An in-depth analysis on the demand for scissor lifts in India and its latest offerings

There are various types of aerial work platforms one of which is scissor lift. Scissor lift is a platform that is frequently moved vertically. It has a scissor mechanism (pantograph) which uses linked, folding supports in a criss-cross “X” pattern. The contraction of the scissor action can be hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical.

Demand for scissor lifts in India
Meeting demand quantitatively and qualitatively
According to Sanjay Khanna, Managing Director, Mtandt Group, “Demand for scissor lifts is on the rise in India mainly due to the increase in requirements to quickly reach vertical heights during maintenance and construction related activities. Keeping pace with the increasing demand, we have expanded our fleet size matching the demand both quantitatively and qualitatively.”

Great demand from real estate sector
Jayesh Vadukiya, Managing Director, New Age Construction Equipment Engineering Company observes, “Market segment by regions, this report splits global into several key region with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of scissor lift in these regions from 2011-2021 (forecast) like North America, China, Europe, Japan, India, Southeast Asia split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type. Split by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of scissor lift in each application. The business has picked up in the past 8-10 years as there have been great demands from real estate sector. One can see the number of malls, housing societies and offices being built.”

The scissor lift table industry development trends and marketing channels are also analysed and the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered. With the tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals.

Major demand from rental segment
Krishna Patel, SBU Head – Access Division, Maco Corporation India Pvt Ltd observes, “Recently, Indian market has seen huge demand in 19ft-40ft battery operated scissors. The demand has been majorly from rental segment. And we feel the demand for scissor lifts in India would increase double fold in next few years.”

Market size
The demand for scissor lifts is growing at a rapid rate in India. Souma Ray, Director, Haulotte India Pvt Ltd informs, “In developed countries where uses of mobile access platforms are anintegral part, scissor lifts forming the bulk of the volumes. Across the world, scissors lifts cover 57 per cent of the total volume of all AWP’s and 77 per cent of these are electric scissors and balance 23 per cent diesel scissors.”

Scissor lifts – A safe choice
Multiple pivot points share load
The main feature of scissor lifts in terms of safety is its robust construction with multiple pivot points sharing the load. Most scissor lifts have inbuilt sensors for overload, pothole protection, alarms with some higher models available with hydraulic stabilisers for more stability and safety. Even over a long period of use, they are able to retain the functionality and reliability which means the load ratings need not be deratedover the life of the machine. However, Khanna feels that most of the manufacturers in the unorganised sector offering poorly designed with inferior components face shorter life, earlier deterioration of the traction battery which results in a negative perception by the users. Mtandt offers the most modern and robust machines, certified and long life batteries, higher power to weight ratio, self-lubricating pivot points and many more features unparallel in the industry.

The platform is unidirectional
The advantage of scissor lift is the movement of its platform is unidirectional i.e. upwards or downwards, in addition to being self-propelled. Further, based on the size of the scissor lift, its lifting capacity also increases. Ray informs that the lifting capacity can vary from 230 kg in an electric scissor to around 750kg plus in diesel scissors. So, besides being safe, it also enhances productivity.

Stable work platform
To recognise why scissor lifts are a safe choice for work sites, it is important to understand the basics of how scissor lifts work. These lifts are composed of a wheeled base, lattice-like braces and a stable work platform. The hydraulic braces extend to lift the platform straight up from the base. The wheels at the bottom allow workers to move the entire structure as needed. Scissor lifts are used for a wide variety of applications. The platforms can be raised to reach high areas for painting, installations, and other types of renovations. When used outdoors, one may see these lifts on construction sites. Inside, scissor lifts may be used in hospitals, hotels, schools and other locations with high ceilings. In warehouses, they may be used for checking inventory on high shelves. Scissor lifts come in many sizes as well, which makes them useful for work where space limitations are a concern. Scissor lifts are often the safest option when it comes to completing aerial work.

Vadukiya from New Age highlights the key safety benefits of using scissor lifts:
Stability
The stable base on a scissor lift makes it perfect for use on a wide variety of surfaces. Because of the wide, heavy base, the lift can remain motionless while in the air, even as workers move on the platform above. The wheels can be locked into place, so the lift stays put on uneven terrain or steep slopes.

