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Choosing the right scissor lift for your jobsite is more than knowing the model’s platform space and lift capacity. You also need to consider the power you’ll need to drive around the worksite to complete repetitive tasks and climb ramps ranging from 25 to 50%.  

So, how do you decide which kind of scissor lift is right for your application?  

Slab Scissor Lifts
Slab scissor lifts, such as the Genie^® GS™-30, GS™-32, GS™-46 Series and the GS™-4047 models, are designed to operate on slab surfaces like concrete. They offer a smaller footprint than either a rough terrain scissor or boom lift. Despite their significant lift height options, they are compact enough to fit through a standard double door or narrow aisle.  

The importance of these criteria explains the naming convention of Genie scissor lifts. The first two numbers are the platform height in feet, and the second two numbers are the machine width in inches. For example, the Genie GS™-1932 slab scissor lift has 19 ft of platform height and a 32-in machine width. Slab scissor lifts are ideal for navigating constricted jobsites and narrow aisles.  

Depending on the model, slab scissors also have a platform capacity of 500-1,200 lb and up to 45 ft of vertical work height, as well as a tight turning radius. Common applications include sprinkler/HVAC system installation, painting, plaster walls, mechanical and electrical system installation, as well as schools, hospitals, stores and malls.  

Rough Terrain (RT) Scissor Lifts
The high capacities, spacious platforms and proven rough terrain performance found in RT scissor lifts enable contractors to navigate tough access jobsites while carrying multiple workers, their tools and materials to height. Some rough-terrain units receive the RT designation with only the addition of lug tread tires. Others feature packages that include patented active oscillating axles, more powerful petrol/LPG or diesel engines, and two- or four-wheel drive which makes a big difference to their worksite capabilities.  

Mid-size rough terrain scissor lifts have a platform capacity up to 1,500 lb, lift height up to 40 ft and platform workspace up to 14 ft 9 in. The Genie GS-69 RT series models also offer full drive-height and standard with a front active-oscillating axle. Common applications include tilt-up construction (indoors and out), general contractors and building maintenance.  

Big deck rough terrain scissor lifts on the other hand, such as the Genie GS-84 and GS-90 series, offer 1,000-2,500 lb platform capacity, up to 53-ft platform height and up to 21-ft long work space. They also provide four-wheel drive with traction control, the ability to climb steep grades — up to 50% and an automatic-levelling outrigger option for levelling the machine on slopes up to 12˚. Common applications include outdoor construction, welding pipes, exterior finishing and building maintenance.  

Choosing the Right Scissor
Different scissor lift models range from 500- to 2,500-lb platform weight capacity, ascending to platform heights of up to 53 ft. However, selection factors often include special worksite conditions. Many electric scissor models are described as slab scissor lifts and are used indoors, where low noise and low emissions are important. Diesel models are usually “rough-terrain scissor lifts” used to travel outdoors over uneven, unimproved ground to the work area.  

Yet, bear in mind not all electric scissor lifts are exclusively slab scissors, and not all outdoor scissor lifts are diesel-powered. Electric (DC) rough terrain scissor lifts can deliver proven drive performance over outdoor terrain, along with emission-free productivity in indoor applications.  

Here’s an at-a-glance look at the different models of scissor lifts available in the market and the benefits of each type:  

	Slab scissor lifts	Electric rough terrain scissor lifts	Mid-size rough terrain scissor lifts	Big deck rough terrain scissor lifts
Primary Benefit	Low weight / width	Indoor / outdoor use	Travel over all-terrains	Workspace / capacity
Common Applications	Sprinkler/HVAC installation, painting, plaster walls, mechanical and electrical system installation	Tilt-up construction, general contractors and building maintenance	Tilt-up construction, general contractors and building maintenance	Outdoor construction, welding pipes, exterior finishing and building maintenance
Vertical Reach (Lift height)	Up to 40 ft	Up to 40 ft	Up to 40 ft	Up to 53 ft
Access (Lift width)	30 – 40 in	69 in	69 in	84 – 90 in
Workspace (Platform length)	Up to 8 ft 2 in	Up to 14 ft 9 in	Up to 14 ft 9 in	Up to 21 ft
Total Load Weight (Platform capacity)	Up to 1,200 lb	Up to 1,500 lb	Up to 1,500 lb	Up to 2,500 lb
Slope Climbing (Gradeability)	Up to 30%	Up to 35%	Up to 45%	Up to 50%
Weight	2,575 lb - 10,856 lb	7,672 lb - 10,856 lb	7,295 lb - 10,245 lb	11,825 lb - 16,567 lb
Emission-Free	YES	YES	NO	NO
Genie® Models	GS™-30 Series, GS™-32 Series, GS™-46 Series, GS™-4047	GS™-69 DC Series	GS™-69 RT Series	GS™-84 and GS™-90 Series
Benefits of Genie Models	Tight turning radius	Full drive-height and	Full drive-height	Automatic-levelling on slopes up to 12°