Hydraulic scissor lifts frequently asked questions - CamaWeigh

A Hydraulic Scissor Lift is a multipurpose lifting machine that spans several industries.

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In this article, Camaweigh tells you everything you need to know about them through a series of questions.

[Electric Motor Powered Single Scissor Lift Table for Sale at Camaweigh]

What is a Hydraulic lift?    

A hydraulic lift is a lifting machine commonly used in the automotive, waste removal, shipping, and mining industries for raising vehicles, goods, and people. It works with a fluid-reliant piston and an electric motor-powered pump.

What are the types of Hydraulic lifts?

Hydraulic lifts have several types, each designed specifically for different industries. The most prominent types include:

• Scissors lift
• Two-post lifts
• Four-post lifts
• And Carousel lift

What are the advantages of Hydraulic lifts?

Hydraulic lifts are:

• Less expensive to install compared to other lift types. They do not have overhead structural requirements and take up little space.
• Extremely reliable and easy to maintain.
• Versatile in use as they can be integrated into vehicles and devices, especially in the construction industry.
• Capable of offering vertical reach up to 50 feet.
• More powerful than lifts with traction ropes.
• Equipped with pressure relief valves to prevent overload and ensure safety.

What is the principle of Hydraulic lift?

A hydraulic lift has a simple working principle. To lift, a pump pushes oil into a cylinder that pushes the piston upwards. To put it down, a valve opens to let the oil flow back into the reservoir and gravity does the rest.

What is a Scissor Lift?

A scissor lift is a type of hydraulic lift that achieves vertical movement through linked foldable supports arranged in a crisscross pattern. To elongate the support structure the lowest support arms are subject to hydraulic pressure. Conversely, the lowest arms are relieved to shorten the structure.

A scissor lift is designed to lift limited weight and can be set up and controlled by one person. It is classified as an aerial work platform and is generally used for temporary construction and maintenance work.

Do scissor lifts have hydraulic?

Yes, scissor lifts generally have a hydraulic circuit. Hydraulic scissor lifts have hydraulic fluid in cylinders that pressurize and relieve the lowest arm to lift and lower the platform.

What are the types of Scissor lifts?

Scissor lifts have 5 main types:

• Hydraulic Scissor Lift: Powered by an electric motor or compressed air. Mostly used in warehouses, construction sites, and infrastructure projects.
• Diesel Scissor Lift: Powered by conventional diesel engines. Recommended for outdoor or well-ventilated environments.
• Electric Scissor Lift: Powered by electric batteries. Recommended for indoor environments.
• Pneumatic Scissor Lift: Powered by air instead of hydraulics or electricals for a clean and maintenance-free lift.
• Rough Terrain Scissor Lift: Special aerial work platform powered by combustion engines of different fuel types for heavy-duty lifting in outdoor environments. They also have higher traction and travel speed.

How are Scissor lifts made?

Scissor lifts consist of  5 main parts:

• Platform that is usually made of steel
• Scissor legs that elongate to lift the platform
• One to four cylinders filled with hydraulic fluids or  compressed air
• Base that acts as the foundation of the lift and contains tracks that guide the rollers
• Power source that may be an electric motor, battery, or a combustion engine                  

What is the cost of the Hydraulic lift?

Here are the prices of the 4 types of scissor hydraulic lifts available for sale at Camaweigh:

Single Scissor Lift Table

 Price: $

Double Scissors Lift Table

Price: $

Three Scissor Lift Table

           Price: $

Four Scissor Lift Table

Price: $

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Movable Hydraulic Lift.

Camaweigh also offers a customized scissor lift. Contact here to place your requirements.

How high can Scissor lifts go?

Standard scissor lifts are capable of reaching 20 to 60 feet. However, special-purpose or customized scissor lifts that can go up to120 feet are available on the market.

What are Scissor lift tables used for?

• Reaching inaccessible places
• Transporting and tending to patients
• Loading and unloading goods
• Lifting workers and people in wheelchairs
• Transporting goods

How do Hydraulic scissor lifts work?

Hydraulic Scissor lifts have multiple scissored legs that elongate to lift the platform located at the top with hydraulic pressure. The pressure mechanism is located inside the cylinder with pistons connected to one of the lower legs of the structure and is powered by an electric motor or battery.

Where to buy Scissor lifts?

Scissor lifts are versatile machines required in almost every industry that deals with the loading and unloading of goods and people. They need to be reliable for a smooth workflow.

