AT5.5 Scissor Lift
- 5.4mMax. working height
- 3.4mMax. platform height
- 250kgLifting capacity
- 400kgMachine weight
Scissor lifts from 5.4 m to 17.95 m working height
Platfon builds twelve scissor lift models, from a 400 kg (882 lb) compact unit for indoor maintenance to 4WD machines that take four people to 17.95 m (58.9 ft). Here is how they work and how to choose one.
PS06N Scissor Lift
- 7.8mMax. working height
- 5.8mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- –kgMachine weight
PS-08 Scissor Lift
- 7.8mMax. working height
- 5.8mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- 1,500kgMachine weight
PS-10N Scissor Lift
- 9.8mMax. working height
- 7.8mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- 2,150kgMachine weight
PS-12 Scissor Lift
- 11.8mMax. working height
- 9.8mMax. platform height
- 320kgLifting capacity
- 2,580kgMachine weight
PS-14 Scissor Lift
- 13.8mMax. working height
- 11.8mMax. platform height
- 320kgLifting capacity
- 2,950kgMachine weight
PRT14E Scissor Lift
- 14.2mMax. working height
- 12.2mMax. platform height
- 365kgLifting capacity
- 5,580kgMachine weight
PS-16 Scissor Lift
- 15.8mMax. working height
- 13.8mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- 3,540kgMachine weight
PRT18E Scissor Lift
- 17.95mMax. working height
- 15.95mMax. platform height
- 680kgLifting capacity
- 8,000kgMachine weight
PRT18D Diesel Scissor Lift
- 17.95mMax. working height
- 15.95mMax. platform height
- 680kgLifting capacity
- 8,000kgMachine weight
PCS08 Tracked Scissor Lift
- 8mMax. working height
- 6mMax. platform height
- 230kgLifting capacity
- –kgMachine weight
PCS14 Tracked Scissor Lift
- 13.8mMax. working height
- 11.8mMax. platform height
- 318kgLifting capacity
- 3,380kgMachine weight
Compare models
| Model | Max. working height (m) | Max. platform height (m) | Lifting capacity (kg) | Machine weight (kg) | Max. persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT5.5 Scissor Lift | 5.4 | 3.4 | 250 | 400 | 1 |
| PS06N Scissor Lift | 7.8 | 5.8 | 230 | – | 2/1 |
| PS-08 Scissor Lift | 7.8 | 5.8 | 230 | 1,500 | 2/1 |
| PS-10N Scissor Lift | 9.8 | 7.8 | 230 | 2,150 | 2/1 |
| PS-12 Scissor Lift | 11.8 | 9.8 | 320 | 2,580 | 2/1 |
| PS-14 Scissor Lift | 13.8 | 11.8 | 320 | 2,950 | 2/1 |
| PRT14E Scissor Lift | 14.2 | 12.2 | 365 | 5,580 | 2 |
| PS-16 Scissor Lift | 15.8 | 13.8 | 230 | 3,540 | 2/1 |
| PRT18E Scissor Lift | 17.95 | 15.95 | 680 | 8,000 | 4 |
| PRT18D Diesel Scissor Lift | 17.95 | 15.95 | 680 | 8,000 | 4 |
| PCS08 Tracked Scissor Lift | 8 | 6 | 230 | – | 2 |
| PCS14 Tracked Scissor Lift | 13.8 | 11.8 | 318 | 3,380 | 2 |
Twelve models, three layoutsElectric slab machines, 4WD rough-terrain models in electric and diesel versions, and tracked crawler scissors.
Large, stable platformsDecks up to 3.98 x 1.83 m (13.1 x 6.0 ft) on the PRT18 models carry crews and materials together.
Rated loads to 680 kgFrom 230 kg (507 lb) on the compact PS models to 680 kg (1,500 lb) on the PRT18E and PRT18D.
Built-in safety functionsDepending on model: emergency stop, emergency lowering, overload and tilt protection, and automatic pothole protection.
How a scissor lift works
The platform rises on pairs of crossed steel arms, pinned at the middle like the blades of a pair of scissors. Hydraulic cylinders push the arms apart, the stack extends and the platform travels straight up. Because the deck stays above the chassis, the machine is very stable and can carry a large platform with a high rated load.
The trade-off is reach: the platform moves vertically and nowhere else. If a conveyor, pipe rack or canopy sits between the floor and the work, a boom is the better tool, as explained on the articulating boom lifts page. For open ceilings, walls and racking, a scissor platform is usually the most productive choice.
On self-propelled models the operator drives and positions the machine from the platform control box. As the platform rises, the PS-08 to PS-16 models deploy automatic pothole protection: guards under the chassis drop to reduce ground clearance, so a wheel cannot slip into a hole, drain or floor edge.
Electric, diesel or tracked
Electric slab scissors (AT5.5, PS06N and the PS series) run on batteries, produce no exhaust and are designed for firm, level floors. 4WD rough-terrain scissors (PRT14E, PRT18E and the diesel PRT18D) add four-wheel drive, automatic outrigger leveling and large extendable decks for outdoor sites. Tracked scissors (PCS08, PCS14) move on crawler tracks over soft, uneven or sensitive ground.
Each group has its own guide: electric scissor lifts, the diesel scissor lift and tracked scissor lifts. Five quick rules help narrow the choice:
- Working height equals platform height plus about 2 m (6.6 ft)
- Measure doors and goods lifts against stowed width and height
- Add people, tools and materials to check the rated load
- Firm indoor floors suit electric slab models; rough sites need 4WD or tracks
- Check the wind rating on the data plate before any outdoor use
Frequently asked questions
How high can a scissor lift reach?
