How scissor lifts are leading the industry

Green solutions have moved way beyond the trial stages and are being implemented for real world applications.

When it comes to hybrids there is no one solution, and Dingli is introducing hybrid to what it believes will be standard in the company’s rough terrain offering for scissors under 18m working height, and booms lifts under 22m working height.

An 18kW electric motor and an 18.2kW diesel-powered engine are being installed on all models in this range which adds power when required for work in rough terrain environments, such as sand.

As Dingli points out, for general working conditions, it is rare that anything more than the 18.2kW engine power is required, however installing a higher-powered engine means that the unit falls into emission restrictions in China, Europe and the US, which means that regeneration systems and diesel particulate filters (DPF) are required. And the addition of an electric motor allows for more power and meets all emissions requirements.

Hybrid innovation

From a technical point of view it can be understood that this is a hybrid model where the electric and diesel systems work in tandem and start automatically when the engine is running.

The HS18 E Max adds to Haulotte’s Pulseo series.

During light-duty operations, excess engine power recharges the battery, storing energy for future heavy-duty operations while keeping the battery healthy. This dual function ensures efficient operation and extends battery life.

With this new range, Dingli can now provide one standard mild hybrid system for all markets, while boosting their equipment power and green credentials with the machine’s ECU informing the auxiliary power when to kick in, which ultimately provides costs and emissions savings.

Haulotte has also been focusing on rough terrains for its latest launch - the HS18 E Max, which joins the company’s electric Pulseo range of scissors and booms and incorporates diesel-powered range extender.

The HS18 E MAX has the ability to drive at full height with a full load of 750kg - one of the first 18m working height electric RT scissors capable of achieving this.

The model completes the existing HSE range, which includes the HS15 E (Pro) and HS18 E (Pro).

The mechanical axle transmission and 4-wheel drive of the HS18 E Max are complemented by the load capacity, and a material handling attachment option is also available. Ideal for applications requiring the transport of heavy loads up to 400kg, the easy-to-install attachment keeps materials organised and minimizes the risk of tripping.

Sinoboom launches the 1623RE.

Sinoboom has been upgrading its rough terrains too to provide added performance according to customer demands. The technical upgrades to the diesel and electric 1323RD, 1323RE, 1623RD, and 1623RE models include an increase in their speed ratio, with a 20% improvement in walking and climbing torque.

The wheelbase has been enlarged, and the tyres have a greater depth of tread and spacing for better grip. Finally, the machine’s overall weight has been optimised, helping to reduce the tyre ground pressure, with single tyre pressure reduced by 10%.

These factors, combined with the advantages of the active oscillating function, which was is also a feature of the previous versions, enhance off road performance.

XCMG has been adapting its electric offering.

The new 22m rough terrain from XCMG has also focused on off road capability to meet demands for larger RT lifts.

The XG2225ERT adopts a powerful four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, along with energy-saving gravity descending for the scissor stack, which provides a smoother alternative to the traditional power descending method.

Gradability of the new model is 30%, while the maximum working slope is 2 degrees outdoors, while the large platform has a capacity of 750kg with a length of 4590mm and width of 2250mm, and can accommodate four people.

The platform can be retracted and extended to 2700mm and has foldable rails. The overall length of the machine is 4950 without outriggers.

At the Intermat show in Paris, held in April, LGMG took its RTs to a new level with the 21.7m working height SR2024E, with a large platform measuring 4.62m x 2.3m and a capacity of 750kg, plus an extension deck.

Able to accommodate up to four people indoors and outdoors, the SR2024E shares features from the rest of the company’s RT range, including four wheel drive with oscillating axles and 30% gradeability.

Auto-levelling hydraulic outriggers deliver stability, while the narrow turning radius of 4.5m provides flexibility. Also included is an overload sensor system

Slab solutions

It was perhaps only a matter of time before Manitou started producing its own range of scissors, and earlier this year the company followed through with that potential.

Manitou launched its first in-house produced scissors this year.

It is the first time the France-based manufacturer has produced scissor lifts in-house.

The company said its objective was to offer innovative models in the largest segment of the MEWP market and provide a complete range of self propelled equipment.

The two new models, the SE 0808 and SE 1008, with working heights of 8m and 10m, respectively, will be followed by a 12m model, the SE 1212.

Initial rollout in Europe started from from April, via Manitou’s 350-strong dealer network, with distribution extending beyond Europe in 2025.

Designed by Manitou Group’s R&D department, with a low cost of ownership in mind, all three slab scissor models feature two AC motors and lightweight design to make them maintenance-free.

Samuel Viaud, Product Manager for Manitou Group’s scissor lift range, said, “We have big ambitions in the scissor market, where demand is very strong.”

The range offers a streamlined, intuitive control panel. The full-height gate and two handles attached to the machine ensure safe ascent and descent. The operator also benefits from an extendable sliding floor and an extra 90cm of space, giving a total basket length of 2.54m. In addition, integrated diagnostics are provided.

The ES4046 from JLG completes the ES range.

JLG has completed its electric drive ES series of slab scissor lifts with the ES4046.

It is designed to be lightweight and easily manoeuvrable with a zero turning circle. Productivity is enhanced with more than a 40% increase in duty cycles compared with its hydraulic drive predecessor, allowing operators to work for longer on a single charge.

