Scissor lift
Scissor lifts are a type of aerial work platform (AWP) or mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), used to provide temporary access at height. They are commonly used for temporary maintenance purposes and to undertake construction work. Charles Larson, of the USA, first patented the scissor lift in 1963, but he did not invent it. It was invented by John W Parker of California.
Unlike some other types of elevated platform, scissor lift platforms can only move vertically, elevated by linked, folding supports in an ‘X’ pattern, known as a pantograph. Pressure is applied to the external side of the lowest set of supports, which elongates the criss-crossing supports and raises the platform.
Scissor lifts are usually diesel-powered. The platform be lowered without using the power system, by releasing the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.
As there are inherent limits in only being able to move vertically, the platform may be fitted with a section that extends outwards to allow closer access to the required work area.
They are typically fitted with wheels allowing them to be relocated.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Cherry picker.
- Construction plant.
- Construction tools.
- Forklift truck.
- Hoist.
- Lift table.
- Lifting device.
- Lifting platform.
- Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
- Post lift.
- Scaffolding.
- Stacker.
- Types of crane.
- Work at height.
- Working platform.
- Working platforms for tracked plant: good practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working platforms.
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.