Many customers discussing scissor lift projects often confuse two important technical terms:
- Total Height
- Net Lifting Height
Although the difference is very simple, misunderstanding these two values can cause major problems during manufacturing and installation.
What Is Net Lifting Height?
Net lifting height refers to the actual vertical travel distance of the platform.
Example:
- Lowered height: 800 mm
- Maximum platform height: 4800 mm
Then:
- Net lifting height = 4000 mm
This is the real lifting movement of the scissor lift.
What Is Total Height?
Total height means the final maximum height of the platform after lifting.
Using the previous example:
Total Height = Lowered Height + Net Lifting Height
Therefore:
- 800 mm + 4000 mm = 4800 mm
Important Design Detail for Single Scissor Structures
For single-stage scissor lift structures, the lift usually does not fully collapse completely flat.
Why?
Because if the scissor mechanism fully closes, the hydraulic cylinder must provide extremely large force to start lifting.
To avoid excessive starting load, manufacturers usually design support spacing that keeps the lift slightly above the fully folded position.
This provides several advantages:
- Lower cylinder starting pressure
- Smoother lifting
- Better reliability
- Longer hydraulic system lifespan
Therefore, the minimum height of a single-stage scissor lift is typically slightly higher than the theoretical fully collapsed height.
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Why This Difference Matters So Much
In real projects, the final designed maximum height is usually only about 100–200 mm higher than the required working height.
If the customer and supplier fail to clearly define whether they are discussing:
- Net lifting height
or - Total height
the final manufactured lift may fail to meet the required lifting height.
This misunderstanding can lead to:
- Incorrect equipment dimensions
- Failed installation
- Rework and modifications
- Delayed project schedules
- Additional costs
Conclusion
Before confirming production of any scissor lift, always clearly specify:
- Lowered height
- Net lifting height
- Total platform height
Clear technical communication is extremely important for custom lifting equipment.
At Beacon Industries, we carefully verify all dimensional requirements before production to ensure every lift meets the customer's real application needs.
If you are planning a scissor lift project, explore our range of custom-built solutions — including the Scissor Lift Double Scissor Structure (3-Ton, 3.0m Lift Height) and the Scissor Lift Twin Structure (5-Ton, 4.45m Lift Height) — each engineered to your exact dimensional requirements.
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