Scissor Lift Hire Cost – A No-Nonsense Guide

If you are thinking about scissor lift hire but not quite sure where to start (or even if it’s a scissor lift is really what need) Before we dig into the tech, size and specs, let’s cover some basic ground.

A scissor lift is a motorised, railed platform. They’re so-called because of the criss-cross supports that lift the platform into the air.

Think of a scissor lift as a solid, mobile and more advanced alternative to traditional ladders, scaffolding and work towers.

Scissor lift hire is a normal procedure in most commercial contractor industries such as electricians, fit-out companies and the construction industry, but they are also used privately – in homes to tackle high level repairs, tree trimming, window cleaning and much more.

Those are the basics of scissor lift hire, now let’s delve into the details.

First things first – clearing up the jargon

When looking for a scissor lift hire cost, you may come across a few other terms, which all refer to scissor lifts or similar machines (such as cherry picker hire or spider lift hire).

These terms are:

  • Mobile, elevated work platform (MEWP)
  • Aerial work platform (AWP)
  • Elevated work platform (EWP)

Key question: Scissor lift hire or another type of aerial lift?

There are many types of aerial lifts, including articulated or telescoping booms, spider lifts and cherry pickers. All these lifts reach higher heights than the standard scissor lift, however they often can’t carry as much weight nor do they provide the large working platforms that scissor lifts can.

A further advantage that scissor lift hire can provide is their relatively compact size when folded. Depending on the model, they measure between five to nine feet in height, and between 2’ 6 when collapsed.

The smaller, more compact of scissor lift models are ideal for working within confined spaces where the working area has limited deck size, or in an area that is only accessible through standard size door frames. However it’s worth noting that with a downgrade in size, comes the compromise of a limited working platform. In contrast, the larger of models can comfortably carry up to seven people.

The key benefits of scissor lift hire

  1. Scissor lifts can be used in any environment where working at height is required – from ad-hoc maintenance to everyday access to high warehouse shelves.
  2. Scissor lifts are simple to operate and manoeuvre, in contrast to ladders and other equipment which must be manually moved by workers. This drives efficiency and productivity.
  3. In comparison to other aerial lifts, scissor lifts fold back down into a compact size, making them ideal for wherever there is a limited space, but there is also a need for fast height access.
  4. Scissor lifts have a variety of add-on accessories which can extend their functionality, including:
  • Four-wheel drive
  • Spring-loaded gate on the platform
  • Swing gate platform access
  • Heavy-duty hinges for battery compartments
  • Swing-out surfaces for more room on the platform
  • Easy-care batteries
  • Horn
  • Biodegradable hydraulic fluid
  • Platform padding
  • Lights on the work platform
  • Leveling jacks
  • Amber flashing light
  • Quick charge

Scissor lift hire: What type of scissor lift do I need?

Scissor lifts can be either diesel, petrol or electric-powered. Diesel scissor lifts are effective workhorses for use outdoors, while electric scissor lifts are the safe solution for indoor operation, as well as being more environmentally-friendly.

Tracked scissor lift hire

Some tracked scissor lifts feature auto-levelling outriggers which extend outwards to stabilise the lift on the more uneven of surfaces, while the most advanced have bi-levelling tracks which can navigate step-like differences in ground level.

Rough terrain scissor lift

Rough terrain scissor lift hire will be suitable when your project is based outdoors covering challenging surfaces. These scissor lifts operate on either petrol or diesel, and feature large, robust tires made for moving over dirt, uneven ground and rocks.

The larger of rough-terrain scissor lifts will also boast four-wheel drive, which boosts their ability to tackle tougher terrains. When working with these heavy-duty scissor lifts you can expect the machine to carry weights of between 1,000 and 2,250 pounds and have working height ranges of between 38 and 50 feet.

Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s – Health, safety and the legalities of scissor lift hire

Common dangers when operating a scissor lift

Trained scissor lift operators should be aware of the following dangers when using a scissor lift:

  • High winds
  • Power lines
  • Uneven ground
  • Lack of safety rails (on old/damaged models)
  • Weight/person overload

Key question: “Do I need a license for scissor lift hire?

Now for a critical bit of information – if you’re considering scissor lift hire in the UK, health and safety legislation (or more specifically the Height Regulations 2005) states that any job that requires a scissor lift must be operated by someone who is competent using a MEWP or Mobile Elevated Work Platform.

