Hiring a scissor lift might seem like a run-of-the-mill thing to do, but there are some factors you need to consider before you reach out to a hire company.
In this article, we’ll run through a few of the things you should know before you contact someone about scissor lift hire in Melbourne. Doing a bit of prep work in regards to knowing where you will be working, how heavy a load you need to carry, and how you’ll transport a scissor lift, can really help you with getting a quick and accurate estimate of scissor lift hire cost.
So let’s start with location.
#1 Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors
Where you need to use a scissor lift will determine which type of scissor lift you need to hire.
For indoor jobs, such as within a factory or warehouse, an electric or hybrid scissor lift is ideal, as it makes less noise and doesn’t emit the hazardous fumes a diesel or petrol powered scissor lift will. Some scissor lifts also have non-marking tyres, to suit indoor surfaces.
For outdoor jobs, a hybrid or diesel/petrol machine will be better suited. In most cases, a rough terrain machine will give you the flexibility you need to work on a range of surfaces. Rough terrain machines have 4WD capabilities, so they can be driven on a variety of surfaces, including mud, gravel, grass and bitumen. Many can operate at varied slopes and can have extendable outriggers designed to stabilise the scissor lift so it can be operated on sloped and uneven surfaces.
#2 What the size of the space is
If you need to work in a small area (often the case indoors) then you need a scissor lift small enough to fit. So it’s important to measure the space you plan to work in before you hire a scissor lift. If you don’t, it may either be impossible to complete the work, or you may have to move stuff around before you start, which wastes time.
Within warehouses and factories, you’ll likely need a smaller sized scissor lift. Thankfully, some electrical models come in sizes small enough to fit through your average door.
Also, factor in where you plan to store a scissor lift if you’re hiring for a long period of time, or purchasing a scissor lift. You need to consider stowed height, which may be a couple of metres or more, and of course the length and width.
#3 How many people you need to carry
It’s important never to exceed the weight carrying capacity of a scissor lift, so check the specifications of a scissor lift before you hire it. (Each scissor lift listed for hire from Auslift includes specifications in their product brochures.) Electric scissor lifts are generally rated to carry 1-2 people. Diesel models may carry more (between 3-4, depending on the model in question). So, when considering a scissor lift, have an accurate idea on how many workers you need to carry. Also consider that your workers will be carrying tools and materials, so the weight of these should also be factored in. It may be inevitable that you may need to do extra lifts if the scissor lift you hire can only carry so much weight.
#4 Where you need to lift to
Scissor lifts are capable of moving up and down only, so are suitable for jobs like:
- Painting
- Cleaning
- Putting up signs
- Welding, electrical work and plumbing are part of a construction project
- Warehouse tasks like lifting and moving boxes or large freight items
- Manufacturing tasks like maintaining tall equipment
A scissor lift won’t be suitable for some work situations, such as:
- When you need to reach heights outside of a scissor lift’s capacity (the average boom lift will have a higher reach than a scissor lift)
- When you need to reach up and over an obstacle, for instance to complete electrical maintenance work over power lines
- When you aren’t able to be positioned close to the area you need to access (the terrain may be unsuitable or there may be obstacles in the way), and hence you need a machine that can swing into the job, such as a boom lift.
#5 How you will transport the scissor lift
Scissor lifts need to be transported either on a trailer, or on a transport truck, so factor in how you plan to transport a scissor lift when you’re making the decision about which lift to hire. Alternatively, a scissor lift hire company may be able to deliver the scissor lift to your worksite, with delivery fee added.
Smaller sized scissor lifts can usually be moved around on a trailer. You can explore options where this is hired as part of a scissor lift on trailer hire package. Larger scissor lifts need to be transported on an appropriate truck.
If you are hiring a scissor lift through Auslift, and you wish to transport it yourself, you need to ensure your trailer or vehicle has the appropriate competency for carrying the load, and that proper restraints are in place. For a variety of safety reasons, Auslift operators won’t release a machine unless we deem the tow vehicle satisfactory. In addition, you need an EWPA Yellow Card with a Transport endorsement to be allowed to load Auslift Access Equipment on your truck or trailer.
#6 How you will keep your workers safe
Safety should be a number one priority when using any height access equipment. Any staff using a scissor lift need to complete the Yellow Card Training Program, and hold their photo ID Yellow Card on their person when at work.
You should also note that though a scissor lift may include an anchor point for a safety harness, it doesn’t mean personnel necessarily need to attach themselves during the use of a scissor lift, as in some cases, a harness or lanyard can be a trip hazard.
EWPA’s Policy On The Use Of Fall Arrest Systems In Elevating Work Platforms (2.2) states:
‘Fall arrest systems or restraint devices are not required on other types of MEWPs such as scissor lifts or vertical personnel lifts, unless a risk assessment indicates that they should be worn for risk control purposes, in which case the policy of boom type MEWPs will apply.’
In summary…
Factoring in the above considerations will help you know what type of scissor lift to ask for, and save you from the hassle of hiring the wrong piece of equipment for the job. Getting wrong equipment loses you time and money, and this can be prevented by doing a bit of homework first.
Auslift Equipment offers scissor lift hire in Melbourne and surrounding areas. You have the option of hiring just the scissor lift, or a scissor lift and trailer combo.
The hire cost of a scissor lift varies depending on the size of the machine and also the duration of the hire. See more about the cost of scissor lift hire on our FAQs page, or just give us a call for an accurate quote, catering to your needs. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have about different scissor lifts we offer.
