Scissor lifts come in two kinds. Slab (electric) lifts are built for smooth, firm floors. Rough terrain lifts are built for dirt, gravel and slopes. Choosing the wrong kind is the fastest way to lose a day on site, so here is how to tell which you need.
What is a slab scissor lift?
A slab scissor lift is battery powered and quiet, with no exhaust, and it runs on non-pneumatic tires meant for hard floors. It is the lift for interiors: offices, stores, warehouses, lobbies and finished floors. Our slab models include the Genie GS-1930, GS-2632, GS-3246 and GS-4047.
What is a rough terrain scissor lift?
A rough terrain lift has an engine, four-wheel drive and large foam-filled tires, and it levels itself on outriggers. It carries more, up to 1,500 lb on our models, and reaches higher outdoors. We rent the JLG 4394RT (43 ft) and the Genie GS-5390 RT (53 ft), which is 7 ft 8 in wide, about 16 ft long with outriggers and about 16,600 lb.
| Slab (electric) | Rough terrain | |
|---|---|---|
| Best surface | Smooth, firm, level floor | Dirt, gravel, uneven ground, light slopes |
| Power | Battery, zero emissions | Engine (diesel on the GS-5390 RT) |
| Where | Indoors, finished floors, tight spaces | Outdoor construction sites, yards, lots |
| Width | About 30 to 47 in | 7 ft 8 in on the 53 ft model |
| Capacity | 500 to 700 lb on our models | 1,500 lb on our models |
| Height range | 19 to 40 ft | 43 to 53 ft |
| Fits through a door | Often yes | No, outdoor delivery only |
How to choose
- Indoors on a finished floor: choose a slab lift. An engine machine is too heavy and too loud, and it cannot go through doors.
- Outdoors on pavement or a slab: a slab lift can work on firm, level, dry ground. Wind and slope matter, so check the limits.
- Outdoors on dirt, gravel or a slope: choose a rough terrain lift.
- Need to carry more: rough terrain lifts hold 1,500 lb, which suits several workers and materials.
- Tight access: if the lift must go through a door or into an elevator, you want a slab lift; see our guide on what size scissor lift you need.
Safety on uneven ground
Use the outriggers on a rough terrain lift, level it before raising the platform, and never drive it raised on a slope beyond the manual’s limits. Keep clear of overhead wires and do not use any lift in high wind. OSHA requires trained operators; see its guidance on aerial lifts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a slab scissor lift go outside?
Yes, on firm, level, dry ground in calm weather. For soft, uneven or sloped ground use a rough terrain lift.
Do rough terrain lifts need outriggers?
Yes. Outriggers level the machine and give it a stable base before the platform is raised.
Can a rough terrain scissor lift go indoors?
Usually not. The machines are large, heavy and engine powered, so they are for outdoor use.
How high does the biggest scissor lift go?
Our largest, the Genie GS-5390 RT, has a 53 ft platform height and a 59 ft working height.