Operation of an electric scissor lift

An electric scissor lift operates and lifts using battery power, with no combustion engine. The operator can drive and elevate the lift from the platform, allowing the machine to move with the platform raised, albeit at a low speed.

The scissor mechanism beneath the platform extends vertically, keeping the platform directly above the chassis. Working height is calculated as the platform height plus approximately 2 m, representing the reach of a person standing on the platform: 7.8 m for the AS-X6 and 12 m for the AS-X1012.

The platform control panel enables driving, steering, and lifting directly from the platform, so you can position and adjust the height without stepping down. The ground control unit on the chassis is used to raise and lower the platform from below and is used for the checks at the start of each shift.

As the platform only rises vertically, the chassis must be positioned directly beneath the work area before lifting. For tasks along a row, such as lighting or shelving, you can raise the platform at one end and drive along the row without lowering between stops. With the platform elevated, the maximum driving speed is 0.8 km/h. Work must pause while the lift is in motion, and movement is only permitted on firm, level surfaces that have been checked.

The extension deck slides out from the end of the platform, providing an extra 0.9 m on the AS-X6 and 1.0 m on the AS-X1012. This feature is particularly useful for reaching over fixed obstacles such as conveyor belts or fixed equipment.

Battery operation means there are no exhaust emissions and minimal noise, making these lifts suitable for use in busy warehouses and production areas where other activities are ongoing.

AS-X6 or AS-X1012: selecting your aerial work platform

If you require an 8 m scissor lift, the AS-X6 is the closest option: working height 7.8 m, rated for 230 kg, accommodating two people on the platform, for indoor use only. The AS-X1012 is the 12 m scissor lift for both indoor and outdoor work, with a 320 kg capacity, allowing two people indoors and one outdoors.

Choose your aerial work platform based on the working height required, the load to be lifted, and the available space for manoeuvring. Length is important for goods lifts and tight corners: the AS-X6 measures 1.84 m in length, while the AS-X1012 is 2.40 m.

The main distinction between the two models is their maximum working height. The AS-X6 platform rises to 5.8 m, enabling work up to approximately 7.8 m—ideal for installing lighting or maintaining shelving in lower-ceilinged halls. The AS-X1012 platform reaches 10 m, suitable for tasks up to about 12 m in high warehouses or on building exteriors.

Platform dimensions are also important for daily operations. The AS-X6 offers a platform of 1.65 × 0.76 m, suitable for two people and their tools for most indoor jobs. The AS-X1012 provides a larger platform at 2.25 × 1.15 m, allowing two people to work side by side with additional materials. This extra space is advantageous when handling long pipes or bulky items, reducing the number of trips required.

The width of the machine determines where it can be used. The AS-X6 is 0.76 m wide, fitting through most standard doors and narrow aisles, making it practical for older buildings and compact storage areas; always measure the clear opening of a door, not just the door leaf. The AS-X1012 is 1.15 m wide and requires wider access. Only the AS-X1012 is rated for outdoor use. When stowed, it travels at up to 3.2 km/h, compared to 4.0 km/h for the AS-X6—an important factor if the lift must cross large areas frequently.

AS-X6 and AS-X1012: technical comparison

The table below presents a side-by-side comparison of the main technical features of the AS-X6 and AS-X1012 scissor lifts, including working height, platform size, load capacity, drive speeds, and suitable environments.

To use the comparison table, begin by identifying the working height you require. Next, determine if outdoor use is necessary, as only the AS-X1012 is suitable for this. Then compare the width and length of each model with your doors, aisles, and goods lifts. Finally, ensure the rated capacity matches the combined weight of personnel, tools, and materials you intend to take onto the platform.

Indoor scissor lifts and outdoor use: operational limits

The AS-X6 is intended for indoor use only, accommodating two people on the platform. The AS-X1012 is also suitable for outdoor use, with a maximum of one person on the platform outside. Both models require a firm, level surface: the maximum permissible slope is 3 degrees forwards and backwards, and 1.5 degrees sideways, so even a yard or car park that appears level may be too steep across.

When operating the AS-X1012 outdoors, always check the wind conditions before elevating the platform: it must not be raised if wind speeds may exceed 12.5 m/s, which is the maximum wind speed for safe operation as specified by the manufacturer. Wind at height is often stronger than at ground level and gusts can occur suddenly, so consult forecasts with caution and lower the platform immediately if wind increases.

A stable, firm surface is vital for safe outdoor use. Soft ground, loose gravel or grass can give way beneath a wheel, increasing the risk of the lift tipping over. Wherever you are working, if the tilt alarm sounds, lower the platform and move the lift to level ground.

When working indoors, always check for drains, cable ducts and open pits along the route and at the work area before raising the platform. Keep people and forklifts clear of the area beneath the raised platform, using barriers if there is regular traffic.

