How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the scissor support weight and the integrity of the steel cross sections over the length. The scissor structures weight and length are corollaries, meaning that the former determines the latter for scissor jack stability. An extreme instance of this to illustrate the point would be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam which is pretty much weightless. It certainly can not support at much of a height and will not be able to support a lot at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be lifted to calculate or determine the scissor lift length required to support the weight of both objects and occupants on the platform in relation to the weight of the platform.
The number of cross-sections of scissor folding supports sections that would be necessary to be extended at their full extension to be able to reach the needed height within the weight support parameters. Lastly, you would never want to ascend a few employees up on a platform with their supplies which is on a platform supported by any type of structure which is not stable as clearly any machinery that is prone to tipping will put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of each scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the weight and length of the scissor lift you will require in addition to the overall stability of the equipment. When entirely extended, determine the angle between the horizontal or ground level against the scissor arms measured.