Scissor Lift Rentals
Scissor Lift Rentals in Chicago, IL, Little Rock, AR, Memphis, TN, and Middletown, NY
At National Lift Truck, we offer a diverse fleet of scissor lifts for rent from top brands, including JLG, Skyjack, Hy-Brid Lifts/AXCS, Genie, and more. Whether you need a compact electric scissor lift for indoor use or a high-capacity rough terrain scissor lift for outdoor work, we have the right aerial lift for your project.
From warehouse maintenance to construction site access, our rental fleet includes a wide variety of scissor lifts to maximize productivity for your business.
Need help choosing the right scissor lift? Our team provides personal attention and tailored solutions for contractors and businesses of any size – from small crews to large companies – we put our customers’ success first. We don’t just rent equipment—we help you assess your worksite, recommend the best lift for your needs, ensure on-time delivery, and support you through the entire rental period. Whether you need a lift for a day or several months, we have the equipment, flexibility, and know-how to support your commercial, industrial, warehouse, or construction business.
Scissor Lifts for Rent
You can rely on National Lift Truck for a vast selection of reliable, well-maintained rental scissor lifts from trusted manufacturers like Skyjack, Hy-Brid Lifts, JCB, JLG, Genie, and more. With an extensive selection of scissor lifts including rough terrain and non-marking models, and a variety of platform height from as low as 10 ft. to over 50 ft. , there isn’t any job our equipment can’t handle.
Browse By Brand
Types of Scissor Lifts for Rent
Slab or non-marking scissor lifts are engineered for optimal performance on flat, firm surfaces such as concrete slabs, paved areas, or smooth indoor floors.
Rough terrain scissor lifts are specifically designed to operate on challenging and uneven landscapes.
Compact scissor lifts are designed for exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces. These lifts combine the benefits of slab scissor lifts with enhanced capabilities for navigating extremely tight areas.
From tracked AlmaCrawler scissor lifts to high bay scissor lifts, IMER scissor lifts, and more – we have access to hard-to-find equipment! Contact us for all of your specialty scissor lift needs.
Need a Custom Solution?
We have new equipment arriving every day, and we are always adding to our rental fleet. We can also source equipment from our rental partners or offer you a great deal on used equipment. No matter what you’re looking for, our team will find the best solution for your project.
Or Call at (888) 848-4290
Slab Scissor Lifts
Slab or non-marking scissor lifts are engineered for optimal performance on flat, firm surfaces such as concrete slabs, paved areas, or smooth indoor floors. A defining characteristic is their compact size and limited footprint, which allows them to easily navigate through narrow entries, standard doorways (typically 30 to 40 inches wide), and constricted jobsites. This compact design, especially when combined with electric power makes slab lifts uniquely suited for urban, occupied, and sensitive environments, such as retail stores, hospitals, and schools, where minimizing operational disruption, noise, and emissions is paramount. This expands their utility beyond simple indoor use to public-facing settings where environmental and operational continuity are critical considerations.
The primary benefits of slab scissor lifts include high maneuverability, relatively low weight, and, when electric, emission-free operation. They are predominantly used for indoor applications, though they can function outdoors on level, firm ground. Most electric scissor lifts fall into the slab category, providing quiet operation and zero emissions, which are essential for enclosed environments. These lifts are available with working heights up to 45 feet and platform capacities ranging from 500 to 1200 pounds.
PLATFORM HEIGHT: 10 feet to over 50 feet
APPLICATIONS: Warehouses, Retail Stores, Indoor Construction, Maintenance, and Installation Work
Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Rough terrain scissor lifts are specifically designed to operate on challenging and uneven landscapes. Their robust construction typically includes features such as four-wheel drive (4WD), enhanced traction control, and the capability to level the machine on slopes, with some advanced models offering automatic leveling on grades up to 12 degrees. These attributes enable superior travel across diverse terrains, making them ideal for demanding outdoor projects.
The main advantages of rough terrain scissor lifts are their ability to navigate difficult access points, higher weight capacities, and more spacious platforms, which can accommodate multiple workers, their tools, and heavy materials. They are best suited for outdoor, rugged environments.
PLATFORM HEIGHT: 26 to 50 feet
APPLICATIONS: Construction Sites, Outdoor Maintenance, Utility Work, Infrastructure Projects
Compact Scissor Lifts
Compact scissor lifts are designed for exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces. These lifts combine the benefits of slab scissor lifts with enhanced capabilities for navigating extremely tight areas, making them ideal for both indoor and some outdoor applications where space is at a premium. A key feature of compact scissor lifts is their narrow width, often less than 32 inches, allowing them to easily pass through doorways, aisles, and other restricted passages. Many models, like Hy-Brid’s ZT-1630, also offer zero-turn capability, enabling them to rotate within their own footprint, maximizing their agility in congested environments. The maneuverability of zero-turn scissor lifts is often combined with their electric power for quiet, emission-free operation, making them suitable for use in occupied buildings and sensitive areas.
