By and large, the work environment of industrial and commercial facilities such as warehouses, factory floors, and other logistical and production units is quite challenging. Tools, personnel, raw material, semi-finished products, and packaged goods need to be transported to multiple locations and across multiple levels within these facilities. Repairs and maintenance work need to be carried out, often at great heights.
Thus, heavy lifting equipment such as scissor lifts and mast lifts are a common and indispensable fixture at such facilities. Both scissor lifts and mast lifts provide safe, reliable, and consistent elevation. They are both easy to operate, long lasting, and require minimal maintenance. They both help in streamlining operations and increasing productivity. However, there are several key differences in their precise applications.
In this blog, we will help users decide how to select between these two industrial lifting solutions depending on several factors such as space constraints, mobility requirements, and lifting abilities. Before we get to that, we need to first understand how they work, and what unique advantages they each bring to industrial operations.
Scissor Lift Features, Benefits, and Applications
Scissor lifts have a large, broad platform with a solid base connected by interlinked criss-cross sections, resembling a pair of scissors, which can be expanded to provide the required elevation.
The scissor mechanism provides enhanced stability at high elevations, while its ability to collapse or expand gives it greater compactness and manoeuvrability. Scissor lifts can be fitted with wheels to make them mobile, which is very useful when working in large industrial facilities.
Scissor lifts can be used as a stable work platform to help accomplish a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities such as material handling, inspection and, maintenance. Scissor lift advantages also include exceptional stability for workers, tools, and equipment in outdoor situations like construction work, painting, installing overhead fixtures, and welding and fabrication at height.
Mast Lift Features, Benefits, and Applications
Mast lifts are designed very differently from scissor lifts. They consist of a single mast or column that extends vertically. They are typically smaller and more compact than scissor lifts, with smaller platforms, and are designed to carry smaller loads to lesser heights.
There are different types of mast lifts such as telescopic mast lifts and mast cargo lifts. While the former offers better mobility, but with lower load capacity, the latter can be attached to the sides of buildings with the ability to carry much heavier loads. The primary benefit of mast lifts is that they can be deployed in areas where space is a constraint. They offer more precise elevation owing to their small size and superior manoeuvrability, compared to scissor lifts. Mast lift applications include various indoor tasks in tight spaces requiring vertical elevation with precise positioning across construction, maintenance, installation, retail, renovation, etc.
Comparison between SAB TECH’s Scissor Lift and Vertical Mast Cargo Lift
Here, we have made a comparison between the hydraulic scissor lift and mast cargo lift manufactured by SAB TECH. The purpose of this comparison is to provide readers with a snapshot of the specifications and key features of both types of industrial lifting solutions to help them decide which one is more suitable for them. We will get into more detail about the deciding factors in the following section.
| Feature | Scissor Lifts | Mast Cargo Lifts |
| Purpose | Designed for aerial platform tasks, including maintenance and project work at heights up to 14 meters. | Engineered for transporting goods vertically within multi-story buildings and warehouses, reaching heights up to 10 meters. |
| Capacity | Up to 500 kg, depending on the model. | Up to 3 tons. |
| Lifting Height | Models offer raised heights of 9,000 mm, 11,000 mm, and 14,000 mm. | Maximum lifting height of 10,000 mm. |
| Platform Size | Varies by model: 9m model: 2000 x 1000 mm 11m model: 2150 x 1200 mm 14m model: 2600 x 1500 mm | Standard platform size of 1500 x 1500 mm. |
| Motor Power | Varies by model: 9m and 11m models: 2.2 kW- 14m model: 4.0 kW | 4.0 kW. |
| Power Supply | 380V, 60 Hz, 3 Phase. | 220/380V, 3 Phase, 60 Hz. |
| Features | Ground and platform controls. Extendable platform for larger working area. Four outriggers for stability. Durable safety rail. Easy mobility for indoor and outdoor use. Low maintenance cost. | Customizable for different heights and weight loads. Heavy-duty hydraulic system. Space-efficient design. Low maintenance cost. Optional safety room at platform. Enhances productivity and reduces labor costs. |
How to Choose between the Two
Potential buyers must consider the following factors while deciding between scissor lifts and mast lifts:
1. Load Capacity
Generally, scissor lifts have more load carrying capacity than mast lifts. If your work requires several people and equipment at elevated levels, scissor lifts are the better choice. Consider mast cargo lifts for transporting goods to different levels as they have much higher capacities than both scissor lifts and telescopic mast lifts.
2. Space Constraints
Scissor lifts need more space compared to mast lifts. If you need vertical elevation in cramped, tight spaces, with the mobility and flexibility to manoeuvre with great precision, mast lifts are your answer.
3. Height Requirements
If your work requires elevations to great heights, scissor lifts are more suitable as they have the ability to reach various heights without the fear of tilting or tipping over. Use mast lifts for work involving lower elevations.
4. Nature of Tasks
If the tasks that typically take place at your facility involve working for long hours at elevation, requiring multiple personnel and bulky equipment, the wide, stable platform of the scissor lift is the safer and more convenient option. Use mast lifts for light tasks requiring speed, precision, and manoeuvrability. If your work predominantly involves outdoor activities, scissor lifts are the obvious choice.
Conclusion
Both scissor lifts and mast lifts are extremely useful heavy duty lifts for industrial and construction facilities. They both offer distinct advantages depending on the nature of the work to be accomplished. While one offers space and enhanced stability, the other offers precision and manoeuvrability in restricted spaces. Both offer safety, comfort, and durability to perform difficult tasks with ease and efficiency. Prospective buyers must make a detailed analysis of the features and specifications of both these lifts with respect to their intended applications before making a purchasing decision.
About SAB TECH
SAB TECH is a leading manufacturer of industrial lifting solutions. Made from precision-engineered components, their scissor lifts and mast cargo lifts are powered by high-tech hydraulic and electrical systems, providing unmatched service, safety, and consistency over long durations to perform a wide range of tasks requiring vertical elevation. SAB TECH also provides a one-year warranty with dedicated aftersales service and spare parts availability. If you wish to upgrade your facility with the right lifting solution, get in touch with SAB TECH today for detailed descriptions, pricing, and customization options.