It is the first ES scissor lift to use maintenance-free AC drive motors, which help to increase efficiency, reduce noise, and allow it to travel at 50% higher stowed speed than previous JLG models of this size.

The ES4046 is also the highest ES series scissor, with an indoor platform height of 11.9m (8.75m outdoors), and the lowest gross-weight scissor in its class, says JLG. When used indoors, it can take up to three workers, the highest occupancy of any model in the ES series.

Maintenance time and costs are reduced by the incorporation of parts commonality, fewer hoses and fittings, and a single lift cylinder.

A key new introduction from Dingli is the AC+ series of scissors, which the manufacturer believes will become the standard choice for customers of 8m to 16m working height models.

The AC+ is a major upgrade of the existing AC range and sits behind the fully electric PA range launched last year. The AC+ has a similar cost to the AC range, says Dingli, but the benefits are much greater.

Dingli’s AC+ gives the existing AC line a major overhaul.

The primary difference with the AC+ compared to its PA model launched last year, is the lack of up to two electric actuators, used to raise the scissor stack. These make the PA 1.5 times higher in price than the AC+, meaning it is currently confined to markets like Japan and the Nordics where there are strict polices on green equipment and where zero hydraulic leakage is required.

However, the additions to the AC+ that set it aside from the AC are numerous. Across the range platform capacity has been increased by 45%, while there are side and rear forklift pockets, and a high-density Lithium battery pack with five-year warranty and high strength tires that have double the life compared to standard tires, says the manufacturer.

There is an integrated four in one motor controller with 40% reduction in connections and harnesses. The new platform control box has a new highly durable touch pad with a display that is three times larger than before.

Environmentally, the AC+ offers a hydraulic oil leak containment system, and an electric actuator steering system in place of hydraulics. The actuator also provides a faster steering speed and 66% reduction in energy consumption to the hydraulic alternative.

The gravity down energy recovery system sees the battery charged during platform descent.

MEC’s Micro 26-XD at Vertikal Days

As we have seen earlier in this feature, another trend in the sector is driving at full height and MEC has broadened its micro scissor range with the launch of its tallest product in the range, the 38ft (11.6m) 3232SE slab scissor that can do just that.

“Driving at full height is a bedrock requirement and expectation of any self propelled mobile elevating work platform. Driving at full height is the better solution that MEC brought to this category,” said Gary Crook, VP of Engineering.

Besides this ability, the does not incorporate an outrigger levelling system, which the company said as a combination is a first for this product category.

Other standard features and benefits of the 3232SE include a chassis that is 32 inches wide with a platform capacity of 550 pounds. The machine is equipped with an AC electric drive system and delivers more duty cycles from each battery charge than previously offered, thereby reducing emissions and jobsite demand.

With a focus on total cost of ownership, AGM batteries and MEC’s Leak Containment System comes as standard.

Skyjack’s latest Micro, the SJ3219E.

Skyjack launched a new updated micro scissor line tailored specifically for the North American market at this year’s ARA Show in New Orleans.

The SJ3213 and SJ3219 feature 13- and 19-foot platform heights, respectively, 500 pound platform capacities, AC electric drive performance, a 20-inch rollout extension to increase work area and provide up and over capability, low floor loading, and telematics allowing for remote diagnostics.

The E-Drive scissors also include the company’s Eco offering which brings benefits, such as a 16% operational carbon saving compared to the previous model and up to 20% improvement in duty cycle over equivalent hydraulic drive machines.

Targeted at the North American market, the SJ3213 micro and the SJ3219 micro will replace the previous SJ3013 model in North America. The SJ3014 will remain available in Europe.

The products are also 90% recyclable (by weight), and in environmental terms have Skyjack’s optional Eco tray.

Corey Connolly, Skyjack Senior Product Manager, said, “Our focus is always on improving productivity and cost of ownership, and E-Drive allows our newest micro scissors to give you more for less.” 

Exhibition scene MEC’s Micro 26-XD at Vertikal Days US-based MEC was at Vertikal Days in the UK during September having relaunched itself into the European market, following its first appearance at Intermat earlier this year. The company prides itself on its niche products that are also suitable for mainstream rental. As the company said its all about differentiation in what has become a very crowded market. New on the stand was the Micro 26-XD scissor, with 10m working height and the extra deck fitted as standard across the range, as is the leak containment system. The company’s perimeter light – effectively a laser beam that surrounds the unit on the ground, was presented on the 19-XD scissor at the show. “We are feeling the market in Europe,” said the company, “to find out what the customer needs.” The Snorkel S319 Plus with electric actuator on the scissor stack. One of those things is a machine weight of under 1 tonne, hence the micros being represented on the stand. The company also sees a move away from the vertical mast lift in favour of compact scissor as it provides more working space. Also at the show the show was Snorkel, with its the second prototype of the S319 Plus scissor on the stand, which will be followed by the production ready model in December. It has an electric drive and uses an actuator to lift the scissor stack. Accordingly the unit has a 271kg capacity – higher than a hydraulic version and a total weight of 1,300kg, which is also lighter. It runs off a maintenance free AGM battery. Next up the manufacturer will introduce electric drive to its higher scissors, but not the electric actuator.