Compact scissor lifts are typically used on flat, firm surfaces, similar to slab lifts. However, some models may offer limited rough terrain capabilities, such as four-wheel drive or enhanced traction, allowing them to operate on slightly uneven outdoor surfaces.
PLATFORM HEIGHT: 13 to 25 feet
APPLICATIONS: Narrow Aisles, Indoor Facilities, Office Buildings, Medical Centers
How to Select the Right Scissor Lift
Selecting the appropriate scissor lift to rent is paramount for ensuring project efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. At National Lift Truck, we make renting easy. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is here to support you every step of the way. Here’s what you should keep in mind when assessing your project and are in need of scissor lifts.
Required Working Height
The most fundamental consideration is the maximum working height necessary to safely and efficiently perform tasks. It is important to distinguish between platform height and working height; the latter typically includes an average human's reach above the platform. Scissor lifts are available in a wide range of heights, from low-level platforms (e.g., 19 feet) to higher-reaching models extending up to 50 feet or more.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
The operational environment dictates the most suitable power source and lift type. Electric scissor lift rentals are the preferred choice for indoor applications due to their quiet, emission-free operation, which is vital in enclosed spaces like warehouses, shopping malls, and office buildings. Conversely, diesel or rough terrain scissor lifts are specifically designed for outdoor, rugged environments. For projects that involve both indoor and outdoor tasks, a hybrid scissor lift or a combination of different equipment might be the most practical solution.
Terrain Conditions (Flat, Uneven, Sloped)
The ground condition where a scissor lift is used affects its stability and safety. On smooth, level surfaces, an electric scissor lift works well, offering stable and easy operation. On rough, uneven, muddy, or sloped ground, a diesel or rough terrain scissor lift is required. These models come with strong tires and often have four-wheel drive to move safely on tough surfaces. Terrain is only one part of the working environment. Other factors include access points, overhead obstacles, and the movement of people or vehicles nearby. These must be reviewed as part of a full risk assessment.
Platform Size and Load Capacity (Workers, Tools, Materials)
When choosing a scissor lift, consider how many workers, tools, and materials will be lifted at once. Lifts vary in platform size and weight limits, from about 500 pounds for small indoor models to 2,500 pounds for larger rough terrain types. Always follow the manufacturer’s weight limits to avoid injury and damage. Some lifts have extendable platforms for extra reach. While helpful, these can shift the center of gravity and affect stability and load capacity.
Access and Maneuverability
For indoor work or tasks in confined spaces, the machine's width and turning radius are crucial. Slab scissor lifts are explicitly designed for navigating constricted jobsites and narrow aisles. For outdoor sites with difficult access points or where significant travel over varied ground is required, rough terrain lifts are better equipped.
Duration and Frequency of Use
For short-term projects or infrequent needs, renting a scissor lift is generally the most cost-effective solution, offering significant flexibility and cost savings on maintenance, transportation, and storage, making it a compelling option for many businesses.
Consulting with Our Experts
Still unsure which scissor lift is right for a specific project? Our team of equipment specialists at National Lift Truck is readily available to provide personalized recommendations based on unique job site conditions and requirements. Contact us today for expert guidance and a tailored quote.
Or Call at (888) 848-4290
Looking to rent Low-Level Access Equipment?
At National Lift Truck, we know that not every job calls for a boom lift or scissor lift. For tasks that require safe and efficient work at lower heights—such as maintenance, stock picking, installation, or inspections—our low-level access equipment offers the ideal solution.
Whether you’re navigating tight warehouse aisles or working in sensitive environments like schools, hospitals, or showrooms, our one-man lifts, stock pickers, and push-around lifts are designed for maximum maneuverability and ease of use. Compact, quiet, and easy to transport, they offer a safer and more efficient alternative to ladders or scaffolding.
Vertical Mast Lifts for Low-Level Access
Push Around Vertical mast Lifts
Lightweight, manually moved, with battery or AC powered elevation. Ideal for indoor maintenance, stock picking, and event setup, reaching 20-40 feet with 300-350 lbs capacity.
Drivable Vertical mast Lifts
Self-propelled for enhanced efficiency, maneuverable from the platform. Battery-powered, compact, with non-marking tires for sensitive floors. Suited for larger indoor projects needing frequent repositioning, also reaching 20-40 feet with similar capacities.
When To Choose a Personnel Lift?
These lifts offer unmatched maneuverability in confined spaces, cost-effectiveness for single-person tasks, reduced floor impact, quiet/emission-free operation, and enhanced safety over ladders.
Typically, you should choose low-level access equipment like personnel lifts instead of a scissor lift when in need of vertical access for one worker in a small, indoor area with minimal load.
One-man lifts are typically used when the job requires:
- One Person and Light Tools
- Tight or Confined Spaces
- Quick Setup and Mobility
- Vertical Access Only
- Lower Working Heights
Need MEWP TRAINING?
Are you looking for ANSI- and OSHA-certified scissor lift training or certification classes courses? We can help!
