Why Low-Level Scissor Lifts Are the Right Fit for Indoor Contracting Jobs

04/05/2019

As experienced contractors know, common practice does not always equal common sense. Though many in the construction industry insist on using 19 ft scissor lifts for work-at-height jobs, large-model lifts are rarely the ideal solution. Contractors are left with more lift than they need and less productivity than they hoped for.

Low-level scissor lifts, conversely, tend to be the perfect fit for most indoor general contracting jobs, including framework, electrical, and HVAC. Platform heights between 5–14 ft allow operators to work at heights of 11-20 ft, delivering optimal efficiency for nearly any job contractors tackle.

Low-level scissor lifts also offer unbeatable efficiency. Superior ergonomics, greater productivity, and enhanced maneuverability prove that in terms of profitability, low-level scissor lifts tower over their taller counterparts. Here are a few other reasons why low-level scissor lifts are the right fit for your next contracting job.

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Low-Level Lifts Have Big Platform Capacities

Low-level lifts offer up to 800 lbs of platform capacity, 250 lbs more than traditional 19 ft lifts. The Hy-Brid Lifts PS-1430, for example, enables working heights up to 20 ft but can still support a remarkable 700 lbs on the platform. More capacity means more tools and materials per trip, saving contractors time and money and preventing the hassle of dealing with the ups and downs that accompany low-capacity scissor lifts.

Floor Damage is Reduced with Low-Level Lifts

The prevailing tendency is to assume that with lifting equipment, heavier is always better. This mentality falls short, however, when it comes time to work on easily-damaged finished floors or green concrete. While the lightest 19 ft models tip the scale at a hefty 3,000+ lbs, Hy-Brid Lifts self-propelled low-level lifts weigh as little as 1,500 lbs. Designed with dual front wheels that efficiently distribute weight, all Hy-Brid Lifts are safe to take across tile, raised floor panels, and laminate, reducing the risk that contractors will need to deal with the cost and stress of damaged floors.

Low-Level Lifts Are Less Straining for Workers

Ergonomics can have a big impact on jobsite productivity and job profitability. Most 19 ft lifts require uncomfortably high entry heights—as much as 42 in. This means workers must take multiple steps up and onto the platform. Over the course of days, weeks, and months, this can create strain not only on productivity but workers’ bodies as well. Low-level lifts relieve this stress, requiring only a single 21 in step onto the platform.

Low-Level Scissor Lifts Are Easier to Move

Taking up nearly 5 sq ft more than low-level models, 19 ft lifts have limited maneuverability and can only dream of navigating the same tight spaces low-level lifts can handle. Taller stowed heights and reduced maneuverability make navigating through doorways a tricky task with larger lifts, making them a cumbersome addition to jobsites. Smaller lifts are compact, lighter, and more maneuverable, enabling operators to easily navigate complex jobsites.

Want to learn how low-level lifts can raise productivity and profits? Get in touch with a Hy-Brid Lifts expert by calling 262-644-1300 today!