Eh, now when it comes to buying a second-hand scissor lift, let me tell ya, it’s just like buying an old tractor from the neighbor down the road. You gotta check everything good, or else you might end up with something that breaks faster than a chicken runs. So, listen up, I’m gonna walk you through what you need to look out for when buying a used scissor lift.
First off, one thing I learned over the years is to make sure the lift still, well, lifts! I mean, what’s the use of a scissor lift if it don’t go up no more? Check how high it can go. Some of them go up to 19 feet, some even higher, but if you just need it to fix a roof or paint a barn, well, 19 feet might be plenty. Just make sure it still works properly, or you might be stuck halfway up with no way down.
Another thing, these lifts come in different types. You got your slab scissor lifts and your rough-terrain scissor lifts. Now, if you’re just working on smooth ground, like in a warehouse or a garage, then the slab type might be fine for you. But if you’re out in the fields or on bumpy ground, well, you’ll want a rough-terrain one. You know how uneven land can be, right? Same as when you’re trying to pull a cart through a muddy field. Best be prepared for rougher ground if that’s what you’re working on.
Now, don’t be forgettin’ the condition of the lift. I’ve seen some of these second-hand scissor lifts lookin’ like they’ve been through a tornado. Paint might be chipped, but that don’t mean much. What really matters is whether it’s been taken care of inside, you know, the engine and hydraulics and all that. If them parts are rusty or leaky, well, you might end up spending more on fixing it than you did on buying it. So, when you go look at one, check them things first. Ask the seller how old it is too, some of these things have been around longer than your grandpa’s barn, and they might not last much longer either.
Another thing to think about is safety. If you’re gonna be up in the air, you better make sure there are guardrails and that they’re sturdy. Some of these lifts come without them, and that’s a big no-no. Last thing you want is to be up there trimming a tree and find yourself tumbling down. So, check them rails, make sure they’re strong and ain’t been bent out of shape. And you know what else? You should always have some training before you hop onto one of these. I ain’t saying you need to go to school for it, but at least get some proper know-how on how to use it safe-like.
Let’s talk about brands a bit. You got popular ones like Genie and JLG. These are like the John Deeres of scissor lifts, real reliable if you get a good one. There are others too, like Snorkel, but in my experience, Genie and JLG have been around long enough to earn a good name. You don’t wanna end up with some off-brand lift that’s hard to fix when it breaks down. Parts can be hard to come by if the company ain’t well-known.
Another thing that might matter to you is how easy it is to transport. Some of these lifts are heavier than a full-grown cow! Make sure you got a way to move it around if you’re planning on taking it to different job sites. I’ve seen folks buy one and then realize their old pickup ain’t strong enough to haul it. Then they gotta rent a trailer or hire someone to move it for them. Just another thing to think about before you make the buy.
Finally, don’t forget to look at the price. Now, I’m no fancy city person, but I know a good deal when I see one. A new scissor lift can cost ya a pretty penny, but a used one might save you a lot. Just don’t be cheap when it comes to safety and reliability. You get what you pay for, like my ol’ mama used to say. If it’s too cheap, there’s probably a reason for that.
So, to sum it up, when buying a second-hand scissor lift, check that it still works, make sure it’s the right type for your job, inspect the condition, and don’t forget about safety. Oh, and make sure you’re getting it from a good brand. That way, you’ll get yourself a lift that’s as reliable as the old plow horse, and it’ll serve you well for years to come.
Tags:second-hand scissor lift, used scissor lift, Genie scissor lift, JLG scissor lift, scissor lift safety