Outdoors, the sideways force allowed on the platform is half that permitted indoors, so pulling or pushing with tools at height is more restricted outside. The AS-X6 is designed solely for indoor use, so it must not be used outdoors, even for a brief task in calm weather.

Choosing between a scissor lift and other aerial work platforms

A scissor lift raises a large, stable platform vertically, making it ideal for work on ceilings, lighting, shelving, installations or facades where the lift can be positioned directly beneath the task. The platform accommodates two people and their tools, which is not possible with a ladder or a single-person mast lift.

For both indoor and outdoor jobs where a stable, roomy platform is needed and the lift can stand under the work area, a scissor lift is a practical solution.

A boom lift is designed to reach over obstacles such as machinery or shelving, but its basket is smaller and usually supports less weight than a scissor lift platform. For example, to reach a light fitting above equipment that the lift cannot drive under, a boom lift can extend its basket over the top. In contrast, a scissor lift provides a larger platform for two people and their materials, making it better suited to tasks that require more space or teamwork.

A mast lift is intended for very confined spaces where only one person needs to work. Its footprint is smaller than a scissor lift, so it fits between racking or in narrow corridors. However, the platform is compact and only takes one person with light tools. If your task requires more than one worker or heavier materials, a scissor lift or another platform type is necessary.

Scaffolding is best for long-term work in a single location, such as painting or repairs that last several days. It takes time to assemble and dismantle, which is worthwhile if the job stays in one place. A scissor lift is much quicker to move: when you finish one section, you can drive to the next in minutes without taking anything apart. For instance, in a warehouse where lights are being replaced along a row, a scissor lift saves considerable time compared to shifting scaffolding.

A ladder is suitable for brief tasks at low height, but for longer jobs or those involving tools and materials, a platform with guardrails is safer and more efficient. On a scissor lift platform, you have a stable base and can use both hands for the work. For example, installing a cable tray overhead is much easier and safer from a platform than from a ladder.

Working height, platform size and load capacities

Begin by considering the highest point you need to reach: the platform should rise to about 2 m below this, with extra margin for comfort. Indoors, also check the available headroom: people on the raised platform must clear beams, pipes and lights, and the platform must never be raised into any obstruction above.

The rated capacity is the maximum total load the platform can carry, including people, tools and materials. Fewer people are permitted on the platform outdoors than indoors, and the platform must not be raised if the wind might exceed the rated speed.

For example, if you need to change lights at 7 m, you require a platform height of around 5 m. The AS-X6, with its 5.8 m platform, reaches this comfortably. For lights at 11 m, you need a platform height of about 9 m, which only the AS-X1012, with its 10 m platform, can provide.

The total load on the platform adds up quickly. Two people weighing roughly 90 kg each, plus 40 kg of tools, already total 220 kg. This is within the 230 kg capacity of the AS-X6, but leaves little room for extra materials. If you need to take additional materials up for installation, the AS-X1012 with its 320 kg capacity is the better option.

The extension deck on both lifts is rated for a maximum of 120 kg. This means that heavier materials or equipment must remain on the main platform, not the extension. For example, if you need to reach over a conveyor to fit a light, only lighter tools and materials should be placed on the extension deck to avoid overloading it.

Batteries and driving characteristics

The AS-X6 uses six 4 V batteries and the AS-X1012 uses four 6 V batteries, both providing 24 V and 200 Ah. The AS-X6 can drive at up to 4.0 km/h when stowed and 0.8 km/h with the platform raised. The AS-X1012 drives at up to 3.2 km/h stowed and 0.8 km/h raised.

When stowed, both models can climb slopes up to 25 %. The batteries are recharged from a standard socket between shifts.

Charge the batteries after every shift and allow the charging cycle to finish before using the lift again. Batteries left discharged lose capacity over time, reducing their lifespan. Plan to charge in a dry, well-ventilated area near a socket, away from traffic and other equipment. This ensures safe charging and prevents cables from becoming a trip hazard.

Always drive between work areas with the platform lowered; the raised speed is only for short moves along a row, on a firm, level floor. A ramp that the lift can climb when stowed is not suitable for raising the platform. Before the first use, check the slope of ramps and the surface along the route, including any thresholds and cable covers.

Access to buildings and site considerations

Before purchasing a scissor lift, check the width of doors and aisles along the route to the work area. The floor must be able to support the weight of the lift and its load, especially on mezzanines, ramps or older floors.

Check the route for thresholds, ramps and uneven surfaces, and the height of doors and passages: with the guardrails folded, both lifts are 1.84 m high.

The weight of the lift and its load is distributed over four wheels. On a mezzanine or older floor, consult the building manager about the floor’s load capacity and compare it with the lift’s total weight before moving it onto the area. If a goods lift is needed, check both its weight capacity and the size of its doors.

