How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift Size for Toronto Job Sites

Summary 

Looking to rent a scissor lift in Toronto? Choosing the wrong size can cost you time, money, and safety. In this guide, we break down exactly how to choose the right scissor lift size based on your job site conditions, ceiling heights, terrain, and lifting requirements. Whether you’re working indoors in Scarborough or on outdoor construction in Vaughan, this blog solves it all. Brought to you by NAM Rentals — trusted equipment rental pros across the GTA.

Why Scissor Lift Sizing Matters

Scissor lifts are essential for aerial work in tight spaces, commercial sites, and warehouse ceilings. But using the wrong size can result in:

• Delays due to clearance issues
• OSHA/CSA non-compliance
• Overloaded platforms
• Difficulty maneuvering on-site

That’s why choosing the correct scissor lift size for your Toronto job site is a critical step in project planning.

Factors That Affect Scissor Lift Sizing

To select the right scissor lift, you need to consider:

1. Maximum Platform Height Required

• Indoor projects (like lighting or HVAC): typically need 19 ft to 26 ft electric scissor lifts
• Outdoor jobs (exterior siding, signage, utility work): use 32 ft to 45 ft rough terrain models

Pro Tip: Add 6 ft to platform height to calculate working height. So a 19 ft lift gives approx. 25 ft working height.

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

• Electric scissor lifts are ideal for smooth indoor floors (narrow base, lower emissions)
• Rough terrain scissor lifts use diesel or hybrid power, feature stabilizers, and larger tires for construction zones

3. Platform Size & Occupant Capacity

• Some jobs need larger platforms to hold tools or multiple workers
• Check CSA B354 capacity guidelines (usually 500–1,200 lbs)

4. Door Widths and Elevator Access

• A 19 ft electric scissor lift (compact model) fits through standard double doors and elevators
• Larger lifts (32 ft+) often require outdoor staging or crane lift

5. Site Conditions & Terrain

• Is the surface level, sloped, or muddy?
• Uneven outdoor ground needs 4WD or RT scissor lifts with stabilizers

Recommended Scissor Lift Sizes for Common Job Types in Toronto

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Renting a lift too tall and failing to maneuver indoors
• Choosing diesel models for indoor jobs (fumes, noise)
• Ignoring platform capacity and risking overload
• Not factoring in door widths and floor load limits

Why Contractors Across the GTA Trust NAM Rentals

At NAM Rentals, we make choosing the right scissor lift size in Toronto easy — whether you’re working in Markham, Scarborough, or downtown.

Here’s what you get:

• Expert advice on height, width, power type, and safety
• A well-maintained fleet of 19 ft, 26 ft, 32 ft, and 45 ft scissor lifts
• Electric & rough terrain options for any job site
• Fast delivery anywhere in the GTA
• 24/7 customer support and flexible rental terms
  

Need help right now?
Visit namrentals.com or call +1 647-525-7368 — we’ll match the right machine to your site specs in minutes.

Top 15 FAQs About Choosing the Right Scissor Lift Size

1. How tall is a 19 ft scissor lift when fully raised?
   A 19 ft platform gives approx. 25 ft working height, which covers standard indoor ceilings.
2. What scissor lift fits through a doorway?
   Most 19 ft electric lifts are 32 inches wide, allowing them to pass through standard double doors.
3. What lift size do I need for a 2-story building?
   Typically a 26 ft–32 ft scissor lift will suffice depending on floor height and roof design.
4. Can I use a diesel scissor lift indoors?
   Not recommended. Diesel lifts emit fumes and are best suited for outdoor or ventilated spaces.
5. What’s the weight capacity of a typical scissor lift?
   Most standard lifts support 500–1,000 lbs, including workers, tools, and materials.
6. What size lift is best for warehouse maintenance in Toronto?
   A 19 ft or 26 ft electric scissor lift is ideal for high-shelving or HVAC tasks.
7. How do I measure if a lift fits on my site?
   Measure door widths, ceiling heights, and floor load ratings. NAM Rentals can do a site assessment for free.
8. How much does a scissor lift weigh?
   A 19 ft lift weighs approx. 2,700–3,500 lbs, depending on model.
9. Can scissor lifts be used on slopes?
   Only rough terrain scissor lifts with stabilizers are safe for sloped or uneven ground.
10. What’s the most popular scissor lift rental in Toronto?
    The 19 ft electric scissor lift is the most rented unit for indoor jobs in the GTA.
11. Are narrow scissor lifts available for tight spaces?
    Yes. Narrow 26 ft lifts are ideal for aisles, retail, and industrial warehouses.
12. How long can I rent a scissor lift for?
    Rental terms vary — NAM Rentals offers daily, weekly, and monthly packages.
13. Does NAM Rentals deliver to Scarborough and Markham?
    Yes, we offer GTA-wide delivery, including Vaughan, Mississauga, and more.
14. What’s the difference between working height and platform height?
    Working height = platform height + 6 ft (average operator arm reach).
15. Can I book a lift online?
    Yes — visit namrentals.com to check availability and place an order instantly.

Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Work Safer

Choosing the right scissor lift size isn’t just about reach — it’s about access, safety, load capacity, and job efficiency. Don’t waste money on the wrong machine.

Let NAM Rentals guide you.
We’ve equipped hundreds of job sites across the GTA with the right lift, on time, every time.

Ready to book? Visit namrentals.com or call +1 647-525-7368.