scissors platform lift design

[texasjohn]

Have any of you built a scissors platform lift? Any comments on design parameters or things to avoid?

I've got a bunch of extra heavy duty metal rails for warehouse racks, 9 feet long. I have the entire 40X60 foot barn with warehouse racks around the perimeter and shelves to 10 feet up. I also have a sturdy metal platform and can obtain casters with brake locks.

I need a rolling scissors lift that will raise a platform and maybe 400 lbs plus me = 600 lbs total + weight of lift itself so I can easily reach the shelves for item placement and removal.

I've searched the web for design specifications for a scissors lift and didn't find any specifics.

 

[schmism]

what you ment to say is i need it to easly support 1800lbs (3 times my "load limit of 600lbs)

cause if the mount/pin on the hydrolic cylinder used to rase it, shears off, you come slamming back down to earth in a heartbeat.

so perhaps you can build the sissors part fairly easyly.... but what are you goning to run the hydrolics with? what are you going to move the lift with? how are you going to rig remote controls..... have an idea of the ratio of base weight to "basket" wieght is on the "real versions?" (after all you dont want the thing toppling over because its top heavy)

get pallet forks for the FEL and bring the stuff DOWN to you... instead of YOU going to the stuff

 

[texasjohn]

schmism, good points all....

Yep, mount/pin needs to not shear/bend, same goes for all pins/parts used in the structure.

The entire unit would be on metal casters capable of carrying the load, with brakes. It would roll around on the concrete floor of the barn, thus a smooth surface. I would move it manually into position, then set the brakes.

There are numerous hydraulic units available with manual pumps. Also, electronically/battery driven units as well. If I go electrid, then the remote control is an electronic cable with buttons. If hydraulic power is used, then I either need a buddy to run it while I ride the lift, or I climb up/down the structure after it is raised. You are right, these need to be properly selected, sized and installed. There are several posts on TBN where folks have built a tilt bed dump trailer and used hydraulics for the purpose so I think it's possible to locate components.

Regarding base weight, I have 1000 lbs of elevator weights (about 100 lbs each) that I can use in the base. If this isn't enough, then I have access to thousands of pounds of concrete in flat slabs that I can stack up on the base until it is sufficiently heavy. Net is, yep, the base must be sufficiently heavy to hold it to the ground.

I do have pallet forks for the FEL and plan to use them on occasion to place and remove truly heavy items... but running to the tractor every time I need a board or bucket from the top of a rack doesn't appeal to me, nor does leaving open all the space required for backing and maneuvering a CUT/FEL inside the barn, even though almost everything I have is on wheels (carts, dollys, desk, work tables, chairs, etc) so it can be arranged/moved when needed. Only the storage racks on the perimeter are fixed position. Neither does the idea of running up and down rickety step ladders or extension ladders carrying stuff in one hand and holding on to the ladder with the other meet my sense of safety consciousness. That's why I am attracted to the idea of a stable scissors platform large enough to walk on (yep, need rails) and that will raise/lower bulky items from whenever rack as needed with a maneuvering footprint that is much smaller than a CUT/FEL.

All the above led to my post inquiring if anyone else has built or understands the design requiremens for a simple scissors lift. I'd like to benefit from somebody else's experience... don't want to make all the mistakes myself

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Something to Consider...

Some type of overhead lift/crane might be easier to build. I know that it would remove the option of taking the scissor lift outside or off site for other projects, but how often do you need a scissor lift outside or off site.

By the time you figure in all the high tensile strength pins, etc. needed for the lift you might be ahead on the deal with some sort of overhead lift. The other advantage of the overhead lift is that you could store it overhead. That leaves enough floor space for another tractor, implement, or toy.

It would all depend on your setup and the construction of your barn, etc.

 

[BarryinMN]

Great minds think alike.. I have the same config barn perimeter lined with pallet racking and wire mesh decking.

I bought a small gas Towmotor hard tired 12' forklift. 3K lbs lift & matches my tractor FEL capacity with pallet forks for outside toting.

Anything not on wheels is palletized and stacked. Even the snowmobile spends off season on a OSB pallet on the top of a rack.

Found a used rolling stairway (about $10/step) to access small stuff over head high - no stepladders. Bought it from a used retail store fixtures shop.

A scissor lift is verticle - consider getting a boom manlift - you are able to fly over a parked vehicle or other equipment in the barn to reach items on the walls. Also fly over bushes-porches etc. to get to 3nd floor dormers

I have a Genie Z30 battery powered self propelled rated 500 lbs and weighs 5 tons. paid $5K on Ebay. Considering the sheer mass, safety interlocks,(deadman, tilt, motion, etc) and failsafe engineering against collapse, plus backup hand powered hydraulics.

WAAAAYYY cheaper to buy vs build.

 

[toy1]

I saw an interesting setup last Sunday a fellow had a boom lift attached to the quick attach on the front end of his John Deere tractor. From what I could see it looked like a 40 hp type tractor. I do not know how it was powered I assumed by tractor hyd. One of these day if I see him in the yard again I will stop buy and get a close up. I do like the concept.

 

[Jagmandave]

Let me float another idea............I bought a used scissors lift from the local Hertz rental yard in very good condition for $2000. Haven't had to do anything to it for three years now and works perfectly. It goes up to 30 ft high, and of course is self propelled, and has it's own on board battery charger. I don't think you can build a good safe one for that little money, even if you discount your time to $0. It's rated for 1000lb ( 2 men and 500 lbs) and it also has the 3 ft slide out extension to reach over things as needed.

Smaller, lighter load units were available for less..............

 

[texasjohn]

Good ideas, all. Thanks. Gives me something to worry over. I'll look for a used device made for the task.

BarryinMN , I must say you are well equipped with hydraulic items. Love your lift... it even flys over your building... bet it's good for bird watching