Posted by: r1speed ® 12/31/2006, 18:12:09 Author Profile eMail author Edit

I am building a scissor lift to be able to move light aircraft, SUV's, cars and light equipment between 2 floors. I need help with arm requirements, structure frame, and hydraulic cylinder size. Lift time from lower floor to upper floor in 1 min or less would be a desirable speed. Max working load of 8000 lbs is the goal. Most SUV's at gross vehicle weight should fall below 8000 lbs. If 8000 lbs is not feasible I could limit the use to light aircraft and cars under 4000 lbs which is almost all single engine aircraft and cars.

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Re: Scissor Lift
Re: Scissor Lift -- r1speed	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: Kelly Bramble ® 01/01/2007, 18:48:01 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Have you considered buying an OEM lift? I'm sure there are many turn key systems avaiable with a warranty. I'm not sure that a scissor lift design is best. Go to a automotive repair garage and look at thier car lifts. See here for basic scissor lift calcualtions: /mechanics_machines/scissor-lift.htm Modified by Kelly Bramble at Mon, Jan 01, 2007, 18:50:30

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Re: Re: Scissor Lift
Re: Re: Scissor Lift -- Kelly Bramble	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: r1speed ® 01/01/2007, 22:37:34 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Yes I'm very familiar with automotive lifts. There are two basic problems with using automotive lifts for this application. Automotive lift has two posts or four post configurations. The posts interfere with the aircraft wings passing by and the lift range is much too short. I have also review the link to the scissor lift calculation, not nearly enough info. I believe the scissor lift is the only feasible type lift for this application with cost and construction simplicity as the main focus.

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Re: Re: Re: Scissor Lift
Re: Re: Re: Scissor Lift -- r1speed	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: Kelly Bramble ® 01/02/2007, 08:56:44 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Not all automotive lift types have the lift mechanics and support structures above ground level. Lift 2 floors. "I need help with arm requirements, structure frame, and hydraulic cylinder size. Lift time from lower floor to upper floor in 1 min or less would be a desirable speed. Max working load of 8000 lbs is the goal." My quick estimate is that proper design and engineering for the above will take at least 160 man-hours - with an engineer whom has done this type of lift before. Normally, my estimates are low... I suggest you design a working concept first then asking more pointed questions about weldments, pins and bearings, leg lengths, capacity and strengths hydraulics, static stops, etc.. Keep in mind, you will want to design for factor of safety struicturally. I suggest 2 - 3 times.

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