From construction to maintenance and warehousing, scissor lifts enable crews to work safely at heights without the hassle of building scaffolding. These versatile mobile elevated work platforms come in a variety of sizes and models. When planning your next project, don’t overlook the total amount of scissor lift weight you’re dealing with.
It’s important to understand how much the lift will weigh, so you can plan for adequate transportation and ensure everyone’s safety. This quick guide to understanding scissor lift weight ranges will help.
How Much Does a Scissor Lift Weigh?
The quick answer is that it depends. In general, scissor lifts can weigh approximately 1,600 pounds to 17,000 pounds (726 kg to 7,711 kg). The weight depends on the lift’s size and whether the lift is a compact electric scissor lift, an electric scissor lift or a rough terrain scissor lift.
Why Is the Weight of a Scissor Lift Important?
You may be wondering, “If I can reach the right height, navigate my project site with ease, and the cost of a scissor lift fits within my budget, why should I care how much a scissor lift weighs?”
Consider the following three reasons why knowing the overall weight of the machine is important as you consider renting a scissor lift.
1. Weight Affects Towing and Transportation Requirements
If you move equipment from site to site, knowing how much a scissor lift weighs is critical to keeping projects on schedule. Imagine underestimating the weight of your scissor lift and not having enough towing capacity to get the lift safely to the project site. The delays, and potential damage to your truck and trailer, could be costly. Knowing how much the scissor lift weighs will help you plan accordingly, especially for construction projects.
2. Heavy Lifts May Cause Damage to Surfaces
When choosing a scissor lift, you need to consider the flooring or terrain it will be used on. For example, let’s say you’re renovating the ceiling of an old building with delicate floors. The combined weight of equipment, materials and workers must stay below the maximum weight capacity of the flooring. Using an electric scissor lift that’s too heavy could damage the floor or other structures causing costly delays, injuries or rework.
3. Machine Weight Can Indicate Load Capacity and Reach
Lastly, having a basic understanding of scissor lift weight ranges can help you quickly narrow down which models are right for your project. Smaller, lightweight scissor lifts typically have smaller load capacities and shorter vertical reach than heavier lifts. Likewise, the heaviest rough terrain scissor lifts can typically lift the heaviest loads to the highest work areas, perfect for projects like bridge repairs.
5 Reminders About Scissor Lift Weight
As you search for the right scissor lift rental for your project, be sure to keep the following key points in mind as it relates to the lift’s weight.
1. Weight Is Different Than Lifting Capacity
The weight of a scissor lift is not to be confused with its load capacity or lifting capacity.
- The term scissor lift weight refers to the total weight of the entire machine when the platform is empty.
- The terms load capacity, lifting capacity or platform capacity refer to how much weight the work platform can safely lift. Add up the total weight of workers, materials and tools that will be on the work platform, and make sure it always remains below the maximum load capacity.
2. How to Find the Weight of a Scissor Lift
Check the scissor lift’s equipment specifications (or spec sheet) to identify the weight of a certain model. Also, be sure to read the user’s manual and consult your rental equipment provider to better understand safety guidelines and which scissor lift will meet your needs.
3. Lightweight Scissor Lifts Are Best for Narrow, Indoor Spaces
Electric scissor lifts, especially compact electric scissor lifts, will almost always be the lightest type of scissor lift. This is because they are designed to be used by only one or two people in narrow, indoor spaces for lighter weight tasks at lower heights. Because they’re electric, they are quiet and do not produce dangerous emissions.
4. Outdoor Projects Often Need the Heaviest Scissor Lifts
Rough terrain scissor lifts are designed to lift heavy loads to great heights on uneven, outdoor surfaces without tipping over. To do this, they are the heaviest of all scissor lifts. Their weight helps keep the machine stable while the platform is extended in outdoor conditions.
- Safety Alert! Scissor lifts, including rough terrain lifts, should only be used when weather conditions are calm. Wind gusts can tip over an extended scissor lift. Learn more about OSHA’s recommendations for ensuring scissor lift stability with the OSHA Scissor Lift eTool.
5. Average Weights of Common Scissor Lift Sizes
No matter what type it is, the higher a scissor lift can reach, the heavier it will weigh. Naturally, this is due in large part to the scissor lift having more legs (the X-shaped mechanisms that lift the platform). Additionally, the base of the lift will also be heavier. The higher the platform goes, the heavier the base needs to be to keep it from tipping over.
Scissor Lift Weight Ranges by Lift Height:
- 19 feet: 2,580 – 2,690 lbs.
- 26 feet: 4,190 – 7,295 lbs.
- 32 feet: 4,975 – 5,185 lbs.
- 40–45 feet: 7,185 – 11,684 lbs.
- 50–53 feet: ~17,000 lbs. and more
Find the Right Scissor Lift with Herc Rentals
When a project calls for a scissor lift to take your project to new heights, call on the equipment experts at Herc Rentals. We’ll help you find the right high-quality compact electric, electric or rough terrain scissor lift from leading manufacturers.
Don’t have the towing capacity for the scissor lift you need? We’ll coordinate delivery of the scissor lift to and from your project sites, freeing your teams to focus on what they do best. Plus, our meticulously maintained scissor lifts rentals save you the hassles and costs that come with equipment ownership.
Explore our broad selection of aerial solutions, including scissor lifts, or call us at 888-777-2700 to discuss options with an expert today.
