Scissor Lift Rentals for Every Job Site
A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform that moves straight up and down to raise workers, tools, and materials to a set height. The platform is supported by folding steel supports that extend and contract in a scissor-like motion, from which the scissor lift gets its name.
Because scissor lifts move only vertically, they are often used in controlled workspaces such as warehouses and factories. However, there are also outdoor models that are designed to traverse rough terrain and variable surfaces. These typically come with reinforced platforms and large, treaded tires that allow them to stay balanced, even under heavy loads or on uneven ground.
A scissor lift rental gives you access to the right equipment when you need it, helping you keep projects on schedule and crews working safely at height.
We offer the following types of scissor lifts for rent:
Electric Scissor Lifts
Electric scissor lifts are best suited for indoor use. They are often used in warehouses, retail facilities, offices, and schools where overhead access is needed but noise and exhaust must be kept to a minimum. Their advantages include:
- Low noise
- Zero emissions
- Tight maneuverability
- Non-marking tires
Electric scissor lifts are often used in tasks that require working at height in indoor facilities with limited space, such as:
- Stocking and inventory management
- Routine building maintenance
- HVAC servicing
- Electrical work
Internal Combustion Scissor Lifts
These scissor lifts are also called engine-powered scissor lifts, as they are powered by internal combustion engines. Depending on the fuel type they used, they are also referred to as diesel scissor lifts and gas scissor lifts.
Internal combustion scissor lifts are used for outdoor work where reliable power and long operating time are needed. Common applications include construction sites and industrial maintenance in areas without easy access to charging stations.
Their advantages include:
- Strong lifting power for heavy materials
- Long operating life between refuels
- Solid platform support for multiple workers
- Stable performance on uneven terrain
Internal combustion models are well suited for exterior maintenance, steel erection, and similar projects that require durable lift strength and steady elevation.
Outdoor Scissor Lifts
Outdoor scissor lifts are designed to operate safely on uneven or rough terrain. Features like four-wheel drive and reinforced platforms help maintain stability and traction, supporting worker safety. They are a dependable choice for large construction sites and utility work.
Their advantages include:
- Four-wheel drive
- Large pneumatic tires
- Reinforced platforms
- High ground clearance
Rough terrain scissor lifts are often used for roofing, siding, and exterior installation work where strong lift capacity and stability are essential to crew safety and productivity.
We offer scissor lifts for rent in multiple sizes and power options to match the demands of any job site. Each rental includes equipment that has been inspected and maintained for safety and performance. With flexible rental terms, on-time delivery, and a nationwide supplier network, we provide a dependable solution for projects of any scale.
How To Rent a Scissor Lift With BigRentz
Renting a scissor lift from our platform takes only a few steps:
1Request a Quote
Send your project details online or call to speak with a rental specialist. We'll help you choose a lift that meets your required height and job site conditions.
2Confirm Details
Review your quote and delivery time, then lock in your rental. Pricing is transparent and based on your schedule and location.
3Start Working
Your scissor lift is delivered to your site ready for use. When the work is finished, we coordinate pickup so you can move on to the next task without delays.
Running a job site means juggling countless moving parts, and the last thing you need is to deal with a complex rental process. We make the process of renting scissor lifts fast and straightforward, so you can get the equipment you need without added stress.
Cost To Rent a Scissor Lift
The cost to rent a scissor lift depends on the model, lift height, and how long you need it. Electric units for indoor work are generally priced lower than diesel or rough-terrain models used outdoors. Location and delivery distance can also affect the total.
However, the cost of renting a scissor lift is significantly lower than the price of buying one outright. This makes scissor lift rentals a more practical option if you only need one for a short period or want to try the equipment before committing to a purchase. You get reliable, well-maintained equipment when you need it and can return it once the job is complete.
BigRentz offers a wide range of scissor lifts at competitive rates. We provide upfront pricing and no hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a scissor lift?
