Is it worth it to buy new/used or rent a scissor lift when needed?
Scaffolding is it worth it?
- Thread starter 930dreamer
- Start date
If you have experience with such lifts, and firm level ground to work on, then consider renting a scissor lift. Otherwise renting or buying new or used scaffolding would be what I'd recommend. Note: I saw/heard of several scissor lift accidents as a subdivision roofer (many years ago). Thankfully, none were too serious. But I don't remember any scaffolding accidents among the painters and sidewall crews, etc (I'm sure accidents happened, but I didn't hear/see of any).
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Rent a lift when you need one. Much faster to get the work done. Smooth and level floor, low height need, then small scissor lift. Not so level or smooth and low to medium height, then the large and wide lift. Anything over about 20 feet, then a boom lift.
4xdog
Well-known member
My late nonogenarian neighbor founded and ran a scaffolding/window cleaning company for decades. He gave me a small commercial scaffold shortly before he passed, and I've found it truly useful -- surprisingly so -- for working at deck levels about eight feet above ground. Had I but known I'd have bought one years ago.
Mine is a Bil-Jax Pro-Jax Utility Scaffold. Here it is in its simplest configuration -- I have a second set of uprights and cross pieces, and a single plywood/steel deck piece.
Mine is a Bil-Jax Pro-Jax Utility Scaffold. Here it is in its simplest configuration -- I have a second set of uprights and cross pieces, and a single plywood/steel deck piece.
Walkers
Well-known member
I think those would nearly fall into the ‘If it flys, floats, or f#@ks’ category, so it would be cheaper to rent.
I bought 3 tiers of used scaffolding years ago.
I'm not organized enough (or have enough space) to rent a scissor lift for a short period of time and bang off a big job. I'm sure I could buy a scissor lift for the rental time I would need.
I'm not organized enough (or have enough space) to rent a scissor lift for a short period of time and bang off a big job. I'm sure I could buy a scissor lift for the rental time I would need.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Those are called baker's scaffhold and can be bought at basically any major hardware store for under $300. FYI.My late nonogenarian neighbor founded and ran a scaffolding/window cleaning company for decades. He gave me a small commercial scaffold shortly before he passed, and I've found it truly useful -- surprisingly so -- for working at deck levels about eight feet above ground. Had I but known I'd have bought one years ago.
Mine is a Bil-Jax Pro-Jax Utility Scaffold. Here it is in its simplest configuration -- I have a second set of uprights and cross pieces, and a single plywood/steel deck piece.
Mine is werner. They come under a ton of different brands but all look exactly the same. They can also be stacked and you can get accessories like outriggers and leveling feet
OP
No rental place within an hour of my shop, with that and set up I don't think renting will work for me. The new Northern Tool has the bakers rack and I was looking at them.
purplezr2
Well-known member
I bought 6 sections(12 side frames, 9 platforms, 12 braces) and a bunch of different legs when I did my roof, sidings, windows. Best money I spent, at the time I had about $1000 into it, I doubt you could buy if for close to that now, but I would do it again. I have used it a ton, my parents have used it ton, and it has brought in 20+ case of beer from borrowing it out, I have had it 7 years. I also stand my ex's moms house which paid for the scaffolding.
Mine is the Metaltech brand, I bought most of it from Zoro when they had ********* Friday discounts.
Mine is the Metaltech brand, I bought most of it from Zoro when they had ********* Friday discounts.
One of the very few things I've sold since my contracting days is scaffold. It was a pain in the *** to store and/or move around and I really couldn't see needing it anymore. Consider storing whatever you're looking at.
The Tool Tyrant
ALLIANCE MEMBER
When we bought our new bare tilt-up building, I knew I would be needing a scissor lift for doing our build-out and future fluorescent tube / ballast service. I searched craigslist and found a rental yard selling their older inventory. Paid $1300 for a 20' lift and have used the hell out of it, definitely one of my smarter purchases and would do it again.
I've had to change a couple of leaky hydraulic hoses, but that's it as far as mechanical repairs. I keep it plugged into a 24V battery minder so it's always ready to go when needed.
I've had to change a couple of leaky hydraulic hoses, but that's it as far as mechanical repairs. I keep it plugged into a 24V battery minder so it's always ready to go when needed.
OP
Assiter Auctions had a sale today, missed that one.
dutchgray
Well-known member
We have a couple tower scaffolds and a lot of clip and tube, enough to go round a couple large two storey houses completely.
Used to have 150 scaffold planks as well, 13' by 9" but we are down to about 80 currently, planks just disappear all the time and some have to be binned once they start to rot. No sense in buying more until we need more than we have currently.
