How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The scissor jack lift's length is proportional to the support weight of the scissors 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 which is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is pretty much weightless. It definitely would not be able to support at much of a height and will not be able to support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be raised to determine or calculate the scissor lift length needed 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 necessary to be extended at their full extension to be able to reach the needed height within the weight support parameters. Finally, you would never want to ascend a few employees up on a platform with their materials which is on a platform supported by any kind of unstable structure since obviously any type of machinery which is susceptible to tipping would really put people in a very dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of each scissor cross-section. This is vital to determining the length and weight of the scissor lift you would need as well as the overall stability of the machine. When completely extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the horizontal or ground level.