What is the Difference between a Scissor Lift and a Boom Lift?

Apr 7
02:00

2022

Georgie Hawthorne

Georgie Hawthorne

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A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform that has two sets of fixed arms, usually on opposite sides of the machine. These fixed arms are called "scissors”. A scissor lift can be used to extend high above the ground, which makes it ideal for jobs where workers need to get close to structures or objects that are difficult to reach by ladder.

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A boom lift is also an aerial work platform with two sets of fixed arms,What is the Difference between a Scissor Lift and a Boom Lift? Articles but instead of scissors they are called "booms”. The booms can rotate 360 degrees and give operators access around obstacles in order to complete tasks like trimming tree branches or checking out hard-to-reach areas.

 

There are specific elevated work platform training courses such as training for the elevated work platform license in Melbourne, that provide operators of this type of heavy vehicle the required knowledge and know-how on how to properly use the machinery, which help them minimise accidents and hazardous situations.

 

Scissor lifts are more versatile than boom lifts because they can reach higher levels as well as go into tighter spaces like warehouses.

Scissor lifts are generally used for more construction-type work, while boom lifts are generally used for more industrial type tasks. Scissor lifts are usually used for lighter duty work such as painting, cleaning and moving objects from one place to another inside a building.

 

Scissor lifts can raise the platform up to 60 feet in the air. When you are working on a high rise building or something of that nature, then scissor lifts will be necessary. Boom lifts are often used for more industrial type work, allowing employees to safely access high areas of factories or warehouses without having to climb ladders or use scaffolding.

 

Operating a scissor lift is different than operating a boom lift, and for this special scissor lift training in Melbourne may be necessary. When you are using a scissor lift, the platform is raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders that are attached to tracks on both sides of the unit. On a boom lift, there is one cylinder in the front or back that provides all the power for raising and lowering the arm. Booms lifts can rotate 360 degrees so they will not be confined to having access only from one side when working inside large buildings such as factories or warehouses.

 

Scissor lifts have five outriggers which extend outward when it comes time to set up your work area; this creates stability at its elevated height during use. Boom Lifts require only two outrigger jacks (one located behind and one located ahead) which help to stabilize the unit while in use.

 

Scissor lifts will usually take up less space when storing them after work hours compared to a boom lift because they fold down into a smaller footprint for easier transport via trailer & truck bed (for larger units). If you are looking to save money on energy bills, scissor lifts are known to use around 15% - 25% less electricity than boom lifts. However, if your business is centred around large objects like steel beams or construction equipment, then you might want to opt for the more precise control of vertical movement that only comes with using booms; this makes it great for manoeuvring in tight spaces.

 

Boom lifts are usually used for heavier duty work such as construction projects and lifting heavy objects such as vehicles or parts.

To operate a boom lift, you must be able to safely use your hands which means not everyone is physically capable of operating one. A scissor lift, on the other hand, can easily be operated by most anyone who has passed their driving test and with some minor training (usually less than a day's worth), even those without prior experience are often up-and-running in no time at all. This makes it great for smaller tasks that will require frequent switching between users, like painting or window cleaning.

 

Scissor lifts also have an advantage when covering uneven terrain as they are more compact so they don't need large spaces. Lastly, if your business involves moving around frequently during working hours then you might need to get a scissor lift as they are easier to transport and set up.

 

The price of these heavy vehicles will depend greatly on the manufacturer, but typically scissor lifts are less expensive.

 

Scissor Lifts vs Boom Lift Comparison Chart

  • Scissor lift is more compact and lighter in weight compared to a boom lift which makes it easier to transport between worksites.
  • A scissor lift can often go where other vehicles cannot fit due to its small size, like confined spaces or around obstacles.
  • Booms usually have an inside radius of 20 feet (for example) while scissor lifts generally range from 12' – 23'. This means the booms offer greater outreach/working height options for industrial applications at roughly half the cost of similar sized hydraulic platforms with comparable reach heights; ideal for working over machinery or in tight spaces.
  • The maximum outreach on a scissor lift is 23' compared to the 40' reach height on some of the larger booms, making it perfect for working around obstacles and confined areas while still offering generous headroom inside of buildings.
  • A boom can extend up to about 53', which allows you to access higher ceilings than most other types of lifts. This makes them ideal for maintenance work on equipment that sits above ground level like HVAC units, antennas, water towers and more.
  • Scissors are great at getting into smaller places where traditional cranes would not be able to fit; things like scaffolding or full-size ladders often make these difficult areas inaccessible when using heavy trucks.

 

As you can see there is a big difference between scissor lifts and boom lifts. You should know which one will be most suitable for your application before purchasing either type of aerial platform equipment so that you don't get stuck with something that doesn't meet your needs later on down the line. Knowing what kind of work you will be using this piece of machinery for will also help guide you towards finding the perfect fit because not all types of equipment are made alike.