Used to have 150 scaffold planks as well, 13' by 9" but we are down to about 80 currently, planks just disappear all the time and some have to be binned once they start to rot. No sense in buying more until we need more than we have currently.
Prospecter
Well-known member
I bought 4 sections of pipe scaffold 20+ years ago when we built our garage. Really the only way my height averse family could help above ground level. Working off scaffold is almost as comfortable as working off the ground. We've used the scaffold over and over for 20 years. At the moment, it is at my daughter's house to build a chimney and install some siding. For DIY, it's nice to not be under time pressure to return a lift.
The planks are even more comfortable if you throw a thin sheet of 4x8 something over them. 1/4" ply, OSB, whatever is fine.
The planks are even more comfortable if you throw a thin sheet of 4x8 something over them. 1/4" ply, OSB, whatever is fine.
Al Borland
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2016
- Messages
- 1,598
Depends on your situation.
indoors vs. outdoors. Elevation. Terrain. Accessability.
You are not going to like what a scissors lift will do to your lawn, and if it gets stuck... That gets expensive.
A scissors lift needs solid ground. Level paved surface. They will tip, sink, and get stuck on grass/gravel.
Scaffold is generally lighter. Set up on mud sills, it's fairly stable if set up and secured correctly.
As far as buying... How long do you need it for and where are you storing it when you're not using it?
indoors vs. outdoors. Elevation. Terrain. Accessability.
You are not going to like what a scissors lift will do to your lawn, and if it gets stuck... That gets expensive.
A scissors lift needs solid ground. Level paved surface. They will tip, sink, and get stuck on grass/gravel.
Scaffold is generally lighter. Set up on mud sills, it's fairly stable if set up and secured correctly.
As far as buying... How long do you need it for and where are you storing it when you're not using it?
acer66
Well-known member
I have one like that and it has been useful countless times.My late nonogenarian neighbor founded and ran a scaffolding/window cleaning company for decades. He gave me a small commercial scaffold shortly before he passed, and I've found it truly useful -- surprisingly so -- for working at deck levels about eight feet above ground. Had I but known I'd have bought one years ago.
Mine is a Bil-Jax Pro-Jax Utility Scaffold. Here it is in its simplest configuration -- I have a second set of uprights and cross pieces, and a single plywood/steel deck piece.
OP
For what I need it for now would be indoor use on concrete. I do need a telehandler for outdoors.
Last edited:
Having taken a 20’ drop on a scaffolding plank that broke I would suggest that you pay close attention to your platform material. In my case, as an apprentice on a Lab building at Cornell I had a 10’ length of 4” XH Cast iron rain water leader. I was trying to catch the pin in a clevis hanger. The pipe was on my shoulder and lifting up on my toes to catch it. The plank I put both feet on snapped and down I went. Arms out and it peeled the hide off my arms. I landed in a freshly filled trench with a pyrex waste pipe. Due to the Pyrex it was an all sand fill and I went into the ground about a foot and a half. Fortunately, the hanger rod thread caught just as I dropped and that CI Pipe stayed up top. I adjourned to Morey’s my favorite bar down in College Town and suffered worse from that than the accident.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I have never seen pyrex waste pipe???? I have seen small diameter pyrex lab tube but waste pipe?
It's used for acid and solvent waste pipe systems. It's resistant to most chemicals, handles hot solvents better than anything plastic, has good mechanical properties (it's less brittle than cast iron), and it's relatively light. Also you can see the clogs... What it's not is cheap.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
how is it joined?
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
I occasionally use a scissor lift at work and I hate it. Granted, it's old and needs some work. It is very handy in certain situations, but it really only works on firm, level ground. And it sways when extended, which I don't like. Also the battery has a tendency to die at the worst possible time.
I’ll recommend baker scaffolding. I purchased a couple 6’ sets of Metaltech from Menards for $150 each. They are useful around the house and work as storage shelf’s when not in use.
I borrowed a larger scaffolding set during construction and rented when I resided the house. They’re nice to have access too, but will take up a lot of space.
I borrowed a larger scaffolding set during construction and rented when I resided the house. They’re nice to have access too, but will take up a lot of space.
Duct tape.
Some sort of compression band fitting. I've never worked with it, just seen it in labs.
MushCreek
Well-known member
I bought three stages of used scaffolding when I was building my house. It came with wheels, but due to our sloping yard, I had to get levelers, too. I recently used it again to do the ceiling and walls in our great room (22' ceiling), and I'm going to use it one last time when I do the ceiling in my shop (12'). It's been handy for me, but I'm getting too old to hump that stuff around. Assembling the top stage is the worst part- dragging it up there, and getting the pieces in place with no guard rail is no picnic. Once assembled, it feels very safe up there, though.