Platfon models cover working heights from 5.4 m (17.7 ft) on the AT5.5 to 17.95 m (58.9 ft) on the PRT18E and PRT18D, which corresponds to 15.95 m (52.3 ft) of platform height. As scissor stacks get taller, machines become heavier and wider, so for work above that height, or with obstacles below the task, a boom lift is usually the more practical choice.
How many people can a scissor lift hold?
That depends on the model and on whether it is used indoors or outdoors. The AT5.5 is a one-person machine, the PRT14E and the two PCS models take two persons, and the PRT18E and PRT18D take up to four. Always check the capacity plate on the platform, which states both the maximum number of persons and the total rated load in kg.
Can scissor lifts be used outdoors?
Some can. Rough-terrain models such as the PRT18D Diesel Scissor Lift are built for outdoor sites, and tracked models cope with soft ground. Many compact slab machines are rated for indoor use only, or for outdoor use with fewer persons and a wind limit. Check the data plate and the operator manual before taking any machine outside.
What is automatic pothole protection?
Pothole protection consists of guards under the chassis that lower automatically when the platform is raised. They reduce ground clearance so that a wheel cannot drop into a hole, drain or floor edge and tip the machine. The PS-08, PS-10N, PS-12, PS-14 and PS-16 list automatic pothole protection among their safety features.
Can you drive a scissor lift while it is raised?
Many self-propelled scissor lifts can be driven at height at reduced speed, on firm level ground, within limits set by the manufacturer. Some functions are cut out above a certain height or on a slope. The operator manual of each model states what is permitted, and operators should be trained and familiarized on that model before they drive it elevated.
What is the difference between a slab and a rough-terrain scissor lift?
A slab scissor sits on compact wheels with low ground clearance and a narrow chassis, built for smooth, firm floors. A rough-terrain scissor has four-wheel drive, more ground clearance, outriggers or leveling systems and a larger deck for outdoor sites. In Platfon's range, the AT5.5, PS06N and PS models are slab machines, while the PRT14E, PRT18E and PRT18D are the rough-terrain models.
How do I use a scissor lift safely?
Inspect the machine and test its functions before use, check the floor or ground, stay within the rated load, close the entry gate or bar and keep both feet on the platform floor. Never raise the platform on a slope beyond the tilt limit or in wind above the rating. Our step-by-step operating guide covers each point in more detail.
Choosing the right model by height and application
Up to 8 m: compact machines
The AT5.5 Scissor Lift reaches 5.4 m (17.7 ft) working height, carries 250 kg (551 lb) and weighs 400 kg (882 lb), with a stowed height of 1.76 m (5.8 ft). It suits shop fitting, maintenance and light installation. The PS06N and PS-08 both reach 7.8 m (25.6 ft) with 230 kg (507 lb); the PS06N is shorter at 1.53 m (5.0 ft), while the PS-08 has the larger 1.65 x 0.76 m deck.
For the same height class on soft ground, the PCS08 tracked model offers 8 m (26.2 ft). The compact machines are compared in detail on the mini scissor lifts page.
10 to 12 m: the indoor all-rounders
The PS-10N (9.8 m / 32.2 ft, 230 kg) and the PS-12 Scissor Lift (11.8 m / 38.7 ft, 320 kg / 705 lb) cover most ceiling work in warehouses, retail units, schools and offices. The 2.3 x 1.15 m (7.5 x 3.8 ft) deck of the PS-12 gives two installers room for their materials.
At 0.85 m (33 in), the PS-10N is narrow enough for many internal doorways, though you should always measure first. The PS-12 is 1.18 m (46 in) wide, which buys deck space and a broader stance.
14 to 16 m: high ceilings and atriums
The PS-14 (13.8 m / 45.3 ft, 320 kg) and the PS-16 Scissor Lift (15.8 m / 51.8 ft, 230 kg) serve high-bay warehouses, production halls, sports halls and atriums. Note that the PS-16 trades some capacity for its extra height.
Outdoors at similar heights, the electric 4WD PRT14E reaches 14.2 m (46.6 ft) with 365 kg (805 lb), and the PCS14 reaches 13.8 m (45.3 ft) on crawler tracks.
18 m: large-deck rough-terrain machines
The PRT18E Scissor Lift and the PRT18D are the largest machines in the family: 17.95 m (58.9 ft) working height, 680 kg (1,500 lb) rated load, up to four persons and a 3.98 x 1.83 m (13.1 x 6.0 ft) platform. Choose the electric AC-drive version where low noise and zero exhaust matter, and the diesel for remote sites far from charging points.
Both weigh 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) and stand on automatic leveling outriggers, so ground preparation and transport on a low-loader or lowboy trailer need planning.
Typical applications
Electrical and mechanical installation, sprinkler and HVAC work, ceiling and drywall finishing, racking and lighting maintenance, shop fitting, signage and event rigging are all classic scissor jobs, because the work sits directly above a flat floor.
Outdoors, rough-terrain models support steel erection, cladding, glazing and facade work on construction sites, provided the task is within reach of the deck and the ground can carry the machine. Where the task is not directly above, see the overview of MEWP types.
Find the right scissor lift for your work
Tell us the working height, the number of people and materials on the deck, and where the machine will work. Platfon will suggest a model and send a quote.