- +1 647-525-7368
- admin@namrentals.com
- 232 Lesmill Road North York, ON M3B 2T5 Canada
Scissor Lifts in Construction: Top 5 Use Cases by Project Type
Scissor Lift Rental Ontario: Cost, Usage, Licences Required, Safety – Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
Not every construction project is the same-and neither is every aerial lift. Whether you’re managing a commercial reno or building a custom home in Ontario, a scissor lift can make or break your workflow. In this guide, we’ll break down 5 high-impact project types where a scissor lift is a non-negotiable asset.
What Are Scissor Lifts?
Scissor lifts are vertical aerial platforms used to elevate workers, tools, and materials safely to heights typically ranging from 19 to 50 feet. They’re essential on jobsites that require stable, elevated access without the need for ladders or scaffolding.
Top 5 Projects That Require Scissor Lifts in Construction
Residential Projects
Scissor lifts are crucial for tasks like siding installation, window fitting, painting, and roofing in residential settings. They provide safe, vertical access for contractors working on multi-story houses or townhomes. Smaller electric models are ideal for tight spaces and non-marking surfaces.
- Home Exterior Painting & Renovations
Ideal Lift: 19′-26′ Electric Scissor Lifts
Benefits: Non-marking tires, compact for tight access - Roof & Gutter Repairs
Ideal Lift: Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Benefits: Stability on uneven ground - Window Installations (Second Story Homes)
Ideal Lift: Narrow Electric Scissor Lifts
Commercial Projects
For office buildings, malls, schools, and hospitals, scissor lifts enable efficient access to ceilings and upper walls for HVAC maintenance, lighting upgrades, and painting. Electric scissor lifts are preferred due to their quiet, emission-free operation indoors.
- Retail Fit-Outs & Mall Renovations
Ideal Lift: Electric Scissor Lifts with low noise
Benefits: Quiet, emission-free indoor use - Office HVAC Installations & Lighting Upgrades
Deal Lift: 26′-32′ Electric Lifts with large platform
Benefits: Multiple worker capacity
Industrial Projects
Heavy-duty diesel scissor lifts are used in warehouses, factories, and manufacturing plants for installing overhead utilities, steel structures, and piping. They’re designed to handle heavy loads and rough terrain, making them ideal for tough job sites.
- Warehouse Racking Installations
Use: Vertical access for high bay shelving - Factory Maintenance Tasks
Use: High durability diesel models for long shifts - Facility Retrofitting
Use: 40’+ lifts for elevated infrastructure work
Event Setup & Film Production
From mounting lighting rigs to building stages or backdrops, scissor lifts provide fast, secure elevation in entertainment and live event environments. They’re often used in arenas, studios, and convention centers due to their flexibility and stability.
Infrastructure & Public Works
Municipal projects like bridge maintenance, transit hub renovations, and roadway lighting installations require mobile, rugged scissor lifts. Diesel models with four-wheel drive are preferred for handling uneven outdoor conditions.
Choosing the Right Scissor Lift
Electric: Quiet, emission-free, best for indoor/residential jobs.
Top 5 Projects That Require Scissor Lifts in Construction
Diesel: Rugged, high-lift capacity, best for outdoor/heavy duty work.
Rough Terrain: Handles uneven jobsite conditions with 4WD support
Why Choose NAM Rentals?
- 24/7 availability
- Ontario-wide delivery
- Transparent pricing (from $100/day)
- Jobsite-ready equipment
- Trusted by top contractors
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: Can I use scissor lifts indoors?
Answer: Yes. Electric models with non-marking tires are perfect for warehouses and malls.
Question: What is the typical rental rate?
Answer: Rates range from $125-$300/day. NAM Rentals starts at $120/day for 19′ lifts.
Question: How much does it cost to rent a scissor lift in Toronto?
Answer: At NAM Rentals, scissor lift rentals in Toronto start at \$120/day for 19′ electric models. Rates vary by height, lift type, and duration. Weekly and monthly discounts apply.
Question: How much does it cost to hire a scissor lift for a week?
Answer: Weekly rental rates start from \$495–\$645/week depending on lift height (19’–32′) and electric vs. diesel. We offer competitive pricing with fast GTA delivery.
Question: How much is a scissor lift for a week?
Answer: A 26′ electric model typically rents for around \$500/week from NAM Rentals. Heavy-duty diesel lifts are slightly higher.
Question: How much does it cost to rent a scissor lift in Calgary?
Answer: We currently service Ontario only, but rates in Calgary range \$150–\$300/day depending on provider.
Question: Why are scissor lifts so expensive?
Answer: Scissor lifts are high-value machines designed for safety, elevation, and load capacity. The price reflects advanced hydraulics, compliance, and durability. NAM RENTALS offsets this with transparent, low daily rates.
Question: How long does a scissor lift charge?
Answer: Electric scissor lifts typically take 6–8 hours to fully charge and offer up to 8 hours of runtime. Always plug in overnight for next-day readiness.
Question: What can I use instead of a scissor lift?
Answer: Alternatives include boom lifts (for greater reach), ladder scaffolding, or cherry pickers. However, for vertical, stable access, a scissor lift is the safest and most cost-efficient choice.
Question: Is a cherry picker better than a scissor lift?
Answer: Not necessarily. Cherry pickers (boom lifts) offer horizontal reach, while scissor lifts are better for stable, vertical access on flat surfaces.
Question: Is a boom lift more stable than a scissor lift?
Answer: No — scissor lifts are more stable for straight vertical tasks. Boom lifts offer more reach but can be less stable on rough terrain.
Question: What is an alternative to a cherry picker?
Answer: A diesel scissor lift or articulating boom lift can serve as a cherry picker alternative, depending on your workspace and access needs.
Question: Do you need a license to operate a scissor lift in Ontario?
Answer: Yes. Ontario requires Working at Heights training and Elevated Work Platform (EWP) certification (MEWP Class 3A). NAM Rentals only rents to certified operators or companies with trained personnel.
Question: Do you need a cert to use a scissor lift?
Answer: Yes. You need a valid MEWP/Scissor Lift ticket, often issued through approved training bodies like IHSA or Liftow.
Question: What qualification do I need to use a scissor lift?
Answer: You need
- Working at Heights Certification (Ontario)
- Scissor Lift Operator Training (CSA B354 Compliant)
Question: Do I need training for a scissor lift?
Answer: Yes. Training is legally required to ensure safety and compliance with Ontario Ministry of Labour standards.
Question: What is a scissor lift ticket?
Answer: It’s a certificate confirming you’ve passed an approved elevated platform safety training course. Required by law in Ontario.
Question: Who can use a scissor lift?
Answer: Only individuals with a valid EWP/scissor lift certification and proper PPE can legally operate a scissor lift in Ontario.
Question: Do you need a ticket to hire a scissor lift?
Answer: Yes. NAM Rentals requires proof of certification or will only rent to companies with qualified personnel.
Question: How many hours can a scissor lift last?
Answer: On average, an electric scissor lift can run for 6–8 hours per charge. Diesel models can run all day with fuel refills. NAM Rentals’ fleet is jobsite-tested for full-shift reliability.
Need a scissor lift today?
Get fast delivery and expert support anywhere in Ontario.
Call +1 647-525-7368 to book now or visit www.namrentals.com to know more.
Your trusted partner in construction equipment solutions, offering premium machinery from industry-leading manufacturers with 24/7 on-site support.
Explore
Contact
232 Lesmill Road North York, ON M3B 2T5 Canada
Mon - Sat 9.00 - 18.00
Newsletter
Sign up to receive exclusive offers & updates.