Three Questions To Help You Pick The Right Power Source For Your Scissor Lift

Selecting an aerial lift is a significant purchasing decision. Depending on your use cases, there is a wide range of factors that you will need to consider to make a cost-effective decision. Before choosing a lift, you will need to answer each of these questions:

• Will the lift operate primarily inside or outside?
• Will the lift be required to operate on rough terrain?
• How much space is available for maneuvering the lift?
• What is the maximum payload capacity required?
• What power source is appropriate for your application?

For many lift purchasers, this final choice is the most difficult. These next three questions will help you to determine which power source might be right for you.

What Environments Will The Lift Operate In?

There are strict guidelines to follow when it comes to indoor emissions. These guidelines may vary depending on your local area, but in general, you can expect to be limited in your choices if the lift will operate within an enclosed space. If you are unsure of what safety precautions are necessary, be prepared to provide details of your job site's dimensions and ventilation system to your lift vendor. They can help you to determine if a diesel or gasoline engine is unsuitable for your particular application. If no emissions are acceptable, then an electric lift may work for your case.

What Are Your Maintenance Requirements?

Like any piece of heavy equipment, lifts require periodic routine maintenance as well as occasional repairs. Longevity and durability can vary between power sources, with diesel engines often offering the most straightforward maintenance procedures and longest life. Dual-engine models that make use of propane and gasoline can be more complex to repair, as can hybrid gas/electric models. Depending on your particular needs, you will most likely need to make a trade-off between long-term maintenance costs and upfront capital costs.

What Are Your Fuel Requirements?

If you operate other machinery which uses diesel, gasoline, or propane, then it may be logistically more convenient to purchase a lift with similar fuel requirements. Given the difficulty and potential danger associated with storing fuel on-site, adding additional fuel storage to your work location may be inconvenient or impossible. If refueling is a concern, then pure electric lifts may be a superior option. Both diesel and hybrid gas/electric lifts offer high levels of fuel efficiency, however, and so maybe suitable in cases where storage is limited or refueling is difficult.

Your choice of power source will have the most significant impact on your long-term operating costs, so making the right decision for your particular application is essential. If in doubt, discuss your options with a qualified vendor to determine the best scissor lift for your job site.