Platforms which utilize a scissor-like mechanism to be able to lower and raise the machinery are known as scissor lifts. Most often, this specific type of material handling machinery only moves vertically. The apparatus that is responsible for lowering and raising the scissor lift is made from linked and folding supports that are designed in a crisscross or an x-shaped pattern.
By applying pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, upward motion is achieved by elongating the crossing pattern, the platform propels in a vertical manner. Product specifications for scissor lifts comprise stroke, width, length and capacity. The difference between the devices's fully raised and completely lowered position is called the stroke. The platform's longest dimension is the length. Capacity is the maximum force or load supported by the scissor lift. The narrowest dimension of the lift is referred to as its width.
On the market there are an array of different kinds of scissor lifts. Some choices include dock lifts, personnel lifts, vehicle lifts, pallet trucks and table lifts. Utility containers or carts are rectangular or round devices which have wheels. These equipment items are utilized in general purpose instances and usually seen in bulk material transport.
Dock lifts are specifically designed scissor lifts used mostly on loading docks to lift and lower personnel. The table lift is used mainly to lift items for ergonomic access. Personnel lifts are used to lower and raise people to heights so they can accomplish certain tasks or store materials et cetera. Pallet jacks or pallet trucks are trucks or carts which are equipped with forks designed to engage pallet slots.
Scissor lifts are most commonly used as personnel lifts and as lift tables, they can be built into pallet jacks. Within industrial environments, lift tables are chosen for raising and positioning materials and loads. Personnel lifts are a part of the aerial lift type. Man lifts are another facet of aerial lifts which consist of bucket trucks, cherry pickers and mobile elevated work platforms or MEWP.