The scissor lift is an iconic piece of lifting equipment and has a long fascinating history. Not only is the scissor lift commonly used in the construction industry, but it is also a regular feature in vehicle workshops, warehouses, loading bays, and more. With many diverse applications, the scissor lift is often celebrated for its various capabilities.
In this article by Sterling Access, we’ll explore the history of the scissor lift—learning about its invention as well as its many modern uses.
1960s
While hydraulic lifts had been in use since the 1920s, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the scissor lift was ‘officially’ invented.
Charles Larson was the man who created an effective design for a scissor lift and received a patent for it in the U.S. Keep in mind that there had been many other attempts to receive patents for scissor lift designs, but many of them were considered to be too complex.
While it was Larson that received the patent, it is John W. Parker who most often is credited for the invention of the scissor lift.
1970s-1990s
The 1970s is when scissor lift production really began to take off. MEC and JLG created their first scissor lift prototypes in the mid-1970s. From here, the scissor lift really took off. Its designs changed throughout the years, with the first scissor lift reaching over 25ft being produced in the 1990s.
2000s
The 2000s was when the traditional hydraulic technology used in scissor lifts was combined with electric drive and steer mechanisms to create the first ‘hybrid’ lifts. This provided a highly efficient lifting solution, and this hybrid lift very quickly became the norm.
2020 and Beyond
From 2020, more rigorous testing requirements were introduced into the industry, and this was when we really started making use of modern technology when it comes to scissor lifts. It is safe to say that scissor lifts will continue to enjoy innovations but this type of lifting equipment is not going anywhere.
Interested in purchasing a scissor lift in South Africa? Here at Sterling Access, we offer a range of premium scissor lights with a variety of different heigh capabilities. We offer both electric and diesel scissor lifts for sale. Feel free to browse our scissor lifts online, or contact us should you have any questions.