Diesel Scissor Lifts vs. Electrical Scissor Lifts

Not only is a scissor lift one of the most versatile pieces of access equipment, Force carries a wide range of scissor lifts for hire that will meet the needs of just about every job out there. We know that in order to work safely with access equipment, your lift needs to be perfectly tailored to your situation.

There is such a variety of factors that go into determining what scissor lift is right for you. We have detailed tables and descriptions on our website to help you select the appropriate access equipment, and we’re always happy to give you a hand. Today we’re going to give you a broad overview of the differences between our electric and diesel scissor lifts.

They’re similar in that…

Scissor lifts are used to work in tight spaces. This is because they offer maximum manoeuvrability while also having a compact footprint. There are small differences in size between our electric and diesel offerings, but they all allow for easy navigation. Of course, big jobs sometimes require big units, and our larger models come with extending deck options that can give you even more work space.

Let’s look at a few more similarities between the electrical and diesel. Both types of scissor lifts use self-propulsion and extendable decks, and these decks can allow you to work with overhead objects as well as objects at deck level. They all come with auto-self levelling and motion sensors for the utmost safety and stability.

They’re different in that…

There are some slight differences in noise level. Our electric models come with a silencing muffler and also offer zero emissions, making them the optimal choice for indoor use. The diesel scissor lifts are a bit louder, but they are best suited for use outdoors, where the noise would tend to dissipate.

We have a range of heights in both models. Overall, the diesel options are a bit more rugged. They all come with 4X4 drive, which makes working on uneven or rocky outdoor terrain easy. The electric models are 2X4, perfect for flat, indoor surfaces. This does mean that the diesel options are a bit bulkier than their electric counterparts, so if storage space is a huge concern, keep that in mind. However, a larger size means a larger platform surface, too.

Another difference is load capacity. Bottom line is that the diesel scissor lifts can accommodate heavier loads, whether we are talking about more people or heavier tools and materials. The diesel lifts also come in options that are bit taller than the electric lifts, going all the way to 18 metres versus a 14 metre maximum for our largest electric units.

Even if you follow all of the best workplace safety practices, the wrong machine can still cause damage to people and structures. Helping you choose the right scissor lift is a top priority for Force, so if you’re still unsure after looking at the tables on our website, get in touch with a representative today.