When you start a construction project, you need to decide which type of lifting equipment will be most effective. Popular options include scissor lifts and articulating boom lifts. Each type of equipment works in its own scenario, and if you choose the right one, you can speed up the job, reduce costs, and keep your crew safe. In this article, we will compare the two types of lifts so that you can make an informed decision based on the conditions on your site.
How a Scissor Lift Works and When to Use One
Scissor lifts extend a platform vertically upward using intersecting arms, similar to scissors. You can use such equipment if you need to lift workers and tools up to 15-18 meters without moving from a base point. Scissor models usually work on a flat surface and are suitable for indoor work or on prepared surfaces outside.
Scissor lifts usually have a large working platform, which will allow you to place two workers and tools on it. They are stable, easy to operate, and cost-effective to maintain.
This equipment will be useful if you plan to:
Installation of ceiling communications, ventilation, or lighting;
Painting and finishing works;
Maintenance of buildings and shopping centers.
When an Articulated Boom Is Right for You
Articulated boom lifts are flexible. Their boom bends at several points and allows you to rise and enter hard-to-reach areas – for example, around the corner of a building, over an obstacle, or into a niche between structures. You can use them on a construction site with limited access, on an uneven surface, and when working with a facade.
An articulating boom lift will provide you with maneuverability, especially if there are obstacles on the site: building materials, ceilings, or other machines. It will allow you to work where a scissor lift simply cannot cope.
This equipment is especially relevant for:
Installation of air conditioners and facade elements;
Inspection of bridges, roofs, pipelines;
Electrical installation and repair work at height.
What Will Affect Your Choice
You can only make a final decision if you consider the conditions of a specific project. For example, if your site is flat and spacious and the tasks are vertical, a scissor lift will be a rational option. It will be more economical, require less storage space, and is easier to maintain. But if the site is complex, with narrow passages and different heights, you will need an articulated lift that can go around the obstacle and get to the desired point.
If you are not yet sure which option to choose, ask yourself the following questions:
What heights will you need to reach?
Will the equipment work inside or outside?
Are there obstacles on the site that need to be bypassed?
Do you need to lift two workers or one?
How mobile should the lift be?
How Budget and Timeline Affect the Decision
Your budget and project schedule will also affect your choice. If you are looking to save money, a scissor lift will be more affordable and will also handle repetitive tasks at the same height faster. If your schedule involves multiple access scenarios, you will need to invest in an articulated model. It will be more expensive but will provide versatility and reduce the time spent on repositioning equipment.
Both types of lifts will allow you to reduce the use of scaffolding and speed up the work, but only one will fully meet your requirements. Therefore, a rational approach taking into account the details will save you from overspending and delays.
How You Will Reduce Risks and Extend the Life of Equipment
Choosing the right equipment will already reduce the risk of downtime. But to ensure that the equipment lasts longer, you will need to:
Conduct technical inspections before the start of the shift;
Monitor the working condition of the hydraulics and safety system;
Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
When you purchase equipment from Zuma Sales, we will consult you before purchasing and offer reliable machines that are suitable for your scenario. We help you choose the best models so that you use the equipment to its maximum potential.
Why You Should Contact Zuma Sales
You will be able to make a more informed decision if you rely on technical specifications and experience. At Zuma Sales, we help customers choose lifts that solve their problems efficiently and without unnecessary costs. We will assess the site conditions, discuss the project goals, and offer equipment that will ensure productivity and safety.
In addition, you will find both new models and boom and scissor lifts for sale that have been tested and are ready to work. This will allow you to save money without risk and loss of quality.
Last Thoughts
If you choose the right equipment, it will speed up the work, reduce cost, and increase safety. Scissor lifts are suitable for stable, vertical work on a flat surface. Articulated lifts are for complex areas where maneuverability and access to hard-to-reach areas are important. Both options will find their application, but only one of them will give you maximum efficiency at your site.
We at Zuma Sales can help you figure out where one model will be more profitable than another. Contact us and you will receive a solution that will deliver results.
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