How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the weight of the scissor support together with the integrity of the steel cross sections more than the length. The weight of the scissor structure along with the length is corollaries of each other; therefore, the former determines the latter for scissor jack stability. An extreme example of this to show the point would be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is pretty much weightless. It certainly can not support at much of a height and would not be able to support a lot at all.
In order to calculate scissor lift length, determine how high in the air you have to support a platform that will support of the weight of the occupants and objects on the platform along with the platform's weight.
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 needed height within the weight support parameters. Finally, you would never want to ascend a few workers up on a platform along with their supplies which is on a platform supported by any type of unstable structure because obviously any machine which is susceptible to tipping would put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of every scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the length and weight of the scissor lift you will need as well as the overall stability of the equipment. When fully extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the horizontal or ground level.