Scissor Lift Brands Compared: Skyjack, Genie, JLG and Snorkel

Skyjack, Genie, JLG and Snorkel are scissor lift brands that land within inches of each other in size, so the real differences come down to drive system, controls and a few features. At The Lift Bros, we sell and repair used scissor lifts, and here is how these four compare.

How Do Skyjack, Genie and JLG Scissor Lifts Differ in Drive System?

Skyjack and Genie scissor lifts use hydraulic drive motors, while JLG scissor lifts use electric drive motors. Electric drive gives a JLG more torque for loading and climbing inclines. JLG's electric drive also runs quieter, which suits work in places like churches and schools, and it has fewer places to leak, since only the lift cylinder is hydraulic.

A JLG also has a scanner that plugs in to diagnose problems quickly. The trade-off with a JLG is more electrical components and more complexity.

A Skyjack is simpler and has no scanner, so it is inexpensive to fix. A Skyjack can take more troubleshooting time, though, at a shop that doesn't work on Skyjacks regularly.

Is Skyjack, Genie or JLG More Reliable?

At The Lift Bros, we can't say one brand is more reliable than another. These are all used machines, and any of them can break.

What Does the Ground Control Box on a Snorkel Scissor Lift Do?

Snorkel scissor lifts have a ground control box on the side of the machine that lets you drive and steer from the ground, which helps when loading the lift onto a trailer or moving it through a tight area. You can still drive and steer from the platform like any other lift.

What Does a Snorkel Model Number Like S3226E Mean?

On a Snorkel S3226E, S stands for Snorkel, 32 means it is 32 inches wide, 26 means it is 26 feet tall, and E means electric. The model number is how Snorkel identifies the lift.

Is a Skyjack, Genie, JLG or Snorkel Platform Bigger?

Not by much. Genie, Snorkel, JLG and Skyjack lifts are all very similar in platform size and footprint, within inches of each other. Weight is the bigger gap: a Skyjack weighs about 300 pounds less than a Genie.