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 weight and length are corollaries, meaning that 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 practically weightless. It definitely could not support at much of a height and can not support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be lifted to calculate or determine the scissor lift length required to support the weight of both occupants and objects on the platform in relation to the weight of the platform.
To be able to reach the necessary height within the weight support parameters, the number of cross sections of scissor folding supports sections which will be required to be extended at their full extension. Finally, you would never want to ascend a few workers up on a platform together with their supplies that is on a platform supported by any kind of unstable structure since obviously any machine that is susceptible to tipping would put people in a very dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of each scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the length and weight of the scissor lift you would require as well as the overall stability of the machinery. When fully extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the ground or horizontal level.