Mobile Scissor Lift Tables

Mobile scissor lift tables combine the vertical lifting capability of stationary lift tables with the flexibility to move where needed. Mounted on casters, these portable platforms bring ergonomic work positioning, material transfer, and lifting capability to any location in your facility without permanent installation.

When work happens in multiple locations or workstations need flexible lifting capability, mobile scissor lifts provide the solution. From simple foot-pump models to battery-powered units, mobile lift tables serve manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and warehouse applications where portability matters.

Types of mobile scissor lift tables

Manual hydraulic (foot pump)

Operator-powered lifting via foot pedal.

Operation. Foot pedal pumps hydraulic cylinder to raise platform.
Lowering. Release valve for controlled descent.
Capacity. Typically 150-1,000 kg (330-2,200 lb).
Lift height. Usually 0.3-1.0 m (12-40 in).
Advantages. No power needed, simple, reliable, low cost.
Price range. $300-1,500.

Manual hydraulic (hand pump)

Handle-operated hydraulic pump.

Operation. Pump handle raises platform.
Best for. Lighter loads, occasional use.
Capacity. Typically 150-500 kg (330-1,100 lb).
Price range. $250-800.

Battery-powered electric

Push-button operation with onboard battery.

Operation. Electric motor drives hydraulic pump.
Power. Rechargeable battery (typically 12V or 24V).
Capacity. Up to 1,500+ kg (3,300+ lb).
Lift height. Up to 1.5+ m (60+ in).
Advantages. Easy operation, higher capacity, no manual pumping.
Price range. $1,500-5,000+.

AC-powered electric

Plug-in electric operation.

Operation. Plugs into standard outlet.
Advantage. Unlimited runtime when plugged in.
Limitation. Cord limits mobility during operation.
Best for. Semi-permanent workstation use.
Price range. $1,200-4,000.

Double scissor mobile lifts

Stacked scissor mechanism for greater lift height.

Lift height. 1.2-2.0+ m (48-80+ in).
Collapsed height. Higher than single scissor.
Capacity. Often reduced vs. single scissor.
Applications. High work positioning, mezzanine transfer.
Price range. $2,000-6,000+.

Specifications

Typical specifications by type

Specification	Manual Foot Pump	Battery Electric
Capacity	150-1,000 kg	300-1,500 kg
Lowered height	280-400 mm	300-500 mm
Raised height	700-1,000 mm	900-1,500 mm
Platform size	500x800 to 600x1200 mm	600x1000 to 800x1400 mm
Lift time	15-30 pumps to full height	10-20 seconds
Unit weight	50-150 kg	100-250 kg

Caster specifications

Feature	Standard	Heavy Duty
Caster diameter	100-125 mm (4-5 in)	150-200 mm (6-8 in)
Caster type	2 swivel + 2 rigid	All swivel or 2+2
Wheel material	Polyurethane, rubber	Polyurethane, steel
Brakes	Foot-operated on 2	Foot-operated on all 4

Applications

Ergonomic work positioning

Assembly stations—adjust height to operator
Packaging—reduce bending and reaching
Quality inspection—bring work to eye level
Pallet loading—maintain comfortable working height

Material transfer

Machine loading/unloading
Die and mold handling
Parts transport between workstations
Loading carts and conveyors

Maintenance and service

Equipment maintenance at height
Elevated access for repairs
HVAC and ceiling work
Signage and display installation

Warehouse operations

Order picking support
Elevated inventory access
Stack/unstack operations
Loading dock flexibility

Selection criteria

Key questions

What is the maximum load weight?
What platform size is needed?
What lift height range is required?
How often will it be used?
Manual or powered operation preferred?
What floor conditions?
Will it need to pass through doorways?

Manual vs. electric decision

Factor	Choose Manual	Choose Electric
Cycles per day	Under 20	Over 20
Load weight	Under 500 kg typical	Over 500 kg regular
Budget	Limited	Adequate
Operator effort	Acceptable	Minimize fatigue
Charging access	N/A	Available

Platform sizing

Must fit largest load with clearance
Consider fixture or container dimensions
Allow room for load manipulation
Check doorway clearance if mobility needed

Safety features

Standard safety features

Wheel brakes. Lock casters during operation.
Lowering valve. Controlled descent speed.
Overload protection. Relief valve prevents damage.
Safety skirt. Covers scissor mechanism.

Optional safety features

Guardrails. For elevated personnel applications.
Load retention. Lips, rails, or straps to secure loads.
Floor locks. More secure than wheel brakes.
Emergency stop. On powered units.

Safe operation

Always lock brakes before raising or lowering
Never exceed rated capacity
Don't push loaded lift with platform raised
Keep hands and feet clear of scissor mechanism
Lower platform for transport

Caster considerations

Caster types

Swivel. Turn in any direction—for maneuverability.
Rigid. Fixed direction—for straight tracking.
Common configuration. 2 swivel (steering end) + 2 rigid (fixed end).
All swivel. Maximum maneuverability, harder to track straight.

Wheel materials

Polyurethane. Floor-friendly, quiet, good capacity.
Rubber. Soft, cushioned, floor protection.
Nylon. Very durable, rolls easily, can mark floors.
Steel. Highest capacity, damages floors.

Floor conditions

Smooth concrete. Most wheel types work well.
Rough surfaces. Larger wheels, softer material.
Finished floors. Non-marking wheels essential.
Carpet. Larger, harder wheels.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance

Check hydraulic fluid level monthly
Inspect for leaks
Check caster condition and swivel action
Test brake function
Lubricate pivot points as specified
Inspect platform for damage
Check battery charge (electric units)

Annual service

Complete hydraulic system inspection
Load test at rated capacity
Replace worn casters
Safety feature verification

Pricing

Type	Price Range
Manual foot pump (light duty)	$300-600
Manual foot pump (medium duty)	$600-1,200
Manual foot pump (heavy duty)	$1,000-2,000
Battery electric	$1,500-4,000
Double scissor mobile	$2,000-6,000

Top manufacturers

Vestil. Wide range of mobile lift tables.
Bishamon. Quality ergonomic lift tables.
Presto. Industrial lift equipment.
Southworth. Various configurations.
Wesco. Manual and powered options.
Noblelift. Value-oriented options.