How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the weight of the scissor support together with the integrity of the steel cross sections more than the length. The weight of the scissor structure along with the length is corollaries of each other; therefore, the former determines the latter for scissor jack stability. An extreme example of this to illustrate the point will be a 20-foot lift length that is featherweight made from Styrofoam which is pretty much weightless. It definitely would not be able to support at much of a height and would not be able to support a lot at all.
Determine how high in the air the platform will be lifted to determine or calculate the length of the scissor lift needed to support the weight of both occupants and objects on the platform in relation to the weight of the platform.
The number of cross-sections of scissor folding supports sections which would be required to be extended at their full extension to be able to reach the needed height within the weight support parameters. Finally, you would never want to ascend a few workers up on a platform together with their supplies which is on a platform supported by any kind of structure which is not stable because clearly any machinery which is prone to tipping would put individuals in an extremely dangerous situation.
Every cross section should be weighed to determined the overall weight and length of the scissor lift along with the overall stability of the machine. When completely extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the ground or horizontal level.