How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the scissor support weight as well as the integrity of the steel cross sections over the length. The scissor structures length and weight are corollaries, meaning that the former determines the latter for scissor jack stability. An extreme instance of this to show the point will be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is pretty much weightless. It definitely would not be able to support at much of a height and would not be able to support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be lifted to calculate or determine the scissor lift length required to support the weight of both objects and occupants on the platform in relation to the weight of the platform.
The number of cross-sections of scissor folding supports sections which would be required to be extended at their full extension to be able to reach the required height within the weight support parameters. Lastly, you will never want to ascend a few employees up on a platform along with their materials which is on a platform supported by any kind of structure which is unstable as obviously any type of machinery that is susceptible to tipping will really put people in an extremely dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of each scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the length and weight of the scissor lift you would require along with the overall stability of the machine. When fully extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the ground or horizontal level.