Plan how the lift will be unloaded from the lorry and brought into the building: it cannot climb steps, and any ramp used must be within its slope rating, with the platform lowered. Decide where the lift will be parked between jobs, out of the way of regular traffic.

What affects the price of a scissor lift

The price of a scissor lift is determined by working height, rated capacity, platform size and whether it is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The AS-X1012 offers greater height and capacity than the AS-X6, and this is reflected in its price. For indoor work up to around 7.8 m, the AS-X6 provides the same function in a more compact size; for higher or outdoor work, only the AS-X1012 is suitable.

The current price for each scissor lift available here is shown on its product card above. Before purchasing, compare the working height and load requirements with the table above. Both models include a 12-month warranty.

The main running costs are the electricity used for charging and, over time, the batteries themselves. Batteries are the largest consumable part of an electric scissor lift and will need replacing after a period of use, depending on how often the lift is charged and discharged.

Lifts used to raise personnel must undergo regular inspections by a competent person, as required by national regulations. These checks are essential for keeping the lift in service and ensuring it remains safe to operate. When planning to add a lift to your premises, remember to include the cost and scheduling of these inspections.

To request a quotation, select the Get offer button on the product card. If you require quotes for multiple items, use the Add to inquiry button to combine them into a single request.

Operator training and inspection

Anyone operating a scissor lift must be trained on the specific machine and must have read the manual before use. A pre-operation inspection is required at the start of each work shift to confirm all functions and safety features are working correctly.

The inspection at the beginning of each shift includes both control panels and their emergency stops, the tyres, guardrails and gate, battery charge, any leaks, alarms, and the pothole guards. Charge the battery if it is low and repair any faulty alarms before using the lift.

Training covers the use of controls, limits for load, wind and slope, and how to lower the platform from the ground in an emergency. It is good practice to have a second person on the ground who understands the emergency lowering function. Keep a brief record of daily checks and any faults found, so repairs are not overlooked and the lift remains in safe condition.

Checklist before ordering a scissor lift

Before ordering, measure the highest point you need to reach, the height of beams, pipes and lights nearby, the width and height of all doors along the route, the width of aisles, the slope and type of flooring, and decide if the lift will be used indoors or outdoors. For example, a door with a clear opening of 0.9 m allows the AS-X6 to pass through easily, while the AS-X1012 requires a clear opening of well over 1.15 m.

The comparison table above shows which of the two lifts is suitable for your required height, load and working environment.

Describe your work requirements in your enquiry: how many people will be on the platform, which tools and how much material they will need, how long they will remain at height, and how often the lift will be moved. For example, if two people are installing cable trays along a long section, a larger platform can save time. Also state whether the lift will remain in one building or be moved between sites, as this will require transport by lorry.

If you intend to use the lift outdoors, consider how exposed the area is to wind. Plan where the charging point will be and where the lift will be parked overnight, away from other equipment. Decide in advance who will be trained to operate the lift and carry out daily inspections.

Safety systems and operating rules

Both scissor lifts are equipped with safety features: pothole guards that deploy when the platform is raised, a tilt alarm, a descent alarm, emergency lowering from ground level, and a safety arm to secure the scissors before anyone works beneath the raised platform.

The machine is not a crane. Ladders or scaffolding must not be placed on the platform. The maximum sideways manual force from the platform is 400 N indoors, and 200 N outdoors for the AS-X1012.

The pothole guards deploy when the platform is raised and close most of the gap beneath the chassis. If a wheel encounters a shallow hole or small step, the guard meets the floor and limits how far the machine can tilt. They help reduce the risk from an unnoticed hole; they are not a reason to drive over one.

The tilt alarm sounds if the chassis is on too steep a slope. If you hear the alarm, lower the platform and move the lift to level ground before continuing. The descent alarm warns those below that the platform is lowering, so they can keep clear.

Emergency lowering can be operated from ground level if the platform cannot be lowered from above. Ground staff should know where the emergency lowering controls are and how to use them. Always keep the platform gate closed, stand only on the platform floor, and never climb on the guardrails.

Questions about scissor lifts

How many people can use the scissor lift platform?

The AS-X6, designed for indoor use only, accommodates up to two people. The AS-X1012 allows two people indoors and one person outdoors. The total load must not exceed the rated capacity of 230 kg or 320 kg.

Can the scissor lift be used outdoors?

The AS-X6 is intended for indoor use only. The AS-X1012 may be used outdoors with one person on the platform, but must not be raised if wind speeds may exceed 12.5 m/s.

Will the scissor lift fit through a door?

The AS-X6 measures 0.76 m in width and 1.84 m in height with the rails folded. The AS-X1012 is 1.15 m wide and 1.84 m high with the rails folded. Measure all doors and aisles along the intended route.

What does working height mean on a scissor lift?

Working height is the platform height plus approximately 2 m, representing the reach of a person standing on the platform. For example, a platform height of 10 m gives a working height of 12 m.