Scissor Lifts for Hire

A scissor lift is a mechanical access platform featuring folding supports resembling a pair of scissors. These interconnected supports, known as scissor arms, are powered by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric systems to extend and retract the lift vertically. This design grants stability and versatility, making it a preferred choice for industries like construction, maintenance, and warehousing.

Scissor lifts provide a safer alternative to ladders or scaffolding, enhancing worker efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents. They come in stationary, self-propelled, and rough-terrain variations, offering a controlled and secure platform for tasks that demand height elevation.

MEWPs are versatile machines suitable for a range of applications and projects. Therefore, it is vital to understand your MEWPS, the various types, variations, brands and their unique capabilities. See our guide to scissor lifts to learn more about these useful platforms. 

Find out more in our blog, what is a scissor lift.

Scissor lifts are used for working at height in various industries, from construction and maintenance to fit out and engineering, due to their stability, ease of use, and ability to reach significant heights.

Scissor lifts are valued for their simplicity, reliability, and adaptability for tasks at height, whether it’s installing lights, maintaining air conditioning ducts, conducting repairs on ventilation or accessing narrow, hard-to-reach areas.

Horizon Platforms operates a scissor lift rental service across the UK as well as in numerous locations locally across the north of England. Thanks to our extensive partner network and our proximity to the M1, A1, and M62 motorways, we can swiftly deliver lifters across England, Scotland and Wales. Visit our national access platform hire page to see boom hire locations nearest to you.  

Choosing the appropriate scissor lift for your project involves considering several key factors:

1. Assess the required working height and weight capacity to ensure the lift can accommodate your needs.

2. Consider the available space, as compact or narrow lifts might be necessary for confined areas. 

3. The type of terrain or surface where the lift will operate influences whether a rough-terrain or indoor model is best. 

4. Factor in power sources – hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic – based on noise levels and whether you require a lift for indoor or outdoor use. 

5. Evaluate additional features like platform size, mobility options, and safety mechanisms to select a scissor lift that aligns with your project's demands and provides optimal efficiency and safety.

For further assistance on the above, use our Platform Finder tool or contact our experts.

Operating a scissor lift requires proper training to ensure safety and efficiency.

Users should undergo comprehensive IPAF training that covers key aspects such as access platform controls, stability principles, fall protection measures, and emergency procedures. Scissor lift training should also encompass assessing workplace hazards and understanding load capacity.

Scissor lift training at Horizon Platforms helps participants learn how to operate machinery safely, avoid potential risks, and handle challenging scenarios.

Ongoing refresher courses keep operators updated on best practices and regulatory changes, fostering a secure environment for operators and those working around scissor lifts.

For more information on how to find the right training course, read our guide to access platform training.

Helping you get the job done on time with few issues is our number one priority. With a reputation for safety, service and reliable lifters, hiring scissor lifts from Horizon Platforms ensures you’re provided with well-maintained, up-to-date equipment backed up by a team 100% committed to helping you achieve your goals.

With 16,000+ reliable machines and 98% on-time delivery and collection, delays and downtime are kept to a minimum. This means fewer headaches and an assurance you won’t exceed budgets or squeeze margins as a result of having to pay for project delay penalties, subcontractor rehiring charges or unwanted administration costs.

Our commitment to safety is built through rigorous maintenance checks and adherence to industry regulations, minimising operational risks. As a result, we’ve received a range of outstanding accreditations and certifications, such as our triple crown of ISO standards.

Our experienced staff are on hand to give expert guidance, helping you select the right scissor lift for your project. Flexible rental options at competitive rates, reliable lifters, and prompt customer service make sure you’re taken care of from your first call to after your hire period ends.

The cost of your scissor lift hire involves a number of factors, including machine type and length of hire. With Horizon Platforms, we can quickly give you a quote for a scissor lift at the right price. You can either call or email our team, or use our online customer portal, HireHub, where you can hire, off–hire, extend contracts, track our performance and more, at your leisure.

Alternatively, read our guide How Much Does It Cost to Hire a MEWP? to learn more.

At Horizon Platforms, we have both scissor lifts for hire and sale. Hiring a scissor lift can often be the more cost-effective option. However, if your scissor lift task will take place over 12 months or you will need a scissor lift permanently, contract hiring or buying your lift may save you money in the long run.

Read our guide on buying vs hiring a scissor lift to find the best option for you.

Scissor lifts were created to make working from height safer. They eliminate the need for workers to physically climb to high places or carry heavy materials to tasks at height. Of course, scissor lifts do still have risks, as with all work at height, which is why it’s vital to follow all of the work from height health and safety rules.

Here at Horizon Platforms, you will find a variety of platform heights available in our rental fleet. For scissor lifts, this ranges from 5m to over 21m, so you can select the right lift for your needs.

If you require an access platform that reaches greater heights, consider a boom lift. Cherry pickers and boom lifts are designed to extend into more difficult-to-reach areas, meaning these platforms can generally reach greater heights than scissor lifts.

Choosing the right scissor lift for your project and industry depends on several factors.

Consider the height and reach requirements of your task, as well as the terrain and workspace conditions. Rough-terrain scissor lifts are ideal for outdoor projects on uneven surfaces, while other electric scissor lifts are better suited for indoor tasks, offering quieter, emission-free operation.

Assess the weight capacity needed to carry people, materials, and equipment. Additionally, look at platform size and mobility features.

Ultimately, consult with industry experts to match your project's specific needs with the most suitable scissor lift model, ensuring optimal safety and efficiency for your job.

For further information, read our guide to choosing a scissor lift.