Scissor lift rental costs vary depending on the model, size, and jobsite location. They can be rented by the day, week, or month. A 19 foot, narrow electric scissor lift starts at $97/day, $230/week, or $430/month. A 26 foot, wide electric scissor lift starts at $121/day, $338/week, or $624/month. A 32 foot, 4WD, rough-terrain scissor lift starts at $210/day, $533/week, or $1,092/month. Rough terrain scissor lifts typically cost more than electric scissor lifts.
What kind of scissor lift do I need?
The type of scissor lift you need depends on multiple factors including load size, platform size, type of terrain, and height.
Electric scissor lifts generally have smaller frames and can fit through standard doorways and narrow passages when completely folded. Because they are electric-powered and have zero emissions, they are safe for indoor tasks. Typical uses include anything from general ceiling repair jobs to providing a sound platform for painting murals on large walls.
Rough terrain lifts come with four-wheel drive (4WD) and rugged tires for uneven or rough landscapes. They are used by both industrial and maintenance teams for tasks like tree trimming.
Both electric and rough terrain lifts come in different heights and sizes.
Should I use a scissor lift or a boom lift?
The main advantage of a scissor lift is its larger platform. Unlike a boom lift, whose bucket typically accommodates just one person, a scissor lift can carry multiple people as well as loads that need to be elevated. Boom lifts are also more expensive, while scissor lifts are affordably priced rentals.
A boom lift, also called a bucket lift or cherry picker, is a piece of equipment that can raise someone in a small bucket or compact platform. It can elevate them more than three times as high as a scissor lift. If you need to go beyond the 40- or 50-foot maximum height of most scissor lifts, you will probably need a boom lift.
A boom lift is also a better choice if you need to move in different directions. The base of a telescopic boom lift can rotate, giving you more directional flexibility. An articulating boom lift offers help in reaching hard-to-access locations, thanks to arms that are jointed like a knee or elbow in one or more places. This allows you to move not just up, but up and over.
How high can a scissor lift go?
Scissor lifts can provide access to work sites 19 to 50 feet off the ground, depending on the model. You'll get greater load-bearing capacity with heavier models. A 19-foot electric lift might weigh between 2,700 and 5,600 pounds and be able to bear 500 to 700 pounds, depending on the model.
By contrast, a wide scissor lift with a 40-foot vertical reach might weigh roughly 8,600 to 13,600 pounds and be able to bear between 800 and 1,500 pounds. A 50-foot rough-terrain lift can weigh from 11,800 to 17,000 pounds and carry up to 2,250 pounds.
Do I need a license to operate a scissor lift?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has no specific regulations that require lift users to be licensed. However, the agency stipulates that only “authorized persons” assigned by an employer to specific duties are permitted to use a scissor lift. This makes employers largely responsible for ensuring that lifts are operated safely.
Under OSHA guidelines, employers must train employees on how to work safely around scissor lifts and understand the hazards they present. OSHA also provides a one-hour scissor lift training course online that covers the importance of inspections; precautions for preventing falls, tips, electrocution, etc.; safety procedures and precautions; applicable OSHA standards; and other key topics.
What size scissor lift do I need?
Choose a lift based on the height you need to reach and the space available at your site. Other factors to consider are:
- Work Height: Add about 6 feet to the platform height to estimate total reach. For example, a 26-foot lift provides roughly 32 feet of working height.
- Terrain Type: If you're working outdoors on uneven ground, you'll need a rough terrain model with 4WD and larger tires. For smooth indoor floors, a compact electric lift is sufficient.
- Platform Capacity: Check how many workers and how much equipment you need to lift. Smaller indoor lifts typically support up to 800 pounds, while outdoor models can hold 1,000 pounds or more.
- Platform Size: Measure the workspace and access points. Wider platforms allow multiple workers but require more clearance. Narrow lifts fit through doorways or aisles but limit movement on the deck.
Can I use a scissor lift outdoors?
Yes. Outdoor scissor lifts or rough terrain scissor lifts are specifically designed to handle exposure to the elements and being driven over rough or uneven ground.