | W1350 – 2000 x D800 – 1000mm |
| 500kg | 500kg – 4000kg |
| Single Scissor Lift Table | Double Scissor Lift Table |
| H225 – 740 x W450 x L800mm | H348 – 1300 x W500 x L980mm |
| 150kg | 350kg |
| Manual Scissor Lift Table | Motorised Scissor Lift Table |
| H440 – 1000 x W600 x L950mm | W1300 – 1800 x D800 – 1000mm |
| 300kg | 500kg – 2000kg |
What to ask yourself when choosing
When choosing a scissor lift, ask yourself these questions to help determine what you need to consider before buying!
- What will be lifted? What is the maximum weight of products being lifted? Is the weight evenly distributed? How high does the product need to be lifted?
- What will be the application? Will food or chemicals be handled? Is a forklift going to be used to handle the products? Will be operated manually or with a motor? What is the power available? Will workers mount the platform?
- How will the scissor lift table operate? How often will the scissor lift be used per day? Does the lift need to be portable?
- What safety features will you need? Will a toe guard be needed? Does the platform need anti-slip and anti-trip features?
Maintenance is key
Misapplication, misuse, or lack of maintenance causes the most common accidents around scissor lifts. Make sure someone competent can regularly maintain your scissor lifts and carry risk assessments. Train the operators to ensure that scissor lifts can add more safety and more utility to the workplace!
Selecting a scissor lift can be a confusing affair when your requirements are diverse. Chat with us for more information and for quantity orders. We offer free delivery to UK Mainland and most of our scissor lift tables can be delivered on the next day for an additional charge! View our entire range of products at Trucks & Trolleys Direct2U.
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Great article about Scissor Lift Table and its different types! I found it very interesting that how technology is helping us in safe movement of bulky or heavy items. I am using a motorized scissor lift table in my warehouse.
We’re glad you enjoyed our article and that you found it an interesting read! Our aim is always to write detailed articles that help inform our customer’s so that they can make the right choice for their needs.