What to Look for When Buying a Used Scissor Lift

Anyone shopping for a used scissor lift starts in the same place: the hour meter. It's usually the first number on the listing, and it feels like the easiest way to compare two machines. The meter is worth reading, but it is not a condition report. It only says how long the machine has run. They don't tell you how it was treated, where it worked, or what shape its major components are in today.

If you want a machine that will earn its keep, a few other things deserve more of your attention than the number on the meter.

Why can two lifts with the same hours be in different shape?

A scissor lift that spent its life on a warehouse floor and one that worked outside on a dusty jobsite can show the same hours and still be in very different condition. Dust, moisture, and rough ground are harder on a machine than a clean indoor floor. So when you compare two listings, ask where each machine worked before you compare what the meters say.

A low-hour machine isn't automatically the safer buy, either. A lift that sat unused for a long stretch can have its own problems, and the battery is one of the parts most affected by sitting.

How do I check the battery on a used electric scissor lift?

On an electric scissor lift, the battery deserves close attention. Its age and how it was cared for matter as much as the hours on the machine. A battery that was charged correctly and used regularly holds up differently than one that sat half-charged in a yard. Before you buy, ask when the batteries were last replaced. If the seller can't answer, make a note of it. If the seller says the batteries are new, ask them to put that in writing.

What should I check on the tires of a used scissor lift?

Tires get overlooked, yet they decide how the machine grips, how it rides, whether it marks a finished floor, and how often it is down for service. Look for uneven wear, flat spots, cracked sidewalls, and chunks missing from the tread. On a machine that has worked outdoors, check for debris stuck in the tire. Worn tires on an otherwise solid machine are a fair point to raise on price. Worn tires on a machine that shows other signs of neglect are a reason to look closer at everything else.

What should a used scissor lift inspection cover?

"Runs good" and "fully inspected" can mean different things depending on who says them. A thorough inspection looks at the hydraulic system, the electrical system, the structure, the safety devices, the battery, and the tires, not just whether the platform goes up and down. Ask the seller to walk you through what was checked and what was replaced. The more specific the answer, the more you actually know about the machine.

What happens if something goes wrong after I buy?

Before you commit, ask the seller what support, if any, comes with the machine, and get the answer in writing. A written answer is easier to rely on later than something said in passing on the lot.

If you're shopping for a used scissor lift, whether it's one machine or several, get in touch and we'll help you work through these questions.