Commonly Asked Questions About Renting a Scissor Lift

A scissor lift can actually be rented by homeowners who want to do their own repairs or painting at an elevated height, such as for an acoustic ceiling. They can also be rented by maintenance workers for any school or business, as needed. Whatever your reasons for renting a scissor lift, if this is your first time working with such equipment, consider some commonly asked questions about these pieces and their use. You can then discuss this option with a rental agency if you still have questions about a scissor lift.

1. How do you manage when there are obstacles in the way?

Because a scissor lift gets lifted straight up from the bottom, you may assume that it's not the best choice when there are obstacles in your way, such as when you're trying to work around a staircase, a row of seats, and the like. However, some scissor lifts come with an articulating arm, meaning the platform or arm can move forward or to one side when lifted. Ask about this option rather than thinking you can physically stretch and reach from the scissor lift or try to balance it on an unsafe surface, such as those stairs.

2. Do scissor lifts mark up a finished floor?

The best way to protect your interior floors is to choose a lightweight scissor lift meant for indoor use. Usually you can check the manufacturer's guidelines for the type of flooring you have when it comes to the weight it can manage without being marked or damage, and then ensure you choose a scissor lift that is under this weight amount. Remember to factor in your own weight and the weight of heavy equipment and tools, such as heavy-duty drills and saw and buckets of filler, roofing tiles, and the like.

3. How will the lift be transported?

In some cases, a scissor lift might be delivered to your location and it may arrive on a trailer. You might be able to move the lift from one area of your property to the other, but not all of them are meant to be used outdoors. Pavement might tear up the tires of a lightweight lift, and a lift might also get stuck in soft soil. If you will need to move the lift at all, always ask if the surfaces and terrain between the two locations are okay for its transport, or if it should be put back on a trailer and if the trailer can be towed by your vehicle.