NickH
Well-known member
It depends on what your planning to do with them. I ended up purchasing both right at the beginning of my garage build. The used scissor lift has been a life saver and is the go-to for any interior work. I looked at renting four sections of staging for a month while I was putting up the structure and doing exterior work, and quickly realized it was half the cost to just purchase four sections brand new. There are some used scaffolding deals to be had, but our Metaltech set was $800 for four sections with jack screws, aluminum planks and one set of wheels. The scaffolding distributor about an hour and a half away even included FREE next-day delivery. That was a no-brainer!
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Scissor lifts needs firm, level ground , like concrete. The standard 5' hurricane scaffolding can be put on questionable ground with pads under the legs. It takes time to erect and is work. Over two lifts high, a rope is needed and another guy. Maybe you could teach your wife to tie knots. You need scaffold planks,and braces, Nice to have wheels , leveling feet and hand rail . What ever you do don't drop them, you can bed the legs requiring a sledge hammer to take apart. Check used ones for hammer marks.
My neighbour borrowed my three lifts and gave me a blue band 7.5 Merc as a thank you. Non running. Wife was not impressed with another old Merc outboard.
My neighbour borrowed my three lifts and gave me a blue band 7.5 Merc as a thank you. Non running. Wife was not impressed with another old Merc outboard.
IMO, anyone that owns a building (and works on it) should have enough scaffold to at least build two towers to reach the tallest area of their structure, along with planks and staging available to use. The posters above who said that scaffold requires space to store, they are absolutely right, lots of space. When I built my shop, I made a 18' x 40' lean-to with areas designed in for ladder and scaffold storage. I placed one small 8' x 7' overhead door 6' off a the back corner just for access to scaffold storage in that corner. About 6.5' off the floor, above this area, I built a platform for storage of pump jacks and five gallon buckets of roof jacks. I have the scaffold braces stored vertically in the corner against the platform. I keep the scaffold pins in buckets, along with the adjustable feet and wheels in the open areas inside the scaffold. Sets of ladder jacks are hanging on the wall near them. Extension and step ladders are stored vertical in the next corner. 24" wide staging, 2-20', 1-24', 1-28' is stored hanging on short lengths of chain on the next wall. Scaffold planks are stickered on the floor under the staging. This "design" left all of the floor space available for storage of other equipment.
While man lifts are real nice indoors and are much faster for many things, there are a lot of places a man lift can't get to and things that really can't be done off a man lift outdoors. There isn't a lot of maintenance to scaffold and if you have a place to store it properly, it will literally last a lifetime.
Moral of the story, I am no help as you really "need" to have both!
While man lifts are real nice indoors and are much faster for many things, there are a lot of places a man lift can't get to and things that really can't be done off a man lift outdoors. There isn't a lot of maintenance to scaffold and if you have a place to store it properly, it will literally last a lifetime.
Moral of the story, I am no help as you really "need" to have both!
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I've had baker scaffold for probably 20 years. They are about 6 feet high, 6 feet long and 30 inches wide. First I bought 1 section, and then another. Have used the heck out of it. It is very useful in lots of situations. It can be set up for unlevel ground, but it's best on level hard surfaces. It can be a little rickety at 2 sections high and although I've seen the outriggers and such, I personally wouldn't go higher than 12 feet on it - which gets your hands about 18 feet high.
Couple years ago I needed something taller, so I started out renting, but then bought 3 and eventually 7 sections of masons scaffold. It's 5 feet high per section 7 feet long and 5 feet wide. Much more stable than the baker scaffold and more versatile, but much more time consuming to put up and take down. I have no problem going up four or five sections on it if you attach it to the building with a strap. That gets your hands 31 feet high. Putting up 5 sections of this type solo is tricky, but I've done it.
The real problem with scaffold is that it gets stored most of the time, and storage is inconvenient - they make it storage friendly, but there are a bunch of pieces and it takes up space. I probably paid 400 for the baker scaffold 20 years ago, and probably have $2,000 in the mason's scaffold, which is a combination of new and used.
4 sections of the mason's stuff was costing about $130 a month to rent - which I did for 3 months. I'm slow on projects however, so I started to think about buying some. At that point I calculated that the break even was around 6 months of use between rent and buy (six months of rent to pay for half of it, and assuming the resale value is 50%). I had more than 6 months additional projects, so I decided to buy it.
I first bought 3 sections of used but it was rusty and a couple pieces were bent and didn't go together easily, so I just went over to Northern tool and bought 4 brand new sections. I would suggest biting the bullet on new or buying lightly used.
