Full Rise Scissor Lift

Full rise scissor lifts provide maximum vertical travel for applications requiring significant height capability. Whether transferring materials between mezzanine levels, positioning work at height, or creating flexible vertical conveyance, these high-travel platforms expand operational possibilities beyond what standard lift tables can achieve.

The term "full rise" typically refers to scissor lifts with vertical travel exceeding 1.5-2 metres (5-7 feet), often achieved through double, triple, or even quadruple scissor configurations. These lifts sacrifice some of the low collapsed height of single scissor designs in exchange for dramatically greater vertical range.

This guide covers full rise scissor lift configurations, applications, specifications, and selection considerations.

Understanding scissor lift configurations

Single scissor

Vertical travel. Typically 0.5-1.2 m (20-48 inches).
Collapsed height. Low profile possible.
Best for. Ergonomic positioning, loading docks, low-rise applications.

Double scissor (tandem)

Vertical travel. Typically 1.2-2.5 m (48-100 inches).
Configuration. Two scissor mechanisms stacked.
Collapsed height. Higher than single scissor.
Best for. Mezzanine access, higher work positioning.

Triple scissor

Vertical travel. Typically 2-4 m (80-160 inches).
Configuration. Three scissor mechanisms stacked.
Best for. Multi-level access, high-rise material transfer.

Quadruple and beyond

Vertical travel. 4+ metres (160+ inches) possible.
Considerations. Stability decreases, collapsed height increases significantly.
Applications. Specialized high-rise requirements.

Types of full rise scissor lifts

Stationary lift tables

Fixed installation, typically floor-mounted or pit-mounted.

Installation. Bolted to floor or recessed into pit.
Capacity. 500-20,000+ kg depending on design.
Travel. Up to 4+ metres with multi-scissor design.
Power. Hydraulic (most common), pneumatic, or electric.
Applications. Mezzanine lifts, work platforms, material handling.

Portable/mobile lift tables

Movable platforms with casters or wheels.

Mobility. Can be repositioned as needed.
Capacity. Typically lower than stationary (500-2,000 kg).
Travel. Usually limited to double scissor maximum.
Locking. Must lock in place during use.

See our mobile scissor lift tables guide for details.

Dock lifts

Designed specifically for loading dock applications.

Travel. Often 1.5-2 m (5-7 feet) to span dock height variations.
Features. Pit-mounted, truck restraints, safety barriers.
Capacity. High capacity for pallet loads and equipment.

Personnel lifts

Designed for lifting workers (additional safety requirements).

Features. Guardrails, gates, emergency lowering, interlocks.
Compliance. Must meet OSHA and applicable codes.
Capacity. Rated for personnel plus tools/materials.

Specifications

Typical full rise lift table specs

Specification	Double Scissor	Triple Scissor
Vertical travel	1.2-2.5 m (4-8 ft)	2-4 m (7-13 ft)
Collapsed height	300-500 mm (12-20 in)	450-700 mm (18-28 in)
Platform sizes	1x1 m to 2x3 m	1x1 m to 2x3 m
Capacity range	500-10,000 kg	500-5,000 kg
Lift speed	3-10 m/min	3-8 m/min
Power	1-5 HP hydraulic	2-7 HP hydraulic

Key specifications to consider

Vertical travel. Total distance from lowest to highest position.
Lowered height. Height when fully collapsed (affects pit depth if recessing).
Raised height. Maximum platform height.
Platform size. Working surface dimensions.
Capacity. Maximum safe working load.
Lift speed. How fast platform raises and lowers.
Duty cycle. How often it can operate (continuous vs. intermittent).