Scissor lift hire: Five Absolute ‘DO NOTs’

  1. Don’t raise the scissor lift while on a slope
  2. Don’t attempt to drive up a slope while elevated to any height
  3. Don’t drive your scissor lift close to steep embankments, holes or loading docks
  4. Don’t elevate the platform when on uneven or unstable ground
  5. Don’t drive over uneven or unstable ground when elevated

How much does scissor lift hire cost?

Now let’s move onto the matter of cold, hard cash. If you’re wondering how much scissor lift hire costs per day, a small 8m electric scissor lift would be around £16 + VAT per week or a 12m scissor lift about the £200 + VAT

But this is only a ballpark scissor lift hire price. For an exact quote including transport costs please contact us for a free quote.

Introducing Skyjack Scissor Lift Hire

Skyjack scissor lifts are the go-to piece of kit when working within a restricted area. They are agile, easy to manoeuvre and compact, putting in a respectable performance in the smaller of spaces.

Skyjack scissor lifts feature: single joystick control, extending deck, pot hole protection system, non-marking tyres, 110v outlet in cage, overload sensing system, tilt alarms and drivable at full height.

Skyjack 3219 Scissor Lift Hire

Working Height: 7.8 m | Working Outreach: 0.9m | Width: 0.71 m (Narrow Design) | Lift Capacity: 227 kg | Environment: Indoor, Outdoor | Terrain: Even | Platform Capacity: 2 Persons (Indoor), 1 Person (Outdoor)

An impressively compact electric scissor lift, the Skyjack 3219 is small enough to roll right through a standard size doorway, while being powerful enough to tackle tasks such as electrical fixtures and cabling, ductwork, drywall, ceiling panels, and overhead sprinklers.

Weighing in at 1312kg, the Skyjack 3219 is also relatively lightweight when compared to some alternatives, which makes it ideal if working where weight limits are in place.

 Skyjack 3226 Scissor Lift Hire

Working Height: 11.75m | Working Outreach: 0.90m | Width: 0.84m| Lift Capacity: 227kg | Environment: Indoor | Terrain: Flat/Solid | Platform Capacity: 227kg

Another compact scissor lift, the Skyjack 3226 Scissor Lift is a model that is better suited for use indoors. Like the Skyjack 3219 Scissor Lift, this model will work well with weight limits and smaller spaces.

Popularly used for: cleaning, electrical, facilities management, heating, ventilation & air conditioning, mechanical engineering, painting & decorating, point of sale, retail and warehousing.

Skyjack 4632 Scissor Lift Hire

Working Height: 11.60m | Working Outreach: 0.90m | Width: 0.84m| Lift Capacity: 317kg | Environment: Indoor, Outdoor | Terrain: Flat/Solid | Platform Capacity: 2 Persons

A medium-sized electric scissor lift, the Skyjack 4632 is ready for indoor or outdoor use, and is popularly hired for construction, installation and maintenance tasks.

Featuring comprehensive deep-cycle batteries, this scissor lift model boasts whisper-quiet operation and can put in an entire day’s work without needing to be plugged in and powered up again.

Stumbling here after Googling “scissor lift hire near me”?

You’re exactly where you need to be if you’re looking for scissor lift hire in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Swansea, Bristol, Newport, Barry, or Penarth.

For half a decade, we’ve provided scissor lift hire in Cardiff and beyond to businesses and homes across South Wales and the West of England. Whether you’re ready to roll with a scissor lift hire, or still have questions about what model you need (or even if it’s a scissor lift you need), we’re right here. Call our team for friendly (un-pushy) advice on either 0333 772 9645 or 07933 731 711.

You can also email us via info@dragon-access.co.uk.

Kind words (happy clients)

“We hired a scissor lift. It was a quick and easy process and at a great price. Job well done”.

  • Rebecca Rees

“Excellent service at Dragon Access! Their team are fantastic and it is reasonably priced compared to everywhere else around Cardiff!”

  • John Watts

“I was really happy with the work they did. I highly recommend!”

  • Tim Burns

“We recently hired a cherry picker from Dragon Access which fitted through our garden gate, fantastic equipment”.

  • Jim Hill