From Manlift to Scissor Lift: The Evolution of Industry Terminology

scissor-lift

In today’s construction and access equipment industry, terminology is just as important as technology. Over time, the outdated term “manlift” has been replaced by more accurate, professional, and standards-compliant terms such as “scissor lift” and “aerial work platform (AWP)”.

This change in language reflects more than a linguistic update—it represents the industry’s progress toward greater safety, regulatory compliance, and global professionalism. Understanding the transition from manlift to scissor lift helps manufacturers, rental companies, and operators communicate clearly and operate responsibly.

The Origins of the Term “Manlift”

The word manlift emerged in the mid-20th century during a period of rapid industrial expansion. Early lifting machines were simple platforms designed to raise a worker—literally “a man”—to an elevated position for tasks such as warehouse stocking, building maintenance, or construction work.

At the time:

  • Safety regulations were limited

  • Machine classifications were informal

  • Technical terminology was not standardize

As a result, “manlift” became a generic catch-all term for any equipment that lifted a person upward.

However, this terminology had clear limitations:

  • It was too broad, covering multiple machine types

  • It was gender-specific, reflecting outdated language

  • It lacked technical precision, especially as machines diversified

The Rise of the Scissor Lift

As access technology advanced, new types of equipment emerged, including:

  • Boom lifts

  • Vertical mast lifts

  • And most notably, the scissor lift

With its distinctive crisscross scissor mechanism, the scissor lift quickly became one of the most widely used aerial work platforms. Its stability, simplicity, and straight vertical movement made it ideal for:

  • Construction sites

  • Warehouses and logistics centers

  • Industrial maintenance applications

As adoption increased, industry professionals began using “scissor lift” to clearly distinguish this machine from other lifting equipment. Unlike “manlift,” this term is specific, accurate, and unambiguous.

Standards and the Shift in Terminology

The real turning point came with the introduction of international safety standards, including:

  • EN 280 in Europe

  • ANSI/SAIA A92 in North America

These standards formally classified machines under the umbrella term MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform).

As a result:

  • The term “manlift” was removed from technical documentation

  • “Scissor lift” became the official name for vertical scissor-type machines

  • AWP / MEWP became the recognized category for all aerial access equipment

This shift was not merely semantic—it significantly improved clarity, safety, and regulatory compliance across the industry.

Why Correct Terminology Matters Today

Although “manlift” is still heard in casual conversations, the professional and correct term today is scissor lift.

Using accurate terminology provides real benefits:

  • Safety: Reduces the risk of selecting the wrong equipment

  • Compliance: Aligns with international standards and training requirements

  • Clarity: Improves communication between operators, rental companies, and manufacturers

At Galen Equipment, we consistently use industry-standard terminology to ensure clear, professional, and compliant communication with our customers and partners worldwide.

Conclusion: From Manlift to Scissor Lift

The transition from “manlift” to “scissor lift” reflects the broader evolution of the access equipment industry—from improvised lifting devices to highly engineered, standardized machines.

  • Manlift: Outdated, generic, and informal

  • Scissor Lift: Accurate, modern, and professional

  • MEWP / AWP: The formal category covering all aerial work platforms

By adopting the correct terminology, the industry promotes safer operations, clearer communication, and higher professional standards.