Yes, scissor lifts are generally safer than ladders for tasks that require working at height.

Scissor lifts provide a stable and secure platform, reducing the risk of falls compared to ladders, which can be unstable. Scissor lifts also offer time and efficiency improvements as you don’t need to constantly descend from working height to reposition or move to the next task. However, proper training and adherence to safety guidelines are still essential when operating scissor lifts to ensure their safe and effective use in various work settings.

Hydraulic scissor lifts can be used in light rain. However, heavy rain that affects the condition of the ground you are operating or that creates a slip risk on the platform should result in work being halted.

Electric scissor lifts should not be used in the rain, and if there is any chance of thunder and lightning occurring in the area, all work from height should stop immediately. Electric scissor lifts can be used in light rain, the same as any other scissor lift.

Work from height should also cease in the event of high wind speeds, and each MEWP’s maximum operating wind speed will be listed on its serial plate and in the user manual. Extreme caution should be taken in snowy and icy conditions due to slip risk and the danger of controls becoming frozen.

Using scissor lifts involves certain risks that require careful consideration, including:

• The risk of falls from elevated platforms highlights the importance of proper fall protection measures.

• Uneven terrain or surfaces can compromise stability, potentially leading to tipping accidents.

• Electrical hazards may arise if the scissor lift comes into contact with power lines or overhead cables.

• Poorly maintained or malfunctioning lifts can lead to unexpected breakdowns.

• Inadequate training and improper operation can also contribute to accidents.

Hiring scissor lift platforms from unreliable providers can result in significant negative knock-on effects for projects. Faulty machinery, delayed delivery times and other issues can all play a part in negatively affecting a project, causing costs to stack up and potentially putting people and business continuity at risk.

Therefore, it's essential to address these risks through comprehensive training, regular equipment maintenance, adherence to safety protocols, and vigilant awareness of the work environment to ensure secure and safe scissor lift operation.

For fit-out projects, electric scissor lifts are often ideal due to their low noise levels and zero emissions, making them suitable for indoor use. Consider models with narrow widths and compact designs to navigate tight spaces efficiently.

Popular choices include the Genie GS-1932 and JLG 1930ES.

When considering scissor lifts for the food industry, opt for electric models that emit minimal noise and fumes, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards. Choose scissor lifts with non-marking tyres to prevent floor damage in sensitive food environments too.

Compact and manoeuvrable MEWPs are ideal for tight spaces in kitchens or storage areas. Ensure the access platform’s size suits your needs for transporting goods or performing maintenance tasks.

You may also want to look for scissor lifts with easy-to-clean surfaces and consider those with stainless steel components to maintain sanitary conditions.

For supermarket projects, selecting the right scissor lift is vital. Opt for electric scissor lifts, which offer quiet operation suitable for indoor environments. Models with compact dimensions and manoeuvrability are essential for navigating tight aisles as well.

Consider scissor lifts with non-marking tyres to prevent floor damage and ones with adequate platform space for stocking shelves or performing maintenance tasks.

You will also need to consider machine weight so that tiles and floors aren't broken or damaged. Machine reliability is vital when working on live sites or overnight during projects with tight deadlines.

Additionally, lifts with a clean and modern design can contribute to a positive shopping experience for customers.

When hiring a scissor lift for racking installations, prioritise specific features to improve efficiency and safety. Opt for electric scissor lifts for indoor use as they emit minimal noise and fumes. You should also select models with a compact design and narrow dimensions to navigate between racking aisles easily.

Look for lifts with platform extensions to reach shelves effectively and ensure the lift's weight capacity matches the load requirements for installing heavy items. Safety features like stability mechanisms are also crucial for working at elevated heights.

By focusing on these factors, you can choose a scissor lift that maximises productivity and promotes a secure working environment during racking installations.

For construction projects, selecting the right scissor lift is crucial. Opt for a versatile scissor lift with robust tyres and enhanced ground clearance to navigate uneven surfaces effectively. Look for models with ample platform space and weight capacity to accommodate people, tools and materials.

You will also want to ensure the scissor lift offers a suitable working height that matches your project's needs. Safety features like guardrails, non-slip surfaces, and emergency shut-off controls are essential. Prioritise stability, weight capacity, and ease of manoeuvrability to ensure the chosen scissor lift optimally supports your construction tasks.

If not used correctly, a scissor lift can tip over. The most common causes of this are:

• Overloading the scissor lift beyond its weight capacity

• Using the scissor lift outside during high wind speeds

• Not performing a proper ground assessment before scissor lift use and therefore driving the lift on unsuitable ground

By always adhering to your scissor lift’s weight capacity and maximum wind speed, performing thorough ground assessments and ensuring workers are trained not to lean out of the platform, MEWP overturn can be avoided.

At Horizon Platforms, we offer scissor lifts for hire with a range of fuel types to fit your needs and sustainability goals.

Our electric lifts are quiet, making them perfect for work in designated quiet zones. They also don’t give off fumes, ideal for indoor work.

On the other hand, our diesel lifts can be more powerful, and able to handle heavy loads and rougher terrains for outdoor work. Although electric machines are becoming more comparable

To choose the right fuel option for you, view our blog comparing electric and diesel scissor lifts.

Charging your electric scissor lift batteries is simple:

1. Park your scissor lift in a safe space that’s not obstructing thoroughfares etc

2. Switch it off

3. Connect the battery charger to the electrical outlet

4. Check for the green light to confirm that your scissor lift is charging

We recommend charging your scissor lift overnight, every night and putting it on charge whenever it is not in use for longer battery life. See our MEWP battery blog for further tips on increasing scissor lift battery lifespan.