Applications

Mezzanine access

Transfer materials between floor and mezzanine level
Alternative to permanent conveyors or forklifts
Handles pallets, equipment, bulk materials
Can include safety gates at both levels

Work positioning

Raise workers and materials to working height
Aircraft maintenance
Vehicle service bays
Manufacturing assembly at height

Loading dock flexibility

Accommodate trucks of varying bed heights
Ground-level loading when needed
Railcar loading/unloading

Stage and theater

Orchestra pit lifts
Stage elevation changes
Set and scenery movement

Automotive service

Vehicle lifts for undercar access
Alignment and service positions
Motorcycle and small vehicle lifts

Industrial processes

Feeding elevated equipment
Batch processing at multiple levels
Die and mold handling

Installation considerations

Floor mounting

Platform raised above floor level when collapsed
Simpler installation—no pit excavation
May require ramp access at low position
Suitable when low-level floor access not critical

Pit mounting

Platform flush with floor when collapsed
Requires pit excavation matching lift dimensions
Allows floor-level loading when lowered
Pit must accommodate collapsed height plus clearance
Drainage and sump considerations for pit

Structural requirements

Floor must support lift weight plus rated capacity
Anchor bolts into concrete typically required
Consider point loads at scissor pivot points
Professional engineering review recommended for large installations

Electrical requirements

Power supply matching motor requirements (typically 208-480V 3-phase)
Disconnect switch at lift location
Control wiring for push buttons, interlocks
May require dedicated circuit

Safety features

Standard safety features

Velocity fuses. Prevent rapid descent if hydraulic failure occurs.
Maintenance props. Mechanical support when working under raised platform.
Limit switches. Prevent over-travel at top and bottom.
Pressure relief. Prevents overload damage to hydraulic system.
Emergency stop. Immediately halts all motion.

Personnel lift features

Additional requirements when workers ride the platform:

Guardrails. Typically 1,070 mm (42 inches) height minimum.
Toe boards. Prevent items rolling off platform.
Entry gates. Self-closing, self-latching.
Interlocks. Prevent operation with gate open.
Emergency lowering. Manual descent capability.

Area protection

Safety skirts. Cover scissor mechanism to prevent pinch points.
Light curtains. Detect intrusion into lift area.
Safety gates. At upper level openings.
Warning lights/alarms. Indicate lift in motion.

Selection criteria

Key questions

What is the required vertical travel (lowest to highest)?
What is the maximum load weight?
What platform size is needed?
Will personnel ride the lift?
Is floor-level loading required (pit mount)?
What is the available floor space?
What is the duty cycle (lifts per hour)?
Indoor or outdoor installation?

Capacity considerations

Determine maximum load including platform accessories
Consider load distribution (centered vs. offset)
Account for dynamic loads during loading/unloading
Select capacity with safety margin

Platform sizing

Must accommodate largest load plus working clearance
Consider pallet sizes if handling palletized loads
Personnel lifts need space for workers plus tools
Larger platforms add cost but increase flexibility

Pricing

Cost ranges

Type	Price Range
Double scissor (1,000 kg, 1.5m travel)	$5,000-12,000
Double scissor (2,000 kg, 2m travel)	$8,000-18,000
Triple scissor (1,000 kg, 3m travel)	$12,000-25,000
Custom/heavy duty	$20,000-100,000+

Additional costs

Installation. $1,000-10,000+ depending on complexity.
Pit work. $3,000-15,000+ for excavation and concrete.
Safety features. Gates, interlocks add $1,000-5,000.
Controls. Advanced controls add $500-3,000.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance

Check hydraulic fluid level monthly
Inspect for leaks at cylinders and hoses
Lubricate pivot points as specified
Test safety devices regularly
Check electrical connections
Inspect platform surface condition

Annual inspection

Complete hydraulic system review
Structural inspection for cracks or wear
Load test at rated capacity
All safety device verification
Electrical system inspection

Top manufacturers

Southworth. Wide range of lift tables, strong U.S. manufacturer.
Presto Lifts. Comprehensive industrial lift products.
Pentalift. Canadian manufacturer with custom capabilities.
Advance Lifts. Various configurations including high travel.
Bishamon. Quality lift tables with ergonomic focus.
Vestil. Value-oriented range of lift equipment.