The used stuff I bought is perfectly strong and stable, and would be perfect for a long term setup, but it's hard to put up and take down, and when you are 15 feet in the air, you don't want to be screwing around with it.
Couple years ago I needed something taller, so I started out renting, but then bought 3 and eventually 7 sections of masons scaffold. It's 5 feet high per section 7 feet long and 5 feet wide. Much more stable than the baker scaffold and more versatile, but much more time consuming to put up and take down. I have no problem going up four or five sections on it if you attach it to the building with a strap. That gets your hands 31 feet high. Putting up 5 sections of this type solo is tricky, but I've done it.
The real problem with scaffold is that it gets stored most of the time, and storage is inconvenient - they make it storage friendly, but there are a bunch of pieces and it takes up space. I probably paid 400 for the baker scaffold 20 years ago, and probably have $2,000 in the mason's scaffold, which is a combination of new and used.
4 sections of the mason's stuff was costing about $130 a month to rent - which I did for 3 months. I'm slow on projects however, so I started to think about buying some. At that point I calculated that the break even was around 6 months of use between rent and buy (six months of rent to pay for half of it, and assuming the resale value is 50%). I had more than 6 months additional projects, so I decided to buy it.
I first bought 3 sections of used but it was rusty and a couple pieces were bent and didn't go together easily, so I just went over to Northern tool and bought 4 brand new sections. I would suggest biting the bullet on new or buying lightly used.
The used stuff I bought is perfectly strong and stable, and would be perfect for a long term setup, but it's hard to put up and take down, and when you are 15 feet in the air, you don't want to be screwing around with it.
Retroman
Well-known member
I recently used a bakers scaffold two frames high to install ceiling fans and painting in my house. I got free rental as we do a lot of business with the rental company. It was a pain in the *** to go get pick up and take back. I am thinking about just buying some used stuff, seen a single set with deck for $100 the other day. Storage is the only drawback at this point.
ddurrett896
Well-known member
Yea I have a couple sets and when not using, I use them as a storage shelf.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
There are man lifts that can be used on uneven ground. They swing and telescope . I 've forgotten the correct name. One brand was JLG, we referred to then as jiggle hoist. Compensation now requires tickets to run one and a harness with lanyard. It seems a few guys had been thrown out when they lurch.
Those fussing about the storage... my scaffolding is built and standing (on wheels) in my shop most of the time.
The lower level is a big table for light work, and I store empty cardboard boxes and insulation higher up. If I need it somewhere else (not often anymore) I can bust it all down and setup elsewhere.
Someday when the shop ceiling is finally done, I can store it away differently.
The lower level is a big table for light work, and I store empty cardboard boxes and insulation higher up. If I need it somewhere else (not often anymore) I can bust it all down and setup elsewhere.
Someday when the shop ceiling is finally done, I can store it away differently.
I have several sections of scaffolding that I've used a few times - really handy when you need it. But next time I need to set up more than one section, I'm going to start by rigging up a winch and a jib. Hauling the second+ level frames up with a rope by hand is not gonna happen again!
I bought it all used at a contractor auction-with x braces, leveling legs and casters. Along with a great 32' fiberglass extension ladder, a usable wooden 8' stepladder and a crate of mostly junk hand drills I paid a bit over $400. The scaffolding was much heavier than I expected - completely bottomed out the springs on my 3200 lb trailer. It's a wonder I didn't blow a tire on the 100 mile trip to my place!
I bought it all used at a contractor auction-with x braces, leveling legs and casters. Along with a great 32' fiberglass extension ladder, a usable wooden 8' stepladder and a crate of mostly junk hand drills I paid a bit over $400. The scaffolding was much heavier than I expected - completely bottomed out the springs on my 3200 lb trailer. It's a wonder I didn't blow a tire on the 100 mile trip to my place!
Last edited:
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I find that when I use stuff like scaffold for storage, it makes it nearly impossible to use it when I need it and I end up doing **** on ladders that I shouldn't. Like the lighting and ceiling fan I am doing in my living room, right now
You stole that scaffold!
As a rule of thumb, I would say a set inclusive of braces, feet and wheels would be around 150-200 pounds and the ladders might go 75-100 pounds. You either got a ton of junk drills or scaffold!
Good job!
I have two old electric lifts, one is a 54" x 11' deck with off road tires, and the other a 4' x 8' indoor lift. Both have old school discrete switches for the control, easy to work on and very stable even when up over 20 feet. I have used both of them in the mud while building a new barn/shop by booming them down to a trailer and dragging them around with the tractor. So much more useful than scaffolding and ladders.
jar944
Well-known member
It used to be $125 on sale..
Not very effective outside, but if you have a level pad it works.
Works great inside.
