Classifications of Scissor Lifts & Aerial Lift Platforms
Scissor lifts are made of a series of crisscrossed steel arms, linked up to make an X pattern. When the crisscrossed arms are extended, the platform is raised vertically. There are support railings along the edges of the lifting apparatus in order to keep the workers safe and help to secure their tools.
The scissor lift has a low profile, best suited for smooth surfaces like pavement, hard dirt surfaces and concrete. These equipment utilize either a combustion engine or electric motor in order to power the lifting apparatus and move the lift. The operator should move the lift itself if she or he needs to travel horizontally, since the lift apparatus just operates the lift in a vertical manner.
Rough Terrain Scissor Lift
The standard scissor lift and the rough terrain scissor lift use the same lifting technology. The main difference is that the rough terrain models feature a different base which is particularly designed for surfaces which are not even. These models also provide higher ground clearance and oversized all terrain tires. The rough terrain scissor lifts use 4-wheel drive in order to easily navigate through muddy and difficult terrain.
Telescopic Boom Lift
The telescopic boom lift uses a telescoping beam that raises both diagonally and vertically. This specific model has a small work platform that houses controls to be able to control the boom. The controls function with a combustion engine in order to power the hydraulics that power the boom and move the lift. The telescopic boom lift is an independent lift model and has off-road capable tires.
Articulating Boom Lift
The articulating boom lift features 2 telescopic booms which are connected with a moving elbow mechanism. This lifting equipment has a small work platform or a bucket which is equipped with hand controls in order to control the boom. These are stand-alone lifts that are powered by a combustion engine. Articulating boom lifts are available with either off-road or hard surface tires. These lifts are designed to be able to reach over top of and on top of buildings.
Aerial Mast Lift
To be able to lift a work platform vertically into the air, the aerial mast lift utilizes a telescopic mast. The lift is normally powered pneumatically or electrically and are self-propelled models. These machinery offer an ideal solution for working in high racks in narrow warehouse aisles. It is essential to keep in mind that aerial mast lifts are not recommended for off-road application and are limited to vertical movement.