Building Your Dream Apartment

Diesel vs. Electric Scissor Lifts: Which One Should You Choose?

29 June 2018

Julian Caldwell

Scissor lifts are versatile pieces of access equipment that can be used for various tasks that require working at height. They are utilised by professionals in different projects such as window and wall cleaning, construction, tree lopping, gutter cleaning, and even stacking shelves in a warehouse. Whichever task you have that requires working at height, hiring a scissor lift can significantly ease your project. However, scissor lifts come in two main types: diesel-powered and electric models. During the rental process, you have to choose between these two types. Read on for some useful tips and comparisons that will help you make the best choice for your project.

Noise levels

Depending on the nature of your project, you may need to go for a scissor lift that does not generate a lot of noise. For example, when cleaning windows in an office building, you need to keep the noise down, especially during the working hours. In this case, an electric scissor lift would be the ideal choice. The electric models come with a noise muffler, and this makes them suitable for use indoors and in environments that require quiet operations. On the other hand, diesel scissor lifts are quite noisy, and they would be ideal for use on a construction site or in an industrial setting where noise is the order of the day.

Operation environment

Electric and diesel scissor lifts come in different configurations, and this will affect their performance in various settings. So before renting one, think about whether you will be using the equipment indoors on flat surfaces or rough outdoor terrains. Most electric scissor lifts have a 2x4 drive which makes it hard for them to manoeuvre uneven surfaces and rough terrains. This makes them suitable for indoor use, but they can also be used outdoors provided the surfaces are flat and even. On the other hand, diesel scissor lifts are usually more rugged, and they come with a 4x4 drive which makes it easy for them to manoeuvre hard terrains with ease.

Load capacity

When using a scissor lift, you may want to load your work equipment on it or even work with your partner. Various lifts can handle different load sizes, and you need to consider this when renting the equipment. Generally, diesel scissor lifts accommodate heavier loads as compared to their electric counterparts. However, this does not mean that you cannot find electric scissor lifts with high load capacities. Make sure that you talk to the rental company about your needs so that you can get the ideal size for your project.

Use these tips to find the best scissor lift for your project, and for a scissor lift hire, don't forget to hire a reputable company that will supply well-maintained and serviced equipment.

Share

Search