How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the scissor support weight and the integrity of the steel cross sections over the length. The scissor structures length and weight are corollaries, meaning that the former determines the latter for a stable scissor jack. An extreme instance of this to illustrate the point will be a 20-foot lift length which is featherweight made from Styrofoam that is practically weightless. It definitely can not support at much of a height and could not support much at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be raised to determine or calculate the scissor lift length needed to support the weight of both occupants and objects on the platform in relation to the platform's weight.
In order to reach the necessary height within the weight support parameters, the number of cross sections of scissor folding supports sections that will be necessary to be extended at their full extension. Lastly, you would never want to ascend some workers up on a platform along with their supplies that is on a platform supported by any type of unstable structure because clearly any machine which is prone to tipping would put individuals in a very dangerous situation.
Determine the weight of every scissor cross-section. This is very important to determining the weight and length of the scissor lift you would require as well as the overall stability of the equipment. When completely extended, determine the angle between the horizontal or ground level against the scissor arms measured.