How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the support weight of the scissors as well as 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 a stable scissor jack. An extreme example of this to illustrate the point would be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is practically weightless. It certainly will not be able to support at much of a height and could not support a lot at all.
In order to calculate the length of a scissor lift, determine how high in the air you require to support a platform that will support of the weight of the occupants and objects on the platform as well as the weight of the platform.
In order to reach the required height within the weight support parameters, the number of cross sections of scissor folding supports sections which would be required to be extended at their full extension. Finally, you will never want to ascend a few employees up on a platform along with their supplies which is on a platform supported by any type of unstable structure since clearly any equipment that is prone to tipping would really put individuals in a very dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of each scissor cross-section. This is vital to determining the weight and length of the scissor lift you will require in addition to the overall stability of the machinery. When fully extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the ground or horizontal level.