20 foot scissor lift
This guide explains the 20 foot class in clear terms. You get platform height, working height, size, weight, and model examples. Every figure uses dual units. Native unit first and the conversion in brackets.
Quick example 20 ft platform height [6.10 m] gives about 26 ft working height [7.92 m] for many models. Indoor and outdoor ratings can differ.
What 20 foot means
In this class platform height is about 20 ft [6.10 m]. Working height is the reach above the floor. It is platform height plus about 6 ft [about 2 m]. Brands state this rule in spec notes.
Many sheets show the same machine as 20 ft platform height and 26 ft working height.
Core specs you can expect
| Spec | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Platform height | 20 ft [6.10 m] | Raised platform height indoor rating |
| Working height | About 26 ft [about 7.9 to 8.1 m] | Platform height plus reach allowance |
| Overall width | 32 in class [0.81 m] | Fits common single doors |
| Stowed length | About 8 ft [about 2.44 m] | Platform retracted |
| Stowed height with folding rails | About 7 ft 2 in [2.18 m] | Rails can fold or lower for doors |
| Stowed height with rails lowered | About 5 ft 11 in to 6 ft 2 in [about 1.80 to 1.87 m] | Varies by brand |
| Platform size | 30 in by 7 ft 5 in to 7 ft 6 in [0.76 m by about 2.26 to 2.30 m] | Slide out deck near 3 ft [0.90 m] |
| Platform capacity | About 800 lb indoors [about 360 kg] | Check outdoor rating and occupancy |
| Machine weight | About 3,900 to 4,050 lb [about 1,775 to 1,970 kg] | Options can change weight |
| Power | Twenty four volt battery pack [four by six volt 225 Ah common] | Electric slab class for indoor work |
| Gradeability | About 25 to 30 percent | Drive only on allowed slopes with platform lowered |
Door fit and maneuvering
Many 20 ft machines are 32 in wide [0.81 m] and pass a 36 in door. Stowed height with rails folded is near 71 to 74 in [about 1.80 to 1.87 m] which fits an 80 in door. Outside turning radius sits near 6 ft 9 in [about 2.06 m]. Inside radius is often zero.
Indoor and outdoor ratings
Standards separate indoor from outdoor use. The same unit can list 20 ft platform height indoors and a lower allowed platform height outdoors. Outdoor occupancy often drops to one person. Wind limits apply outdoors. Follow the plate on the unit and the manual.
Floor loading and point load explained
Three numbers matter for floors. Tire load at the heaviest wheel. Tire contact pressure under that wheel. Occupied floor pressure under the whole machine and occupants.
Example with a current 20 ft model. Tire load max 1,692 lb [767 kg]. Tire contact pressure about 111 psi [766 kPa]. Occupied floor pressure about 247 psf [11.82 kPa]. These values come from the spec sheet.
How to check a slab
- Get the machine plate values for occupied floor pressure and maximum wheel load
- Compare occupied floor pressure to the slab uniform load limit in psf or kPa
- Compare maximum wheel load to the slab point load limit from your engineer
- Add margin and account for any ramps or trenches
Worked check in imperial. If the slab limit is 300 psf and the occupied floor pressure is 247 psf the check passes with margin. Worked check in metric. If the slab limit is 15 kPa and the occupied floor pressure is 11.82 kPa the check passes with margin.
Contact pressure depends on tire size and floor conditions. Use the published machine values. Do not assume equal load on all wheels.
Popular models in this class
| Model | Platform height | Working height | Width | Length | Stowed height rails folded | Platform size | Deck extension | Capacity indoor | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genie GS 2032 | 20 ft 1 in [6.13 m] | 26 ft 1 in indoor [8.13 m] | 2 ft 8 in [0.81 m] | 8 ft [2.44 m] | 5 ft 11 in [1.80 m] | 2 ft 6 in by 7 ft 5 in [0.76 m by 2.26 m] | 3 ft [0.91 m] | 800 lb [363 kg] | 4,038 lb [1,832 kg] |
| JLG 2032ES | 20 ft [6.10 m] | 26 ft [8.10 m] | 0.81 m [32 in] | 2.30 m [7 ft 6 in] | 1.87 m [6 ft 2 in] | 0.76 m by 2.30 m [30 in by 7 ft 6 in] | 0.90 m [35 in] | 360 kg [about 794 lb] | 1,970 kg [about 4,343 lb] |
| Skyjack SJ3220 | 19 ft 6 in [5.94 m] | 25 ft 6 in [7.77 m] | 32 in [0.81 m] | 91.6 in [2.33 m] | 69 in with rails down [1.75 m] | 28 in by 83 in [0.71 m by 2.11 m] | 36 in [0.91 m] | varies by build | 3,917 lb [1,777 kg] |
Figures above come from current or recent brand sheets. Always confirm with the latest document for your unit.
