Whether you’re managing a high-rise construction project, maintaining retail infrastructure, or stocking warehouse shelves, safe access to elevated areas is non-negotiable. For many professionals across New Zealand, scissor lifts have become an essential tool—offering vertical reach, improved safety, and operational efficiency.
This guide breaks down the essentials of using and selecting a scissor lift in New Zealand, including how to identify the right type for your project, how to use it safely, and why proper planning can prevent costly downtime.
What Is a Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is a type of mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) designed to lift workers and tools vertically. Its signature feature is the folding support structure underneath the platform, which expands in a scissor-like motion. While they don’t offer horizontal outreach like boom lifts, scissor lifts are ideal for work that requires straight upward access.
They’re widely used across New Zealand in industries such as:
- Commercial construction
- Facility maintenance
- Event staging and lighting
- Retail logistics
- Manufacturing
Scissor lifts are preferred when stability, compact design, and ease of movement are required for working at moderate heights.
Types of Scissor Lifts and Their Uses
Choosing the right scissor lift starts with understanding the types available and what each is best suited for.
Electric Scissor Lifts
These are ideal for indoor or enclosed environments, where zero-emission operation is necessary. They are quieter, more compact, and require less maintenance compared to their diesel counterparts.
- Working height: Typically up to 12 metres
- Applications: Warehouses, schools, shopping centres, interior fit-outs
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Built for rugged, uneven ground, these diesel-powered lifts come equipped with four-wheel drive, heavy-duty tires, and higher platform capacities. They’re designed for outdoor construction and infrastructure projects.
- Working height: Up to 18–20 metres
- Applications: Roadworks, building exteriors, landscaping, utility maintenance
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Lifts
Less common but still relevant in specialist settings. Pneumatic lifts use air pressure rather than electricity or fuel, offering an eco-friendlier solution in highly regulated environments.
How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift in New Zealand
Each job site has unique requirements. Choosing the wrong lift can lead to safety risks, delays, or damage to property. Here’s what to assess before making a decision:
1. Working Height and Platform Reach
Know how high the job requires you to reach. Keep in mind the working height is about two metres above the platform height.
2. Weight Capacity
Add up the total load—this includes personnel, tools, and materials. Overloading is not just a mechanical risk—it’s a serious safety hazard.
3. Access and Mobility
Tight indoor environments might demand a narrow, manoeuvrable electric lift. Outdoor jobs with limited access may need a compact rough-terrain model with all-terrain tires and greater stabilisation features.
4. Power Source and Runtime
Electric models are better for confined spaces and shorter run times. If you’re running long shifts outdoors, diesel models with fuel efficiency and longer uptime make more sense.
5. Compliance and Maintenance History
Especially when hiring, always check that the scissor lift has current certifications, has passed recent inspections, and meets WorkSafe New Zealand standards.
Safety First: Key Precautions When Using a Scissor Lift
Accidents involving scissor lifts are often preventable. Follow these best practices to maintain a safe work environment:
Pre-Operation Checklist
- Check hydraulic lines for leaks
- Test brakes, tilt sensors, and emergency stop switches
- Confirm guardrails and platform gates are secure
- Ensure wheels and outriggers are stable and positioned properly
Operator Training and Certification
All operators should be trained under NZQA standards or other recognised MEWP training schemes. Untrained personnel should never operate a lift, even for short tasks.
Use in Safe Conditions
Avoid using scissor lifts during high winds, rain, or on soft ground. Keep clear of overhead obstructions such as power lines or beams.
Guardrails and Fall Prevention
Use all installed safety rails and never climb or lean over them. If work requires overreaching, a different type of lift—such as an articulating boom—may be more suitable.
Maintenance and Inspection Tips
Whether you own or hire the equipment, regular maintenance is essential for long-term safety and performance.
- Conduct daily pre-use checks
- Schedule monthly inspections for wear and tear
- Log all maintenance and repair work for compliance checks
- For hired lifts, confirm the provider offers up-to-date service documentation
Renting vs. Buying: Which Option Is Best?
For most short- to medium-term needs, hiring a scissor lift is cost-effective, flexible, and allows you to choose models specific to each project.
Buying may make sense if:
- You operate continuously in warehousing or construction
- Your business has storage, servicing, and maintenance capabilities
- The lift will be used frequently across projects
Final Takeaway: Plan, Select, and Operate with Confidence
Scissor lifts offer a safe and effective solution for accessing heights—provided they are chosen and used with care. Whether you’re a contractor working on a new build, a property manager doing façade repairs, or a warehouse supervisor reorganising storage, a scissor lift can increase your productivity while reducing manual handling risks.
By understanding the available options, adhering to safety practices, and choosing the right hire partner, you can ensure your project proceeds smoothly and safely.read more
