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