Solid construction
When compared to scaffolding, scissor lifts obviously offer the mobility needed for getting a job done faster. But beyond that, a scissor lift is a single unit that stays solid and safe. Scaffolding, on the other hand, has to be rebuilt quickly in new places, increasing the risk of instability. Ladders can’t hold as much weight, which makes them poorly suited to jobs that require heavy tools.

Caged platform
The work platform on a scissor lift features solid railings around each side. This helps to prevent accidental falls. It also provides a handy grip for workers while they complete work in the air.

Space to work
Trying to work on a narrow ladder or shaky scaffolding creates safety risks. With a scissor lift, workers have space to move to get the job done safely and accurately. The platform can be lifted to the exact position needed to provide a comfortable and safe workspace.

Safer as compared to conventional scaffolding
Scissor lifts itself are categorised under safety equipment to work at heights. Patel observes that scissor lifts are safer as compared to conventional scaffolding or ladders. Additional they can be driven at raised height which saves lots of time to complete the job.

Latest offering in the category of scissor lifts

Various types of scissor lifts
Based on the demand, Mtandt offers many different types of scissor lifts. Due to budgetary constraints, many a times customers do not want self propelled but need the height to be reached with low investment. Mtandt offers machines well within the reach of the even small contractors, simple push-around types which are economical to procure and maintain as well. The company also offer the midrange self propelled scissor lifts and the high end ones with add on features, thereby catering to all sections of the buyers. For some specialised applications which call for both AC powered and DC powered prime movers, Mtandt offers a completely different range with heights going as much as 30m. Khanna from Mtandt says, “We quite possibly offer the widest range of scissor lifts in the country. Added to this is the high calibre technicians with diagnostic capabilities, the users derive the highest benefit for the products and services offered by us.”

European standard access equipment
Haulotte access equipment are manufactured as per European CE standards confirming to EN280, which are amongst the most stringent in the world in terms of safety. There aresafety cutoff systems which prevent the machine to be overloaded or work at an outreach which can result in an accident due to negligence of the operator. The company’s objective is to produce machines which give a confidence to work at heights. Ray from Haulotte says, “Our R&D team is working relentlessly towards evolution of newer and user friendly variants with specific attention in incorporating the best safety features in our machines so as to make them safe as well as give optimum performance to the user’s needs.”

Genie 20-25 battery scissor lifts
Maco is the oldest company in India who has been supplying and servicing scissor lifts and boom lifts in India. Patelfrom Maco informs, “We have brought brand new Genie 20-25 battery scissor lifts in first lot for our rental fleet. We have planned to buy another 50 no.s in second lot.”

Renting scissor lifts
Renting: Good idea to use for a short period of time
We have been renting out scissor lifts, both battery operated and engine operated versions for more than two decades now. Khanna explains, “Renting of scissor lifts is certainly a good idea, as many users would like to use for a short period of time. Rather than owning a scissor lift they would prefer to hire it. As we always offer newer and upgraded models ensuring current valid certification, smoother operation, there is a direct effect on the operators comfort and safety; they deliver a better and quality work output. In the rare event of any technical glitches, standby machines are made available, assuring of uninterrupted work and timely completion of tasks.”

Scissor lifts are very variants to be rented
Ray says, “The decision to buy or to rent depends solely upon the duration it is required for. For a short term it’s always economical to rent but when usage pattern is for long term or there is constant demand of such equipment, it is always better to buy an AWP. Delving further if we look at the trends in countries where in the AWP industry is mature and demands of such equipment are very high and constantly growing.” Rental segment becomes very important as the requirements of machines come in bulk quantities and that too of different variants based on the nature of the application. In such circumstances it is always prudent to rent in machines.

Renting scissor lifts is a good business
“India is seeing a huge demand in scissor lifts. Most of the demand is coming for rental use. Renting scissor lifts is anytime good business,” concludes Patel.

We quite possibly offer the widest range of scissor lifts in the country.
Sanjay Khanna, Managing Director, Mtandt Group

The business has picked up in the past 8-10 years as there have been great demands from real estate sector.
Jayesh Vadukiya, Managing Director, New Age Construction Equipment Engineering Company

The demand for scissor lifts in India would increase double fold in next few years.
Krishna Patel, SBU Head – Access Division, Maco Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.

In developed countries where uses of mobile access platforms are an integral part, scissor lifts forming the bulk of the volumes.
Souma Ray, Director, Haulotte India Pvt Ltd