How this compares to a 19 foot lift
The classic 19 ft class has 19 ft platform height [about 5.8 m] and about 25 ft working height [about 7.8 m]. Width is often 30 in [0.76 m]. Length sits near 6 ft [1.83 m]. Capacity is often 500 lb [227 kg]. This class is lighter than a 20 ft unit.
| Spec | 19 ft class example | 20 ft class example |
|---|---|---|
| Platform height | 19 ft 3 in [5.85 m] | 20 ft to 20 ft 1 in [6.10 to 6.13 m] |
| Working height | About 25 ft 3 in [7.85 m] | About 26 ft [about 8.0 to 8.13 m] |
| Width | 30 in [0.76 m] | 32 in class [0.81 m] |
| Typical capacity | 500 lb [227 kg] | About 800 lb indoors [about 360 kg] |
| Typical weight | About 3,200 lb [about 1,450 kg] | About 3,900 to 4,050 lb [about 1,775 to 1,970 kg] |
Standards glossary
United States
ANSI A92.20 covers design. ANSI A92.22 covers safe use. ANSI A92.24 covers training. The suite took effect in 2020.
Canada
CSA B354.6 covers design. CSA B354.7 covers safe use. CSA B354.8 covers operator training.
Europe
EN 280 sets design and stability rules. The current issue appears as EN 280 1. Outdoor rating assumes wind up to 12.5 m per s [28 mph]. Indoor rating assumes zero wind.
Global alignment
North American and Canadian suites align to the ISO model. Brands use the same wind and load sense concepts worldwide.
Always follow the machine plate and the manual for your unit. Those values control over any summary.
Printable pre use checklist
- Walk around the unit and remove debris
- Check tires and pothole protection and guard rails
- Confirm battery charge and cables and charger cord stowed
- Test emergency stop and lift and lower and drive
- Check platform gate and chain and toe boards
- Confirm tilt alarm and load sense function
- Confirm wind rating and indoor or outdoor plate
- Check work area overhead and floor conditions
- Wear fall protection if your site requires it
- Carry proof of training per the local standard
Print this page in portrait. The list blocks avoid page breaks.
Door fit cheat sheet
| Door opening | Will a 32 in wide unit pass | Stowed height to clear 80 in door | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 in door [0.81 m] | Clearance is tight. Not advised | Need rails lowered under 74 in [about 1.87 m] | Most sites use a 36 in door |
| 36 in door [0.91 m] | Yes for most 32 in units | 71 to 74 in [about 1.80 to 1.87 m] typical | Measure door stops and hardware |
| 48 in door [1.22 m] | Yes with margin | Rails up may still clear depending on model | Check swing space each side |
Power and components
Twenty four volt electric drive with four six volt batteries is common. Many models use 225 amp hour packs. Non marking tires are standard for indoor floors. Platform load sense and pothole protection are standard features on current units.
Where a 20 foot lift fits well
- Ceilings in retail and schools to about 25 to 26 ft working height [about 7.7 to 8.1 m]
- Warehouse lighting and sensors where 32 in width [0.81 m] is fine
- HVAC and fire systems in offices and data halls
- Construction interiors after floor cure where slab loading is known
FAQ
- Will a 20 ft lift fit through a single door
- Most 32 in wide models fit a 36 in door. Fold or lower the rails to about 71 to 74 in stowed height to pass an 80 in door. Measure your doorway and the machine.
- How many people can work on the platform
- Many list two persons indoors. Outdoor rating often limits to one person. Follow the decal on your unit.
- Can I use it outdoors
- Yes when the model carries an outdoor rating. Platform height and occupancy can be lower outdoors. Wind limits apply.
- What is the deck extension length
- About 3 ft [0.90 m] on many models.
- What floor loads should I plan for
- Use the occupied floor pressure and the maximum wheel load from your spec sheet. Compare to slab limits in psf or kPa with margin.