Scissor lifts

[Howard]

I know some of you here have experience with them. Can anyone tell me the maximum allowable slope upon which a scissor lift (in general) can elevate its platform?

A lot of manuals say not to do it on any kind of slope, but unless you're working on poured concrete, it's hard to get it perfectly level.

I might need to get a scissor lift onto a floor that has a very slight slope due to drainage requirements. What's the limit?

 

[iamwiz82]

I think new Genies are around 5%? It's been awhile since I had to train on one.

 

[Drako]

Your question has a lot of variables.

Size of load, height of lift, etc.

 

[Markbnj]

I'm not vouching for your safety, but I can't imagine that drainage slope would cause an issue. Damn near every floor in a large building has some drainage slope to it unless its level for process reasons. I suspect that any slope you would not notice or feel when walking around will not bother the lift.

Edit: eh, also assuming it is blocked/braked/chocked, whatever.

 

[Howard]

Your question has a lot of variables.

Size of load, height of lift, etc.

Just for people and small parts. Assume 500-700 lbs.

Max height perhaps 15 feet.

24" or 30" lift.

 

[SKORPI0]

Just like a car, turn the wheels against the slope. I cannot vouch for any accuracy of this information. :hmm:

What should the maximum loading dock ramp slope be for basic loading docks

According to the Whole Building Design Guide, a Web site where government and industry professionals provide guidance on building design, for a basic loading dock that includes a shipping and receiving dock for trucks and vans, a staging area, and at least one office space for dock supervisors or managers, a loading dock ramp should be provided from the loading dock down to the truck parking area to facilitate deliveries from small trucks and vans. And the maximum loading dock ramp slope should be 1:12. This does not apply to light industrial or warehouse spaces. What does 1:12 mean, exactly? According to wheelchairramp.org, slope is the right-angle relationship of vertical height (rise) to horizontal length or projection (run). It is usually expressed as a ratio of these two measurements, with the rise figure frequently set at a unit of one. For example, a slope of 1:12 means that as each dimension unit of height changes, the other right-angle side projects out 12 units, which together result in a certain angle for the inclined, third side of the triangle. It's important to point out that the larger the run figure in a slope ratio, the gentler the angle for the inclined surface will be - a 1:16 slope, for example, is not as steep as a 1:12 slope. This fact is a source of initial confusion for many people, who conceptualize that a bigger number must mean a steeper slope.

More info.
http://www.autoquip.com/media/220138/scissors_lift_deflection_by_autoquip_corporation.pdf
http://www.genielift.com/en/idc03/groups/webcontent/@web/@awp/documents/web_content/ucm03_089474.pdf (page 11 regarding slopes-up t0 50% gradeability)

 

[Imp]

Call the manufacturer. They probably want to avoid the possibility of a lawsuit even if their in-house team of lawyers know they can get out of it.

 

[Howard]

Just like a car, turn the wheels against the slope. I cannot vouch for any accuracy of this information. :hmm:

What should the maximum loading dock ramp slope be for basic loading docks

More info.
http://www.autoquip.com/media/220138/scissors_lift_deflection_by_autoquip_corporation.pdf
http://www.genielift.com/en/idc03/groups/webcontent/@web/@awp/documents/web_content/ucm03_089474.pdf (page 11 regarding slopes-up t0 50% gradeability)

This is just info on how steep a grade it can move on. I need to know how steep a slope is allowed for the platform to elevate.

I guess I could call the manufacturer, but at this point I have no idea whose lifts are going to be used.

 

[teejee]

At least certain models have a safety mechanism so they don't work in too high inclination.

 

[olds]

RTFM

 

[Kneedragger]

At least certain models have a safety mechanism so they don't work in too high inclination.

The majority of the new ones I have used will beep if the angle is too steep while raising and not let you raise anymore.

I have been on some slopes that you can barely notice and the lift wouldn't allow me to go very high at all.

 

[Howard]

RTFM

Do not raise platform on a slope.

characters

 

[notposting]

Here's an example that may help:

we were installing security cameras at a Target store. One of the corner mounts (boom hanging off for better sightlines) was on a sloped area (if I recall, near a dock area?). They have different angle restrictions from front to back versus side to side. As someone mentioned above, they will just cut out and not let you go up anymore. Had to end up reapproaching to come in directly at the building (which only allowed one person to work on it at a time) but it worked.

If it's pretty minor you should be okay, talk to the rental company and they will set you up with the right lift. Even if it means a boom lift that can handle a bit more uneven ground and more money in their pocket