Scissor Lift Sizes Explained: Which One Do You Need?

The problem: choosing the wrong size costs time and money

On busy construction and maintenance sites, access equipment should speed work up – not slow it down. Yet delays often come from one simple issue: choosing the wrong scissor lift size.

Too small and your team is constantly repositioning. Too large and you’re dealing with access restrictions, floor load limits, or unnecessary cost. Understanding scissor lift sizes before booking helps you plan properly and keep projects on schedule.

That’s why Baker Plant Hire delivers plant and access equipment across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, including Lincoln, Grantham, Boston, Newark, and Peterborough. For larger projects, scheduled delivery is available nationwide.

What are the standard scissor lift sizes?

Scissor lifts are measured using two key figures:

Platform height – the height of the platform floor
Working height – platform height plus roughly 2 metres for operator reach

Most UK scissor lifts fall into these working height ranges:

Up to 6m
7–8m
9–12m
14m+

Understanding both scissor lift working heights and scissor lift dimensions is essential, particularly when working indoors or in restricted areas.

Small scissor lifts (up to ~6m working height)

Compact scissor lifts are typically used for:

Reactive maintenance
Inspections and snagging
Tight indoor environments

A good example of this size category is the Boss X3X, which offers a working height of just over 5.2m in a lightweight, push-around format. Machines of this size are commonly used in warehouses, schools, offices, and commercial buildings where space and floor loading are key considerations.

Medium scissor lifts (7–8m working height)

This is one of the most commonly specified ranges for indoor industrial and commercial sites.

Typical uses include:

Warehouse racking and stock work
Ceiling installation
M&E and fit-out projects

We have a wide range of Genie Scissor Lifts for hire in this size range include the Genie GS-1930, Genie GS-1932, and Genie GS-2032. These machines provide working heights of around 7.8–7.9m while maintaining a narrow footprint under 0.82m, allowing them to pass through standard doorways with ease.

This makes them a popular choice for scissor lift sizes for warehouse and indoor maintenance work.

Larger electric scissor lifts (9–12m working height)

When additional reach or platform space is required, larger electric scissor lifts are often specified.

Common applications:

Construction fit-outs
Ducting and mechanical installations
Steelwork and services

In this category, machines such as the Genie GS-2632, Genie GS-2646, Genie GS-3232, and Genie GS-3246 offer working heights from just under 10m up to 11.75m. Wider platform options are also available where multiple operatives or materials need to be accommodated safely.

These sizes are frequently used for maintenance work and slab-based construction phases.

High-reach and diesel scissor lifts (14m+ working height)

For outdoor work or uneven ground, diesel scissor lifts are typically required.

These machines offer:

Greater working heights
Higher load capacity
Improved stability on rough terrain

Examples include the Genie GS-2668 RT and Genie GS-3268, commonly specified for external works, structural tasks, and cladding. At the top end of the range, the Genie GS-5390 provides a working height of nearly 18m, making it suitable for large-scale construction and façade projects.

Scissor lift height chart (UK guide)

So how tall are scissor lifts? This simplified scissor lift height chart teams in the UK use is a good reference:

Working Height	Typical Applications
Up to 6m	Inspections, basic maintenance
7–8m	Warehouses, ceilings, signage
9–12m	Construction and M&E installation
14m+	External works and large projects

Always plan based on maximum required reach, not average height.

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Which scissor lift size is right for your site?

If you’re asking which scissor lift do I need, consider three factors:

Indoor or outdoor use
Indoor scissor lift sizes are usually electric and compact. Outdoor scissor lift sizes are typically diesel and larger.
Required working height
Measure the highest task, not the most common one.
Platform load and space
More operatives or materials require a larger platform.

If in doubt, Baker Plant Hire’s team will help you choose the right size based on your site conditions.

Why Baker Plant Hire makes planning easier

Baker Plant Hire operates as a true one-stop shop:

Access equipment and supporting plant from one supplier
Operator training available
Fully maintained, LOLER-compliant machines
One point of contact, less admin

The delivery advantage

Many national hire firms charge £250–£300 per machine, per delivery.

Baker Plant Hire operates local lorries instead:

Make substantial cost savings with multi-machine deliveries
Faster turnaround
Lower logistics costs across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands

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Need help choosing the right size?

If you’d like guidance on selecting the correct scissor lift size – or want availability checked – contact the Baker Plant Hire team in Sleaford today.

Clear advice. Real equipment. No guesswork.

Looking to hire a scissor lift?

Check out some of our scissor lifts for hire here!