At Lift Services, we provide specialist scissor lift installation services for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and logistics applications across the UK.
Our lifts are engineered for durability, precision, and safety, helping businesses move goods efficiently between heights while reducing the need for manual handling.
We design and install everything from compact low-profile lifts for limited spaces to heavy-duty hydraulic freight lifts capable of transporting several tonnes.
Every installation is carried out in compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), as well as UKCA safety certification.
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What Is A Scissor Lift?
A scissor lift is a mechanical lifting platform that moves vertically using a series of linked, folding supports arranged in a criss-cross pattern, known as the pantograph mechanism.
The lifting motion is powered by hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, or mechanical screw drives, depending on the application.
When extended, the scissor arms raise the platform to the required height, and when retracted, the platform lowers smoothly. This makes them ideal for environments where stable, controlled vertical movement is needed.
Scissor lifts are used in factories, warehouses, loading bays, manufacturing plants, automotive workshops, and even theatres for stage movement.
They are available as goods-only lifts for handling stock or freight, or as work platforms for personnel in specific maintenance or assembly roles.
What Are The Benefits Of Scissor Lift Installation?
Lift Services provides scissor lift installations that are not only robust and reliable but also fully compliant with UK regulations.
The key benefits of scissor lift installation include:
Faster goods movement improves operational efficiency
Reduced manual handling, lowering the risk of workplace injuries
Custom-built solutions to suit different industries and load requirements
Space-efficient design compared to other vertical transport options
Long service life with proper maintenance
Smooth and stable lifting to protect delicate goods
How Much Does Scissor Lift Installation Cost?
The cost of scissor lift installation is from £4,000 to £40,000+.
Costs depend on size, capacity, travel height, and the features selected.
Small low-profile units are from £4,000 to £7,000.
Medium-duty warehouse lifts are from £7,000 to £15,000.
Heavy-duty freight lifts are from £15,000 to £40,000+.
Our quotes are fully itemised, covering equipment, installation, commissioning, and compliance documentation, with no hidden costs.
What Load Capacities Are Available?
Load capacity is one of the most critical factors in scissor lift specification.
Our installations range from 500 kg light-duty models for small-scale goods movement to units exceeding 20,000 kg in weight for industrial freight handling.
Light-duty is 500–1,000 kg, suitable for small retail backrooms, packaging areas, and assembly lines.
Medium-duty vehicles weigh 1,000–5,000 kg and are commonly used in warehouses, production lines, and general manufacturing settings.
Heavy-duty is typically 5,000–20,000 kg, commonly used in steel works, automotive plants, and large-scale distribution hubs.
During the site survey, we assess not just the weight of individual loads but also operational frequency, load type, and distribution on the platform to ensure safe and efficient operation over the long term.
What Safety Features Are Included?
Scissor lifts include a range of safety features to protect operators, passengers, and surrounding equipment during operation.
These features are essential for compliance with UK regulations and to prevent accidents in both commercial and industrial environments.
Emergency stop buttons are located on the platform and base controls, allowing immediate shutdown in an emergency.
Safety interlocks prevent the lift from operating unless all gates or doors are securely closed.
Overload protection sensorsdetect if the platform exceeds its maximum load capacity and disable movement until the load is reduced.
Anti-shear guards and toe protection mechanisms that prevent objects or limbs from being caught between moving scissor arms or edges.
Mechanical locking devices or maintenance props secure the lift in place during servicing or inspection to prevent accidental movement.
Non-slip platform surfaces, such as textured or coated flooring, reduce slip risk, particularly in environments where oil, dust, or moisture is present.
Descent speed control or pressure relief valves ensure controlled lowering and prevents sudden drops in the event of hydraulic failure.
Manual lowering systems allows the lift to be safely lowered in the event of a power failure.
Visual and audible warning indicators feature flashing lights or alarms that signal when the lift is in motion or in a fault state, thereby improving awareness in busy environments.
Perimeter handrails or guarding (for personnel lifts) provide fall protection when the lift is used to raise people.
All safety features are tested before handover, and we provide complete operator training to ensure correct and compliant use.
What Regulations Apply To Scissor Lift Installation?
Scissor lifts used for goods only fall under LOLER and PUWER regulations, which require safe installation, operation, and periodic maintenance.
If the lift is designed to carry people, such as maintenance platforms, additional regulations apply, including compliance with EN 1570-1 safety standards and relevant fall protection requirements.
Every lift we install is UKCA-marked, accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity, and includes a recommended inspection schedule to ensure compliance throughout its operational life.
What Is The Installation Process?
The process begins with a site survey to assess your operational needs, space constraints, pit depth (if applicable), load types, and travel heights.
We then provide detailed technical drawings and an installation plan.
On-site installation includes assembling the lift frame, hydraulic or mechanical drive system, platform, safety features, and controls.
Once complete, the lift is tested under load to ensure safe and smooth operation before handover.
How Long Does Scissor Lift Installation Take?
Scissor lift installation takes between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on the model, site conditions, and whether civil or structural preparation is required.
Small, low-rise scissor lifts (e.g. for goods or vehicle access) may be installed in as little as 3–5 days, while larger scissor lifts for stage or industrial use can take 2–3 weeks.
If a concrete pit or floor reinforcement is required, additional pre-installation works (typically 1–2 weeks) may be needed before the lift can be positioned and fixed.
Electrical connections, safety interlocks, and control system setup add time, especially if the lift must integrate with other equipment or automation systems.
Once installed, the lift must undergo load testing, functional checks, and safety inspections in line with LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 regulations, which can take 1–2 days.
In schools, hospitals, or retail environments, installation may be phased or scheduled outside operational hours, which can extend the timeline.
Manufacturing lead times range from 4 to 10 weeks, depending on whether the lift is a standard model or a fully bespoke design.
What Types Of Scissor Lifts Do You Install?
We supply and install a wide range of scissor lift types to suit different operational requirements:
Low-profile scissor lifts – Designed for applications where pit depth is minimal or unavailable, often used for pallet handling, featuring a small ramp for easy access.
Single scissor lifts – The most common type, providing straightforward vertical travel for medium-height lifts.
Double or triple scissor lifts – Stacked mechanisms for greater travel height, ideal for reaching mezzanine floors or upper storage levels.
Heavy-duty freight scissor lifts – Built for industrial environments, capable of handling several tonnes of palletised or oversized goods.
Dock leveller scissor lifts – Installed at loading bays to bridge the height difference between delivery vehicles and warehouse floors.
Vehicle scissor lifts – Specially engineered for automotive workshops, MOT testing stations, and production lines.
We also offer custom-engineered solutions with bespoke platform dimensions, load capacities, and travel ranges to fit your exact operational needs.
Can Scissor Lifts Be Installed In Existing Buildings?
We regularly retrofit scissor lifts for use in operational sites.
Where a lift pit cannot be created, we can install surface-mounted low-profile lifts with ramped access.
For safety in busy areas, we can supply enclosed lift systems with mesh guarding and interlocked gates.
We also work in heritage and space-restricted buildings, designing lifts that require minimal alterations to existing structures.
Do You Provide Maintenance And Repairs?
We offer planned preventative maintenance contracts tailored to your usage level, ensuring your lift operates efficiently and remains compliant.
Our engineers can respond to breakdowns 24/7 and carry out on-site repairs quickly, thanks to our access to a large stock of spare parts.
Get A Free Scissor Lift Installation Quote
We manage the process from survey to certification, offer nationwide coverage, competitive pricing, and provide ongoing maintenance to maximise your investment.
Contact Lift Services today to schedule a complimentary site survey and receive a customised quotation. We will design and install a solution tailored to your operational needs and budget.