Scissor lifts are unique pieces of equipment. They can be driven around like forklifts, but they can elevate you and a load of goods on the same platform much higher than a forklift can. They are much safer to use than most other types of lifts because of their unique platform design with guard rails and built-in controls on the platforms themselves. If you are considering purchasing a lift for use in your warehouse, you should inspect it first. Here is what you should be looking for before you agree to buy a scissor lift. 

Fluid Movement

The movement of the accordion-like metal grates that make up the scissoring action of the lift should move fluidly. You should not hear any grating noises or hesitations or whines in the metal grates as the lift moves up and down. When these are well-oiled and maintained they will move with the desired fluidity that all scissor lifts are supposed to have. Be sure to take a few turns of riding up and down on the platform and listening for unusual sounds and feeling for unnatural movements. 

Driving Moves in the Directions You Want to Go

As mentioned earlier, you can drive these lifts like open cars. They readily turn in all directions and back up, and all you have to do is hit some switches, pull a lever, and turn the wheel. Take the lift for a test drive to make sure it responds in all directions and does not suddenly move in any direction it should not. 

Check the Wheels

These lifts are heavy duty workhorses, but only if the "hooves" of these workhorses are in good shape. Check the wheels on the lift you want to test-drive. The wheels should not be cracked or heavily worn. If they are, any weight you put on the platform could damage the wheels further, and cause a very unpleasant accident. Most sellers of used lifts will automatically replace the wheels before they attempt to sell the lifts again. Still, it pays to be vigilant when it comes to your safety and the safety of others. 

Check All of the Wiring, If You Know How

Along with the wiring in the control panel, there may be other wiring that is hidden when the lift is low to the ground and exposed when the lift is on high. Check all wiring to make sure it is connected, and to make sure nothing is frayed. If you do not know how to check the wiring, take an electrician with you to check it out. 

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