How Much Does it Cost to Buy Used a Scissor Lift?

Used Scissor Lift Pricing and Buyer’s Guide

Scissor lifts are valuable pieces of equipment designed to help workers and equipment reach high or regularly inaccessible spaces. Often called man lifts or platform lifts, these aerial lifts move vertically but have little to no horizontal reach without attachments.

Choosing a Used Scissor Lift

When looking at used scissor lifts, there are some features you need to consider. Buying a used lift is a great way to save on costs, while still getting a reliable, valuable piece of equipment. But to ensure you get the best possible unit for your needs, think about the following:

Height : The majority of scissor lifts reach heights between 20′ and 50′, but not all of them will have that range. Some only reach to heights on the lower end, so it is important to think about how high you need your scissor lift to reach.
Power source: Scissor lifts are either powered by electricity or some type of fuel. Electric lifts are quieter and produce no emissions, which make them ideal for indoor applications. Engine-powered lifts are typically fueled by diesel, gasoline, LP, or propane and are generally used outdoors, due to their increased durability and emissions. There are also hybrid or bi-energy lifts available that allow you to run the scissor lift off of electricity or fuel, depending on the application.
Weight capacity: While scissor lifts are primarily designed to lift workers (and some equipment or tools), the weight capacity of the machine matters. Carefully consider exactly how many workers you want to be able to use it at once and the type of tasks they will be performing. Some scissor lifts with higher weight capacities have lower lift heights, so you may need to decide which is more important to you: increased lift height or weight capacity.

It is incredibly important that you think through the above before making your final decision, as all of these factors impact the level of success you will find with your lift. You should also ask to see any maintenance records that include hydraulic fitting, lubrication, repairs, replacements, and servicing. If the dealer cannot provide these records, keep looking. A quality, reputable seller will gladly show you these records.

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Choosing a Used Scissor Lift

Providing an exact cost for used scissor lifts is difficult, as the age of the lift, brand of the lift, power source, additional accessories, your location, and the dealer you purchase through all affect the total price. That being said, here is a general pricing guide to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for your used scissor lift:

A used 19′ scissor lift has an average cost between $3,500 and $6,000.
A used 30′ scissor lift has an average cost between $7,500 and $15,000.
On average, you can expect to pay around 60 percent or less for used lifts in comparison to new lifts.
Add-ons and accessories add to your overall cost, with most add-ons averaging in cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Additional Components

There is a wide array of add-ons available for scissor lifts, each designed to make work easier and safer. When properly installed, these additional components greatly improve workflow and efficiency, saving time and money. Common add-ons include:

Extensions: These add-ons make the lift deck larger, which can be helpful considering scissor lifts offer nothing in the way of horizontal reach. Extensions come in varying sizes, allowing workers to access difficult or blocked areas and providing extra workspace.
Night packages: Including an array of bank lights and spotlights, night packages give workers a way to see in poorly-lit conditions. Whether it’s a late-night/early-morning construction project or maintenance work in a dark factory, night packages make the job easier and safer.
Positioners: Acting as levers or vices, workers use positioners to hold large beams or pipes in place during installation. They allow workers to place materials that they may not be able to lift otherwise. These are especially useful in ductwork.
Racks: An important and prudent investment, racks, carriers, and similar add-ons attach to the sides of the lift and store parts and tools. This maximizes the amount of available space on deck and makes it safer for workers to carry items up and down.

While additional components are not always a necessity, you would be hard pressed to find a scissor lift application that couldn’t be improved with some sort of add-on. Think carefully about what you plan to use the lift for, as well as what you might use it for in the future, before picking any attachments.

Choosing a Used Scissor Lift

Height : The majority of scissor lifts reach heights between 20′ and 50′, but not all of them will have that range. Some only reach to heights on the lower end, so it is important to think about how high you need your scissor lift to reach.
Power source: Scissor lifts are either powered by electricity or some type of fuel. Electric lifts are quieter and produce no emissions, which make them ideal for indoor applications. Engine-powered lifts are typically fueled by diesel, gasoline, LP, or propane and are generally used outdoors, due to their increased durability and emissions. There are also hybrid or bi-energy lifts available that allow you to run the scissor lift off of electricity or fuel, depending on the application.
Weight capacity: While scissor lifts are primarily designed to lift workers (and some equipment or tools), the weight capacity of the machine matters. Carefully consider exactly how many workers you want to be able to use it at once and the type of tasks they will be performing. Some scissor lifts with higher weight capacities have lower lift heights, so you may need to decide which is more important to you: increased lift height or weight capacity.

Get Free Price Quotes

Choosing a Used Scissor Lift

A used 19′ scissor lift has an average cost between $3,500 and $6,000.
A used 30′ scissor lift has an average cost between $7,500 and $15,000.
On average, you can expect to pay around 60 percent or less for used lifts in comparison to new lifts.
Add-ons and accessories add to your overall cost, with most add-ons averaging in cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Additional Components

Extensions: These add-ons make the lift deck larger, which can be helpful considering scissor lifts offer nothing in the way of horizontal reach. Extensions come in varying sizes, allowing workers to access difficult or blocked areas and providing extra workspace.
Night packages: Including an array of bank lights and spotlights, night packages give workers a way to see in poorly-lit conditions. Whether it’s a late-night/early-morning construction project or maintenance work in a dark factory, night packages make the job easier and safer.
Positioners: Acting as levers or vices, workers use positioners to hold large beams or pipes in place during installation. They allow workers to place materials that they may not be able to lift otherwise. These are especially useful in ductwork.
Racks: An important and prudent investment, racks, carriers, and similar add-ons attach to the sides of the lift and store parts and tools. This maximizes the amount of available space on deck and makes it safer for workers to carry items up and down.