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 weight and length are corollaries, meaning that the former determines the latter for scissor jack stability. An extreme instance of this to illustrate the point will be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam which is pretty much weightless. It certainly would not be able to support at much of a height and will not be able to support a lot at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform would be lifted to calculate or determine the scissor lift length required to support the weight of both occupants and objects on the platform in relation to the platform's weight.
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. Lastly, you would never want to ascend a few employees up on a platform with their materials which is on a platform supported by any kind of unstable structure since obviously any type of machinery that is susceptible to tipping would put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of each scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the weight and length of the scissor lift you will require as well as the overall stability of the machinery. When fully extended, determine the angle between the ground or horizontal level against the scissor arms measured.