Benefits of renting a scissor lift
Renting a scissor lift offers numerous advantages over purchasing, providing significant financial, operational, and strategic benefits for businesses.
Cost-Effectiveness
Renting eliminates large upfront capital outlays (new lifts can cost $10,000-$50,000+), allowing you to pay only for utilized hours. It also removes equipment depreciation burden and drastically reduces overhead costs like maintenance, repairs, transportation, and storage. This frees up budget and resources, improving cash flow and operational efficiency by letting your staff focus on core tasks.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Renting provides unparalleled flexibility and adaptability to evolving project demands. At NLT, we maintain extensive fleets, offering a wide variety of scissor lift types, sizes, and capacities. This ensures that our clients always have access to the exact equipment needed for any specific job without the continuous capital expenditure required to update an owned fleet.
Renting effectively mitigates the risk of rapid technological obsolescence. As MEWP technology advances with new safety features and efficiencies, owned equipment can quickly become outdated, potentially leading to competitive disadvantages or increased operational costs. Renting transfers this burden to the rental company, ensuring continuous access to modern, compliant, and efficient machinery.
Maintenance and Support
At NLT, we maintain their fleets rigorously with experienced technicians, eliminating your need for internal maintenance staff or expensive service contracts. We offer expert support, including proactive monitoring and rapid breakdown response.
Try Before You Buy
For businesses contemplating a purchase, renting offers an invaluable opportunity to test different makes, models, and features on actual job sites. This hands-on experience helps ensure that any future purchased equipment truly meets long-term operational needs before committing to a significant investment.
Scissor Lift Rental FAQs: Safety, Operation, and More
Do I need to be certified to operate a scissor lift?
Yes, you need to be certified to operate a scissor lift in most work environments.
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the US, scissor lifts are considered mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs). Operators must be properly trained and certified to use them safely. At NLT, we provide OSHA compliant, hands-on aerial work platform (AWP) training courses in Franklin Park, IL, Little Rock, AK, and Memphis, TN. If needed, we’re happy to provide on-site training at your location.
How much does it cost to rent a scissor lift?
Rental costs vary by model, size, and location. Lifts can be rented daily, weekly, or monthly, with longer durations often reducing per-day costs. Rough terrain lifts generally cost more than electric models.
What if the rented scissor lift breaks down?
At NLT, we offer prompt support. Our local teams quickly respond to service calls to minimize downtime. If an issue isn’t swiftly resolved, a replacement machine is often provided to ensure project continuity.
What are the typical rental durations for scissor lifts?
Our scissor lifts are available for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals, with flexible pricing to match your project timelines and budgets.
How high can scissor lifts go?
Platform heights range from 19 feet (compact electric models) to 53 feet or more (larger rough terrain units), offering maximum working heights of 53 feet or more.
What is the lift capacity of a scissor lift?
Slab scissor lifts typically offer 500-1200 pounds capacity, while rough terrain models handle heavier loads from 1000-2500 pounds. Always check specific model specifications for combined weight limits.
Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift: Which is right for me?
Scissor Lifts: Offer a larger platform for multiple workers, tools, and materials, ideal for direct vertical access and more affordable rental.
Boom Lifts: Reach significantly higher (often over 40-50 feet) and provide greater directional flexibility (telescopic for rotation, articulating for “up and over” reach).
Choose a scissor lift for vertical access with a large platform; choose a boom lift for extended height and complex horizontal reach.
How to Rent a Scissor Lift
Step 1
SUBMIT A SCISSOR LIFT RENTAL REQUEST
Submit a scissor lift rental request online or call us at (888) 848-4290 during business hours to speak with a rental coordinator. We’ll review your needs and respond quickly, whether you reach out by phone or through our website.
Step 2
GET A CUSTOMIZED SOLUTION
After discussing your project details—such as platform height, load capacity, and terrain conditions—our team will provide a tailored quote. For more complex sites, we can arrange a visit to help match you with the right scissor lift for the job.
Step 3
DELIVERY TO YOUR SITE
After you approve the quote, we’ll prepare your scissor lift for delivery. Our team will finalize the rental agreement, confirm job site details, and schedule transport through our logistics network to ensure timely delivery.
Step 4
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT
We offer full support during your rental. If you have questions, need to adjust your rental period, or require service, our team is available 24/7. For long-term rentals, we provide scheduled maintenance and on-site repairs as needed.
Step 5
EQUIPMENT PICK-UP
When your project is finished, call us to off-rent the scissor lift. We’ll arrange a pick-up from your site and handle the return, so you can stay focused on completing the job.
COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS
Franklin Park, Illinois
1 of 6Memphis, Tennessee
2 of 6Jackson, Tennessee
3 of 6Little Rock, Arkansas
4 of 6Springdale, Arkansas
5 of 6Middletown, New York
6 of 6RENTAL STORE LOCATIONS
National Lift Truck proudly serves the following regions and all surrounding areas:
- Chicago, Illinois
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Jackson, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Springdale, Arkansas
- Middletown, New York
We also deliver to surrounding areas including Northwest Indiana, Southern Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, and more.