How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the support weight of the scissors and 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 instance of this to illustrate the point would be a 20-foot lift length which is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is pretty much weightless. It definitely will not be able to support at much of a height and would not be able to support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform would be raised to determine or calculate the length of the scissor lift needed to support the weight of both occupants and objects 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 would be necessary to be extended at their full extension. Finally, you would never want to ascend a few employees up on a platform together with their materials which is on a platform supported by any kind of unstable structure as obviously any equipment that is prone to tipping would put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of every scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the length and weight of the scissor lift you will require along with the overall stability of the machinery. When completely extended, determine the angle between the horizontal or ground level against the scissor arms measured.