Renting a scissor lift: electric or diesel? The ultimate guide for your project

When planning work at height, the scissor lift is often the backbone of efficiency. But the decision between an electric and a diesel drive is more than just a question of fuel – it determines approval at the site, the safety of your team and the cost-effectiveness of the entire project. Luibl Rental helps you select the optimal machine from our fleet.

The electric scissor lift: efficiency in interior work

Electric scissor lifts are the specialists for emission-free work. In modern logistics centres, during shop fitting or in the food industry, they are often the only approved option due to strict environmental regulations.

Technical specifications and advantages

Luibl Rental's electric models, such as the compact units from Magni or Haulotte, are characterised by precise proportional control.

• Battery technology: Modern lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries enable work assignments of up to 8 hours without intermediate charging.
• Non-marking tyres: These special white tyres prevent abrasion and black marks on sealed industrial or hall floors.
• Dimensions: With widths from 0.76 m, many of our electric scissor lifts fit through standard doors and can be transported in goods lifts.

Case study: maintenance in automotive production

A Luibl Rental customer had to renew the ceiling lighting in an operating production hall. An electric scissor lift with 12 metres working height was used. Thanks to the silent drive, the maintenance could be carried out during the regular shift without disrupting the communication of the workers on the ground. The narrow design also allowed manoeuvring in tight racking aisles.

As soon as the ground becomes uneven, muddy or steep, the hour of the diesel scissor lift has come. These powerhouses are designed for the demands of shell construction and façade work.

Off-road capability and load capacity

Diesel-powered platforms at Luibl Rental come as standard with features that predestine them for outdoor use:

• Four-wheel drive (4x4) and differential lock: This enables the machines to master gradients of up to 40% and to maintain traction even on loose gravel.
• Hydraulic outriggers: To drive safely to height even on uneven ground, automatic outriggers compensate for level differences in seconds.
• XXL platforms: Diesel scissor lifts such as our Magni models offer platform extensions of up to 2 metres. This means: more space for material such as insulation panels or window frames and up to 700 kg load capacity.

Safety in focus: accident-prevention inspection and PPE

Safety is not an optional extra at Luibl Rental, but standard. Every diesel scissor lift undergoes a strict check before rental.

1. Accident-prevention inspection: We guarantee that all machines meet the annual inspection in accordance with DGUV V70 (formerly VBG 40).
2. PPE against falls: We expressly point out to our customers that above a certain height, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and attaching to the designated anchor point in the basket is vital.
3. Wind load: In contrast to electric platforms indoors, operators of diesel platforms outdoors must keep an eye on the maximum permissible wind speed (usually 12.5 m/s).

When calculating your project costs, you should consider not only the rental price but also the additional costs. While the electric scissor lift only needs a 230 V socket for overnight charging, diesel platforms require fuel logistics (refuelling on site) to be planned in. Luibl Rental offers flexible service options for this, in which we take care of the initial refuelling.