Scissor Lift Hire

Scissor lifts are motorised vehicles with railed platforms. Commonly found throughout a range of industries in Australia, scissor lifts provide reliable solutions to a number of issues. They’re utilised to access difficult-to-reach places and can be powered by either gas or electricity. iseekplant has hundreds of scissor lift hire suppliers located across the country, also offerring man lifts, duct lifts, boom lifts, vertical man lifts and more.

When hiring a scissor lift, there are two key questions you need to consider:

1. How high do I need to reach?

Scissor lifts come in a wide range of platform heights. Knowing the exact height you need ensures you choose a model that can safely reach your work area without spending extra on unnecessary capacity.

2. What terrain will I be operating on?

The ground conditions at your worksite determine the type of scissor lift you should hire.

• Electric scissor lifts are ideal for flat, even indoor surfaces such as warehouses, factories, and retail fit-outs.
• Diesel or rough-terrain scissor lifts are designed for outdoor worksites, offering more power, larger tyres, and better stability on uneven or sloped ground.

By accurately identifying your reach requirements and site conditions, you can choose the right scissor lift for the job—saving both time and money while ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Check out our guide to selecting the right Scissor Lift hire here!

Yes, you will likely need to obtain a scissor lift license prior to operation in most Australian states. The Elevated Work Platform (EWP) license is a statement for yourself and your employer to demonstrate that you’ve successfully achieved the necessary level of competence to operate electric scissor lifts, diesel scissor lifts and other elevated work platforms.

Learn more about the EWP license by clicking here!

In Australia, the cost of hiring a scissor lift can vary widely depending on the type, size, and location. Furthermore, scissor lift hire rates will fluctuate depending on the type of machine you’re looking to hire, the length of your scissor lift hire term and whether or not you require a skilled operator with your machine.

On average, daily hire rates range from $100 to as much as $600+, while weekly rates can range from $400 to upwards of $2,000 for diesel scissor lifts with more than 18 metres in working height. Electric models suited for indoor use tend to be at the lower end of the price spectrum, while rough terrain and diesel models, which are designed for outdoor use, may cost more. Here’s a quick table to compare the rates for the sub-categories of scissor lifts on iseekplant:

Read up on the average Scissor Lift hire rates here!

In Australia, we’re seeing a massive rise in competitive scissor lift brands across the market - there have been a number of technological advancements to scissor lifts and access platforms in recent years that have greatly benefitted the construction industry. The most common diesel scissor lifts for hire and electric scissor lifts for hire are manufactured by 6 main brands. These include:

1. Manitou
2. Skyjack
3. JLG
4. Genie
5. Haulette
6. Snorkel

Learn more about the best Scissor Lift brands in the country here!

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality scissor lift hire suppliers operating in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer scissor lift hire solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns to Townsville down to Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Ballarat and Geelong.

When deciding which scissor lift to hire and how to prepare your site, you should consider the following:

• Site location
• Emissions
• Terrain
• Height
• Frequency of use
• Weight of load

Once these are all considered the different types of scissor lifts should be researched to find the best one suited for your job.

Find the 6 things you need to know before hiring a scissor lift here!

Scissor lifts are extremely useful in rough terrains where the surface is not flat. In these areas, you can utilise an all-terrain scissor lift. They are built to work in tough areas, have reinforced tires and are four-wheel drive. They are extremely safe machinery that should be utilised to ensure employee safety.

Learn more about scissor lifts here!

There are several precautions you can take to ensure safe use of a scissor lift. The first step is to determine the work that needs to be completed. This allows you to find out what approvals you need and what kind of labour speciality you require. You will need to conduct some basic safety checks including training for employees, checking the surrounding environment where the scissor lift will be placed, and ensuring all machinery is maintained correctly. Ensure your scissor lift is stable as this is the leading cause of injury. It is also highly recommended that protective gear be given to employees.

If you need a bit more information, read our blog here!

There are a range of scissor lifts available in the market. Hydraulic, diesel, electric, rough terrain, and pneumatic scissor lift are some types available. Some of these can be used indoors and outdoors whilst some use batteries and others use fuel. The variety gives options meaning you can find the right one for your project.

Want to know more about the different types? Read our blog and learn more.

Alternatives to scissor lifts include cherry pickers, boom lifts, and knuckle boom lifts for tasks requiring reach and flexibility, as well as vertical man lifts for straight-up elevation in tighter spaces.

For projects requiring elevation but at a lower cost than traditional scissor lifts, alternatives like ladder stands, scaffolding, or podium steps might offer a more budget-friendly solution. Each has its advantages in terms of cost-efficiency and specific use cases, though they might not provide the same level of mobility or height access as a scissor lift. It's important to assess the safety and efficiency needs of your project to determine if these alternatives are viable.

A scissor lift is designed for carrying heavier loads and can accommodate multiple workers, tools, and materials. It features a platform that moves vertically, supported by criss-crossing metal supports. Personnel lifts, on the other hand, are more lightweight and designed for lifting one or two people without the additional capacity for heavy tools or materials. Scissor lifts offer a larger work area and typically have a higher lift capacity and reach compared to personnel lifts, which are best for quick, light-duty tasks at height.

In Australia, the requirement for wearing a harness in a scissor lift is generally based on the risk assessment of the specific work environment and the policies of the workplace or site. While not always mandatory, wearing a safety harness is recommended, especially in situations where there's a risk of ejection from the platform. Always refer to the specific safety guidelines and standards applicable to your location and project.

Scissor lifts are generally considered to be more stable than boom lifts due to their vertical elevation mechanism and broad base. They are designed for use on firm, level surfaces to ensure stability when the platform is elevated. Boom lifts, with their extendable arms, offer greater flexibility and reach but can be more susceptible to tipping under certain conditions. Stability for both types of lifts can be influenced by factors such as weight distribution, ground conditions, and proper operation.

Yes, in Australia you need a high-risk work (HRW) licence to operate a scissor lift. Specifically, this falls under the WP (Work Platform) category. The license ensures operators are trained in:

• Safe operation of the scissor lift
• Understanding load limits and stability
• Correct setup on different ground conditions
• Emergency procedures

Employers are also responsible for ensuring operators are competent and trained, even if they hold the license.

Scissor lifts in Australia generally reach heights between 6 m and 18 m, depending on the model.

• Compact indoor scissor lifts: 6–10 m, ideal for warehouses and low-ceiling work.
• Standard outdoor scissor lifts: 10–14 m, used for construction, maintenance, and facade work.
• Heavy-duty or specialized models: Up to 18 m, for taller buildings or large-scale industrial projects.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum platform height and weight limits before hire.

Yes, but it depends on the type of scissor lift and the site conditions.

• Indoor scissor lifts (electric, compact models) are generally not suitable for rough or uneven outdoor terrain; they work best on smooth, flat surfaces.
• Outdoor scissor lifts (diesel or rough-terrain models) are designed for uneven ground, construction sites, and larger outdoor projects.
• Safety considerations: Wind speed limits, ground stability, and load restrictions must be observed when operating outdoors.

The weight capacity of scissor lifts varies by model, size, and intended use:

• Small electric scissor lifts: Typically carry 200–400 kg (440–880 lbs).
• Medium-sized scissor lifts: Usually support 450–700 kg (990–1,540 lbs), often suitable for two operators plus tools.
• Heavy-duty or rough-terrain scissor lifts: Can handle up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) or more, including multiple workers and equipment.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and never exceed the rated capacity, as this can compromise stability and safety.