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 that is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is pretty much weightless. It certainly can not support at much of a height and will not be able to support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be lifted 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 required height within the weight support parameters, the number of cross sections of scissor folding supports sections which will be necessary to be extended at their full extension. Lastly, you will never want to ascend some workers up on a platform with their materials which is on a platform supported by any type of structure which is not stable because obviously any machine that is susceptible to tipping will put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Every cross section must be weighed to determined the overall length and weight of the scissor lift along with the overall stability of the machinery. When entirely extended, determine the angle between the horizontal or ground level against the scissor arms measured.