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What is a Diesel Scissor Lift?
Along with electric lifts, diesel scissor lifts are the most commonly used lift among all the other types. These diesel-powered machines are more suitable for outdoor activities and rough terrains. They can extend from 10 meters up to 18 meters above the ground. They are more construction-oriented as compared to electric lifts. These lifts are also equipped with features such as a four-wheel drive and a positive traction control.
Diesel scissor lifts, otherwise also known as rough terrain scissor lifts, are built to be robust and durable since they are really made for outdoor applications such as construction sites.
Features of Diesel Scissor Lifts
Other features of manufacturers that offer diesel scissor lifts include a front active oscillating axle which enables more improved terrain-ability even in harsh and extreme work conditions.
Operators would be able to immediately troubleshoot the machine they are operating using the onboard diagnostics. This adds to the efficiency of fixing and maintaining the scissor lift. A swing-out engine tray is also available for other models for easier accessibility to the lift’s components.
Some models offer extended platform features, which can add more to the load capacity of the machine. Platform work lights are one of the possible options or accessories for this type of scissor lift. Having platform work lights would help the operator in terms of safety measures. It also serves as a signal for other workers to keep caution around the working area since a diesel scissor lift is operating.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Diesel Scissor Lifts
Using diesel scissor lifts like the Genie GS 5390 can be advantageous especially when diesel is also the type of fuel that will be used by other equipment on the job site. This makes fuel logistics easier since the gas truck that will be provided would be for more than just one machine.
Other than easier logistics, another advantage of using a diesel engine is that it would outlast a gasoline engine since it burns fuel that is oil-based. Although diesel and gasoline engines are both internal combustion engines, the mechanism through which the fuel is converted into energy differs.
It is important to take note that diesel scissor lifts are not recommended for indoor use. Enclosed spaces do not have sufficient ventilation, and this might be the cause of the buildup of hazardous fumes due to burning diesel. Diesel fuel, being hydrocarbon-based, can cause eye, skin, or respiratory tract irritation with short-term exposure. However, long-term exposure to diesel fuel can lead to even more dangerous effects such as kidney damage, lung cancer, and more susceptibility to heart attack.
It is best to operate diesel scissor lifts in outdoor applications because having an open environment would not lead the workers to inhale the toxic fumes of diesel.
It is also essential to be aware of the maintenance procedures to be done in order for the machine to live a long life. Included in these preventive measures are checking the oil level, the coolant levels, and replacing the oil and fuel filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Manufacturers of Diesel Scissor Lifts
Genie
| Model | GS-2669 RT | GS-3369 RT | GS-3384 RT | GS-3390 RT | GS-4069 RT | GS-4390 RT | GS-5390 RT |
| Working Height (ft) | 32 | 39 | 39 | 39 | 46 | 49 | 59 |
| Gradeability (%) | 40 | 35 | 50 | 50 | 35 | 50 | 40 |
| Lift Capacity (lbs) | 1500 | 1000 | 2500 | 2500 | 800 | 1500 | 1500 |
CoatesHire
| Model | Scissor Lift – Diesel – 7.6M – 9.4M |
| Platform Height Elevated (ft) | 26 |
| Working Height (ft) | 32 |
| Overall width (m) | 1.75 |
| Overall length (m) | 2.59 (stowed), 3.81 (extended) |
| Platform capacity (kg) | 570, 136 extended |
| Transport weight (tonne) | 3.7 |
Haulotte
Compact DX Series
| Model of Diesel Scissor Lift | Compact 10 DX | Compact 12 DX |
| Working Height (m) | 10.28 | 12.06 |
| Platform Height (m) | 8.28 | 10.06 |
| Lift Capacity (kg) | 565 | 450 |
| Platform Length (m) | 2.45 | 2.45 |
| Width (m) | 1.78 | 1.78 |
| Length (m) | 3.17 | 3.17 |
| Weight (kg) | 3520 | 4110 |
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com
http://www.haulotte.com.au/product/compact-12-dx-australia
http://www.genielift.com/en/products/scissor-lifts/rough-terrain-scissor-lifts/index.htm