Different Workplaces That Can Benefit from Scissor Lifts

In the world of industrial work, having the right equipment is key to ensuring efficiency and success. Relying solely on manual handling is a thing of the past, especially when it comes to industries that regularly deal with heavy loads or stock-based projects. Scissor lifts are a great piece of industrial equipment, combining vertical power with large, stable platforms to carry significant loads. 

Unlike forklifts that move goods or cherry pickers that offer precision reach, scissor lifts offer a floor that you can move around and elevate items with. This article will highlight some of the most relevant workplaces that should invest in scissor lifts in 2026.

High-volume loading bays

Loading bays are one of the most relevant sites for scissor lifts, generally bought in the form of scissor lift tables. They’re generally used to bridge gaps between the ground of the loading bay and the vehicle bed.

Vehicle variety

The most important reason for purchasing a scissor lift for your high-volume loading bay is that the bay handles a variety of different vehicles, ranging from smaller transit vans to much larger HGVs. Certain trailers can be as high as 40ft, meaning you’ll need a scissor lift that raises to the exact height necessary.

Heavy load handling

Unlike most standard ramps and mobile solutions, heavy-duty scissor lifts can handle massive loads of weight. If you’re trying to load pallets, machinery or engines of up to 10,000kg+, a scissor lift is one of the most essential pieces of safe warehouse material handling equipment.

Lifts should be mounted in the pit of the loading bay, ensuring they won’t be obstructive when not in use.

Retail & eCommerce distribution sites

Many warehouses are adopting a “vertical storage” approach these days, meaning they’re utilising as much ceiling height as possible. Many electric scissor lifts are perfectly sized to fit down warehouse aisles, meaning staff can pick bulk orders for high storage points. This is essential when loads would be too dangerous to try carrying down ladders.

Scissor lifts can also be useful in larger retail stores. In these big box stores, scissor lifts are the only safe way to change high-level promotional signage or overhead lighting, without the need to close down entire customer aisles.

Manufacturing & assembly line sites

Scissor lifts are a great piece of assembly line equipment as modern manufacturing lines need to be ergonomic. Worker burnout and injury can jeopardise these operations, so it’s important to give people the support they need. Assembly line lifts can raise products to workers’ eye levels, saving them effort or the potential of bending injuries. They can also lower gradually as boxes are added to pallets, so the worker never has to lift beyond shoulder height or below waist height.

Food processing sites

Food processing sites and highly hygiene-focused workplaces are being populated more and more with stainless steel and pneumatic scissor lifts. They’re largely used to give staff help with washing down environments and equipment in meat and dairy processing sites. Stainless steel lifts are designed to survive these sorts of sites without rusting or getting chemical damage.

They’re also useful in chemical plants as pneumatic lifts use air pressure rather than electricity, meaning they’re generally explosion-proof and won’t create a spark.

Finding the right scissor lift

If you’re in the market for a scissor lift, your best course of action is to browse equipment suppliers within your industry. If you’re a little lost on what you might need, get in touch with some suppliers and let their team talk you through their options. This will point you in the right direction and guide you towards sustainable success.