Why Scissor Lift Maintenance Matters More Than You Think

Regular scissor lift maintenance is a genuine win-win. A well-maintained manlift or aerial work platform is a safe machine. Daily pre-use walkarounds and a fixed maintenance schedule are critical to ensuring the functionality and safety of your equipment when working at height. Beyond safety, consistent care extends the lifespan of your fleet and minimises the risk of unexpected breakdowns — saving significant money on major repairs and premature replacement costs.

Neglecting scissor lift maintenance can have severe consequences. OSHA regulations and ANSI standards (such as A92.6) mandate frequent and annual inspections of all aerial work platforms. Failure to comply not only risks fines but, more importantly, exposes workers to serious hazards including unplanned machine movement.

Daily Pre-Use Inspection (Operator Level)

The first line of defence for any scissor lift or manlift is the operator. A pre-start walkaround should be conducted every day, at shift changes, or whenever a new operator takes control of the aerial work platform.

1. Visual Walkaround

• Check for dents, weld cracks, or parent metal cracks in the chassis, scissor arms, and platform
• Ensure all safety warnings, stickers, and decals on the scissor lift are present, clean, and legible
• Inspect tyres and wheels for cracks, bubbles, worn treads, and correct inflation pressure
• Check the ground under the manlift and all components for signs of oil or battery fluid leaks

2. Fluid Levels & Battery

• Check hydraulic oil level — keeping the system clean and full is the single most important step for aerial work platform longevity
• For engine-powered units: check engine oil, coolant, and fuel levels
• For electric scissor lifts and manlifts: inspect battery charge, cable connections, and corrosion. Top up lead-acid batteries with distilled water after charging

3. Functionality Test

• In a clear area, test the lifting mechanism, driving, and braking of the scissor lift
• Test all emergency controls — horns, gauges, lights, and backup alarms
• Confirm the platform gate closes and latches, and all guardrails are secure

Monthly / Quarterly Scissor Lift Maintenance (Every 150 Hours)

While daily checks catch obvious issues, a more thorough scissor lift maintenance inspection should be carried out by a qualified technician every three months or every 150 working hours — whichever comes first.

Hydraulic System

• Inspect all hoses, fittings, and cylinders on the aerial work platform for wear or degradation
• Change hydraulic fluid and filters at manufacturer-recommended intervals

Structural Integrity

• Inspect all structural components of the scissor lift for cracked or broken welds
• Check snap rings, bolts, and pins at rollers and pivot points for tightness
• Inspect scissor arms, centering links, and sliding wear pads

Lubrication & Controls

• Lubricate all moving parts — bearings, hinges, and slide rails — especially in dusty environments
• Check all mechanical fasteners and locking pins
• Test limit switches and verify calibration of manlift controls

Annual Major Scissor Lift Inspection (Every 12–13 Months)

Regardless of hours logged, ANSI standards mandate that all scissor lifts and aerial work platforms be inspected at least every 13 months by a factory-trained service technician with extensive knowledge of the equipment.

• Verify the scissor lift or manlift continues to meet all applicable safety regulations and certifications
• Perform load testing to confirm the aerial work platform is stable and safe at full rated capacity
• Inspect all wiring and connections; run amp-draw tests on electric scissor lift batteries
• Change hydraulic oil, clean the reservoir, and replace all filters if not done quarterly
• Inspect lift cylinder rods for scoring; check pivot pins and bearings for wear and replace as needed

Special Considerations: Environment and Storage

Harsh job site conditions — dust, welding debris, sandblasting, or extreme temperatures — demand increased scissor lift maintenance frequency. In cold weather, pay close attention to seals and gaskets on your aerial work platform. For electric manlifts and scissor lifts, cold temperatures can cause significant voltage drops; always keep batteries charged and warm when possible.

If your scissor lift or manlift will be idle for an extended period: fully charge the batteries, inspect hydraulic fluid, and store the aerial work platform in a dry, covered area to protect it from weather damage.

Keep Detailed Maintenance Records

Documentation is essential for every scissor lift and manlift in your fleet. Accurate records prove OSHA compliance, support warranty claims, maximise resale value, and provide a clear service history for your aerial work platforms.

Partner with Galen Equipment for Expert Scissor Lift Service

At Galen Equipment, we understand the demands of your workflow. Routine checks by operators are vital, but professional servicing by our certified technicians ensures that complex issues are diagnosed correctly and all safety standards are met for your scissor lift, manlift, or aerial work platform.

Whether you need scheduled Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), emergency repairs, or comprehensive fleet management, our after-sales service team is ready to keep your equipment running smoothly. We support all Galen scissor lifts including the ES1012 and ES1212, as well as other manlifts and aerial work platforms in your fleet.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to disrupt your project. Contact Galen Equipment today to schedule your scissor lift service or to learn more about our maintenance programmes designed to minimise downtime and maximise your return on investment.