How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Scissor Lift?
Last Updated: February 01, 2022
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A scissor lift is an aerial work platform designed to lift people and equipment. Scissor lifts reach lower heights than other types of lifts, but their large, sturdy platforms can accommodate both people and heavy equipment simultaneously.
Scissor lifts only move vertically. But, some have an extending "bridge" to provide better access to work areas. The machines range in height from 10 to 60 feet, but most are in the 20- to 40-foot range. Depending on the size, they can lift anywhere from a couple hundred pounds to 50 tons. The platforms also offer access to a wider work area, which means less time spent repositioning the lift.
Scissor lifts for indoor use, also called slabs, run on electric power. Rough terrain lifts for outdoor use are powered by diesel fuel or gas.
Scissor Lift Rental Average Costs #
The larger the lift, the more expensive it will be to rent. Rough terrain lifts also tend to have higher rental rates than their indoor counterparts.
Scissor lifts can be rented by the day, week or month. If you know you'll need the lift for an extended period of time, opt for the weekly or monthly rates. They're a better deal.
Generally, scissor lifts can be rented for $100 to $150 per day or about $350 to $500 per week. Monthly rates range from about $800 for the smallest slab lifts to more than $1,500 for mid-sized rough terrain lifts.
- A 19-foot electric scissor lift rents for about $100 to $150 per day, $350 to $500 per week, and $900 to $1,200 per month.
- A 32-foot electric lift costs around $120 to $170 per day, $400 to $700 per week, and $1,400 to $1,600 per month.
- A 32-foot rough terrain lift goes for roughly $150 to $200 per day, $475 to $600 per week, and $1,550 to $2,000 per month.
Typically, delivery and pickup fees add $100 to $150 to the total bill.
Renting vs. Buying Scissor Lifts #
Buying a scissor lift is a major investment. A new, 19-foot lift will cost about $12,000 to $14,000 and a new 30-foot lift costs about $20,000 to $24,000. If you're using the lift year-round and have a means of transporting it to and from job sites, it might be worth the investment.
If you only need a lift occasionally, renting is probably a better option. Renting a scissor lift also means you won't have to worry about maintenance costs or the expense and hassle of transporting the machine to job sites.