✔ Piston within a cylinder (called a ram) – This is the main mechanism that moves the lift car.
✔ Oil reservoir or tank – Stores the hydraulic fluid needed to power the lift.
✔ Pump – Pushes oil from the reservoir into the cylinder to lift the car.
✔ Motor – Drives the pump and provides the necessary force.
✔ Valve – Controls the flow of oil between the reservoir and cylinder.

Machine Room or Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Options

Most hydraulic lifts require a machine room, where the pump, fluid, and motor are housed. However, machine-room-less (MRL) hydraulic lifts are available, where the machinery is compactly housed within the shaft. This space-saving alternative is useful for buildings where extra floor space is limited.

How Do Hydraulic Lifts Work?

Hydraulic lifts operate using fluid pressure to move the lift car up and down. The system is simple but highly effective:

1. To go up, the pump pushes hydraulic fluid (oil) into the cylinder, forcing the piston to rise, which in turn lifts the elevator car.
2. To go down, the valve opens, allowing the oil to flow back into the reservoir. The weight of the lift car and gravity push the piston down naturally.

When the lift reaches the desired floor, the pump turns off, and the car stays in position, held by the oil trapped in the cylinder. The system is designed so that if the power fails, the valve opens slowly, and the lift descends safely to the lowest floor. Unlike traction lifts, which rely on cables, a hydraulic lift cannot free-fall.

Types of Hydraulic Lift Systems

Hydraulic lifts come in two main variations:

1. Holed Hydraulic Lift

A holed hydraulic lift uses a cylinder that extends underground, with a depth equal to the lift’s travel height. This type of system is commonly found in high-rise buildings or installations where a smooth, stable ride is required.

✔ Best for: Buildings with space for underground installation.
✔ Pros: Can travel higher distances, stable and smooth operation.
✔ Cons: Requires deep excavation, which may not be feasible in all locations.

2. Hole-less Hydraulic Lift

A hole-less hydraulic lift does not require deep excavation. Instead, the pistons are placed directly on the floor in line with the corners of the lift car, acting like a jack. However, this system restricts travel distance to around 20–30 meters at most.

✔ Best for: Buildings where underground space is limited.
✔ Pros: Easier to install, no deep excavation required.
✔ Cons: Limited travel height.

Pros & Cons of Hydraulic Lifts

When deciding on a lift system, it’s important to consider both the advantages and limitations of hydraulic lifts.

Pros of Hydraulic Lifts

• Cost-Effective: Hydraulic lifts are typically cheaper to install than traction lifts, making them a great option for budget-conscious projects.
• No Overhead Space Required: The machinery is housed in a machine room or within the shaft, eliminating the need for additional space above the lift.
• Strong & Durable: The floor supports the lift, so no additional structural reinforcement is needed.
• Safe & Reliable: Since hydraulic lifts do not use cables, there is no risk of a free-fall accident. Even in the event of a system failure, the descent is slow and controlled.

Cons of Hydraulic Lifts

• Limited Travel Height: Hydraulic lifts struggle beyond 6–8 floors due to the limitations of the system.
• Slow Speed: They typically operate at speeds of up to 1m/s, making them slower than traction lifts.
• Space Requirements: Holed systems require underground space, while hole-less lifts need additional floor space for the pistons.
• Oil Temperature Sensitivity: Hydraulic oil can thin at high temperatures, affecting lift performance if not regulated properly.
• Potential Oil Leaks: Although rare in well-maintained systems, hydraulic lifts can develop oil leaks, leading to environmental concerns and maintenance issues.
• Lower Energy Efficiency: Hydraulic lifts consume more power than traction lifts, as they must actively push against gravity to raise the lift car.

Maintaining a Hydraulic Lift: Key Tips

Regular maintenance is essential to keep a hydraulic lift running smoothly. Here’s what to look out for:

• Check for Oil Leaks: Leaks can affect performance and lead to environmental concerns.
• Monitor Oil Quality: Hydraulic oil breaks down over time, so regular checks are essential.
• Inspect the Valve & Pump: A faulty valve can cause jerky movements or prevent the lift from working.
• Test Emergency Systems: Ensure battery backup and emergency lowering systems function correctly.
• Keep the Machine Room Cool: Overheating can impact hydraulic oil performance and cause system inefficiencies.

Is a Hydraulic Lift Right for You?

Hydraulic lifts offer cost-effective, safe, and reliable solutions for low to mid-rise buildings. If your project requires a durable lift with minimal structural modifications, a hydraulic system could be ideal. However, if speed, energy efficiency, or travel height are priorities, you might consider a traction lift instead.

Need expert advice? Our team at Gartec has over 30 years of experience in installing, maintaining, and servicing hydraulic lifts. Contact us today to find the best lift solution for your building.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Diesel Articulated Boom Lift.