An Electric Scissor Lift on How to Operate It Step By Step?
A scissor lift is a platform that’s lifted by electric motors. Though they are intended for use in paved surfaces, they’re often used as temporary work platforms. If you need to operate an electric scissor lift, the first step is to read all of the instructions carefully.
What Are The Components Of An Electric Scissor Lift?
There are a few key components in order for the electric scissor lift to function: controller, drive motor and positioning motor. This particular model also includes a track wheel carriage and mast assembly. The controller is the hand-held unit that allows you to control the lift. It has a brake bar on it that can be pulled or pushed.
The drive motor powers the carriage and the positioning motor raises/lowers the lift platform itself. Before using an electric scissor lift, ensure it’s in good working condition and make sure all of its components, like the controller and the battery are fully charged.
Steps for Operating an Electric Scissor Lift:
1. Read Instructions Carefully
The first step for operating an electric scissor lift is to read all of the instructions carefully. This will also ensure that you have everything you need, such as safety gear like goggles, gloves, ear protection, and steel toe shoes if needed. Read through all of the instructions carefully before getting on the scissor lift. If you’re still unsure about any of the steps, contact your company’s occupational health and safety department for more information.
2. Test Controls
The second step for operating an electric scissor lift is to test the controls. Usually, there’s a green and red button on the controller that will allow you to do this. Press the red button first, then the green one. This will allow you to test whether the controls are working properly or not.
The Individual Controls On The Scissor Lift Are:
i). Raise the height of the platform
In order to raise or lower the height of your platform, you’ll need to press and hold one of two buttons according to which direction you want your platform moved. If you have a reversing function on your scissor lift, then there’s just one button that can control both movements at once.
ii). Lift up platform
To lift the platform up, press and hold down on the button while it’s at a neutral height. You’ll know that your platform has posted when you see a green light on your console indicating that you’re ready to work. Alternatively, if you have a reversing function on your scissor lift, then you’ll also need to press the same button and hold it down while your platform is at a neutral height. Again, you’ll see that your scissor lift has lifted when you see the green light on your console.
iii). Lower platform
If you want to lower your platform, then press and hold down the top/raise height button on your controller while it’s in the neutral position. You can also press and hold down the bottom/lower platform button if you have a reversing function on your scissor lift.
iv). Reversing functions
If you have a reversing function available for your scissor lift, then once you’ve gotten it running – either after testing or after having lifted your platform – all you need to do is press the top/raise height button and hold it down while your scissor lift is at a neutral height. If there’s also a lowering function, then you’ll need to press and hold down the bottom/lower platform button as well if you have one available on your machine.
v). Disable call-off button
If there’s a button that you’ll need to press regularly, then it might be useful for you to disable the call-off function from starting up automatically. Your scissor lift will have a built in sensor that allows it to detect when your hand is close enough to activate this feature – which you might not want to have happen if you’re tired or lazy.
To disable this feature (and make sure your scissor lift only works when you want it to), all you need to do is pull the top and bottom safety switches at the same time while your machine is turned off with the key switch. The red light next to the call-off button will also come on to indicate that it’s currently disabled.
vi). Change the direction of movement
You’ll need to use your directional buttons according to which direction you want your platform moved. If there’s a reversing function on your scissor lift, then you can set it to beep when the platform reaches its other end and also when it reaches the end of its cycle. This will make life much easier for you as it’s much harder to accidentally leave your machine running or switched on without knowing that it’s been running for a while now.
vii). Electric brake
The electric brake will automatically slow the scissor lift down whenever you stop pressing any directional buttons as long as the distance between where you’re at and your end point is one that’s within the limits of the lift. This feature will stop you from overshooting something and causing damage to the machine or something else as well.
viii). Emergency stop button
If you want to stop the scissor lift immediately, then press and hold down the emergency stop button. This will not only stop your machine but also disable any other functions that were running at the time. You should be able to start up your lift again after you’ve reset the controller by pressing all of its buttons until they all light up green.
ix). End point function
If you have a scissor lift that has an endpoint function, then you’ll need to make sure that the controller is turned on even if your machine is already on. This feature will stop the platform from being lowered when it reaches its lower endpoint. It works by using gears to drive in reverse once it’s reached its final destination.
For safety purposes, however, scissor lifts require that the platform be lowered until it’s at least 2 feet from the ground before allowing you to turn off the controller. This feature can also be overridden by holding down any of its buttons while it’s turned on.
3. Go Slowly and Cautiously
The controls of an electric scissor lift can be pretty straightforward, but it’s better to play it safe. You should always be moving at the slowest possible speed when you’re working with a scissor lift.
