How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the scissor support weight as well as the integrity of the steel cross sections over the length. The scissor structures length and weight are corollaries, meaning that the former determines the latter for scissor jack stability. An extreme example of this to illustrate the point will be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam which is practically weightless. It definitely will not be able to support at much of a height and will not be able to support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be raised to determine or calculate the length of the scissor lift required to support the weight of both objects and occupants on the platform in relation to the platform's weight.
To be able to reach the necessary height within the weight support parameters, the number of cross sections of scissor folding supports sections which will be required to be extended at their full extension. Finally, you will never want to ascend a few workers up on a platform along with their materials that is on a platform supported by any type of structure which is unstable since clearly any machine that is susceptible to tipping would put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Each and every cross section should be weighed to determined the overall length and weight of the scissor lift as well as the overall stability of the machine. When fully extended, determine the angle between the ground or horizontal level against the scissor arms measured.