Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we get at Manual Handling Solutions about scissor
lifts & mobile scissor tables. Simply click on the question below to be taken to the answer.
If you have a question that is not shown below then please feel free to
contact us
or call 01553 811977 for more information.
Do I go for a manual scissor lift or an electric scissor lift option?
This one is simply down to the application; if for example you are using the scissor lift very
infrequently and possibly only raising the scissor lift when it is empty then a manual scissor lift
may be the best solution for you. If the unit is in frequent use then a electric version would benefit
the user. Manual scissor tables are also selected where the ability to power or charge the table is not
present and of course manual scissor tables tend to be less expensive than the powered equivalent!
How do the electric and manual scissor tables raise and lower?
The manual scissor tables are raised with a foot level that pumps oil in to the hydraulic ram in the
table. The lowering is either by a foot pedal or hand lever for releasing oil from the hydraulic ram.
Electric scissor tables are operated either with a hand controller on a curly cable with buttons for
up and down or with buttons on the table.
What regulations do scissor tables and scissor lifts adhere to?
Our scissor tables and scissor lifts conform to the British Standard - BS5323 plus CEN/TC safety
demands and are supplied with a CE Certificate of Conformity.
What happens if a hose breaks on the scissor table when it is raised?
Our lift tables are fitted with burst valves that in the even of hydraulic hose bursting the lift table
will maintain its current height until the hydraulics are manually replaced.
Our scissor tables are fitted with an overload valve that restricts the weight lifted on the scissor
table to the SWL (safe working load). If a weight greater than the SWL is attempted to be raised then
the scissor table will not operate.
Are electric lifts safer then manual hydraulic lifts?
All types of lift tables should be specified around the application that the lift table is being used
for. Both electric and manual tables are equally as safe as each other when used correctly and under
the manufacturers operating procedure.
Do I need to have safety bellows skirt fitted to a scissor lift table table?
Bellows are an option and are not required under the current regulations. Electric scissor lift tables
have to have a safety "trip" bar fitted under the top of the table that stop the table lowering
if an obstruction has been detected. Bellows are used where materials may gather around the table and the
bellows stops them entering the mechanism of the table or for added security that no-one can interfere or
get caught in the mechanism.
What do you mean by the "travel" on a scissor lift?
The "travel" is the difference between the closed height and the raised height of the table.
This is essential to know when pit mounting a static table, as the travel will be the only real relevant
dimension for the raised height of the table.
Which low profile do I need, normal with a ramp or "U" shape?
"U" shape scissor tables only really work with Euro pallets or pallets without a bottom board
all the way around the pallet. If you are using GKN (with a bottom board all the way around the pallet)
or a mix of pallets then a low profile with a ramp is the only option for you.
Mostly the ideal solution for a static scissor lift would be to put it in a pit. This way when the table
is lowered it is level with the floor and does not create a tripping hazard. In reality digging a pit for
a table is often not an option due to the costs and the existing works within the building. When this is
the case then a low profile version may solve the problem.