Not only will this prevent damage to yourself and your machine, but it also helps to make sure that you don’t accidentally hurt other people or objects as well. It might also be helpful for you to periodically check on whether the platform is level or not, as well as the distance left to your end point.
Working on an electric scissor lift can seem very complicated at the beginning if you’ve never done it before, but it’s actually really easy once you get used to everything. It might take some time for you to remember which buttons do what when and where (especially important ones like the end point buttons to stop you from overshooting where you’re going), but as long as you follow this simple guide then operating one should be a breeze for you!
4. Taking the Proper Safety Precautions
It’s important that you make sure to look out for your own safety whenever you’re operating an electric scissor lift. This means that you should always wear the appropriate protective gear when doing anything with one – like goggles, ear protection, gloves, and steel-toe shoes.
Resting your hand on the controls is a great way to accidentally activate the call-off function or to move the platform while you’re not looking, so it’s a good idea for you to keep your hands off of them whenever possible.
5. Testing Out Your Electric Scissor Lift Beforehand
Before using an electric scissor lift for the first time or after performing any necessary maintenance on it, it’s always important for you to test out its controls. This is in order to make sure that everything works properly and that the lift doesn’t have any issues with being able to move, such as a faulty motor or damaged platform.
By testing out your scissor lift first, you’re able to prevent any possible accidents from happening. This is especially important if the machine has been turned off for a long time or if you haven’t used it in a while. It only takes a couple of minutes of your time to test out your scissor lift and open up the potential for a safer work environment.
Safety Considerations When Operating a Scissor Lift
Operating an electric scissor lift is a lot easier than you might think. There are many accidents that happen on a construction site, but these platforms are designed to be used in those conditions.
1. Make Sure There Are Individuals to Help You In Case Something Goes Wrong
Before using the scissor lift, check to make sure that all of the controls work and that there are no missing parts or issues with the machine. For example, if you have a joystick control for your lift, test out both joysticks to ensure they’re operating properly.
2. Try Not To Overwork Yourself by Standing on It for Too Long
Before you start using the scissor lift, it’s a good idea to practice getting on and off it. It’s important that you don’t stand up on the lift for more than half an hour or so at a time. If possible, try having another worker with you while you’re working from the scissor lift to take over in case you become too tired.
3. Use on Firm, Level Ground for Best Results
Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s illegal and dangerous to use a scissor lift on an uneven surface like rocks or dirt; only operate the machine on solid, flat land where there are no holes. This is because if the platform tips over on an uneven surface, it could lead to injury and damage to property.
4. Make Sure You Have a Secure Work Area before Operating It
It’s also important that you have a secure workspace and tools before starting your lift. This will prevent any accidents or injuries in the process of using your scissor lift equipment.
5. Keep the Machine in Good Condition for Better Use
Make sure to keep your scissor lift in good working order so that it does not cause you any problems or danger while you’re using it. Inspect all of its parts regularly and make repairs if needed. If there’s an issue with safety equipment like brakes, get them replaced as soon as possible. You can also clean it to prevent dirt, mud, or other materials from getting into the scissor lift’s working parts and causing any malfunctions.
6. Follow All Safety Precautions to Avoid Injuries
Be sure to follow all of the safety precautions outlined in your instructional manual when operating an electric scissor lift. This will ensure that you, and anybody using the machine with you, won’t get hurt while working. If there are any issues with safety equipment like brakes or if you need more training on operating a scissor lift, contact your company’s occupational health and safety department.
7. Don’t Drive It Recklessly or Carelessly
While most scissor lifts have a top speed of 2–4 miles per hour, it’s important that you don’t drive the machine too fast. Rather than driving quickly to get from Point A to Point B, slow down and come to a stop when necessary. This will ensure that you avoid any unnecessary accidents or injuries while using your scissor lift.
8. Be Careful To Avoid Obstructions
Another thing to keep in mind is that while you’re using your scissor lift, you should be aware of any obstacles or obstructions underneath the platform. It shouldn’t be operated in construction areas with obstructions or equipment and you should avoid operating it in rain or snow to prevent electrical malfunctions. For example, if there are power lines overhead, it’s generally not a great idea to drive under them because this could cause injury and property damage.
Final Thought
As long as you know how your electric scissor lift works and what all of the controls do before using it, they’re a great option for those looking to ascend in height without having to climb. They are also safer than ladders because there’s three points of contact rather than just two which means that if someone falls off, they’ll be more likely to land on their feet. We hope that this article helped you learn more about the steps for operating an electric scissor lift and how they work!