How to Calculate Scissor Lift Length
The length of a scissor jack lift is proportional to the scissor support weight together with the integrity of the steel cross sections more than the length. The weight of the scissor structure together with the length is corollaries of each other; therefore, the former determines the latter for a stable scissor jack. An extreme example of this to show the point will be a 20-foot lift length which is featherweight made from Styrofoam which is practically weightless. It definitely would not be able to support at much of a height and will not be able to support much at all.
In order to calculate the length of a scissor lift, determine how high in the air you have to support a platform which will support of the weight of the objects and occupants on the platform as well as the platform's weight.
To be able to reach the required height within the weight support parameters, the number of cross sections of scissor folding supports sections that will be required to be extended at their full extension. Finally, you would never want to ascend a few workers up on a platform along with their materials that is on a platform supported by any kind of unstable structure as clearly any machine which is prone to tipping will really put people in a very dangerous situation.
Each cross section should be weighed to determined the overall length and weight of the scissor lift along with the overall stability of the machine. When entirely extended, determine the angle between the scissor arms measured against the ground or horizontal level.