Quick answer: working height = platform height + ~2m of standing reach, and it’s the number machines are named by. Measure your work point, then read the chart — the smallest machine that covers it (and fits your access) is the right hire. All figures below are from the current manufacturer spec sheets for our fleet.
The chart
| Machine | Working height | Platform height | Width | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLG ES1932 — 19ft electric | 7.8m | 5.8m | 0.81m | 1,550kg | 230kg |
| LGMG S0607E II — 19ft electric | 7.8m | 5.8m | 0.79m | 1,610kg | 230kg |
| Zoomlion ZS0612C — 19ft tracked | 7.8m | 5.8m | 1.15m | 1,820kg | 230kg |
| LGMG SC0610EL-2 — 22ft tracked | 8.8m in // 7.5m out | 6.8m // 5.5m | 0.996m | 1,600kg | 250kg |
| Zoomlion ZS0808AC — 26ft narrow | 10.0m in // 7.8m out | 8.0m // 5.8m | 0.81m | 2,090kg | 230kg |
| LGMG SR1018D — 32ft diesel RT | 11.7m | 9.7m | 1.79m | 4,330kg | 454kg |
| LGMG AR11J — 34ft knuckle boom | 12.75m | 10.75m | 1.85m | 5,400kg | 270kg |
| LGMG S1212E-2 — 40ft electric | 14.0m in // 9.5m out | 12.0m // 7.5m | 1.19m | 2,940kg | 320kg |
Boom extra: the AR11J adds 6.78m horizontal outreach and 5.32m up-and-over clearance — the numbers no scissor has.
How to read it
- “in // out” entries are real: some machines carry different indoor and outdoor ratings because of wind exposure. Outdoor height work → read the outdoor column.
- Working height assumes an average person standing on the deck. Plan against the work point, not the machine name — a “19ft” machine works to ~7.8m.
- Width is the gatekeeper. Both 0.79–0.81m machines fit standard single doorways; everything at 1.15m+ needs double doors, gates or open access.
- Weight decides floors and transport. 1,550kg to 5,400kg across one fleet — suspended slabs and delivery trucks care about this line most.
- Capacity includes everything: people (count ~90kg each), tools, materials. Extension decks carry less (113–140kg across the fleet).
Common work points, mapped
- Ceiling grids, retail lighting (~4–6m task) → 19ft class
- Warehouse lighting, tray runs (~6–7.5m) → 19ft, comfortably
- High-bay retail, mezzanine services (~8–10m) → 22ft tracked // 26ft narrow
- Factory ceilings, high racking (~10–13.5m indoors) → 40ft electric
- Outdoor structures on site ground (~9–11.5m) → 32ft diesel RT
- Over awnings, parapets, plant (offset work) → 34ft knuckle boom
The fine print that matters
Specifications change — manufacturers update models, and figures here are from the spec sheets current at our last review (July 2026). Confirm the machine page or ask us before you book. Selection is more than height: run the Machine Selector questions — access, ground, load and environment rule out more machines than height does.
FAQs
What does working height mean? Platform height plus about 2m of standing reach — the height your hands can work at, and the number machines are named by.
Is a 19ft scissor lift actually 19 feet? The 19ft label is the platform height (5.8m ≈ 19ft); working height is ~7.8m (25ft 7in). Both are on the spec sheet.
Why do some machines have two heights listed? Indoor and outdoor ratings differ where wind exposure applies — the 40ft electric is 14m indoors but 9.5m outdoors.
Which machine reaches highest? Indoors, the 40ft S1212E-2 (14m working height). Outdoors, the AR11J boom (12.75m) — and only the boom reaches sideways.
How much reach should I allow above the platform? None extra — the ~2m of reach is already inside the working-height number.
What if my work point is between sizes? Take the smaller machine if it covers the point with a little margin; oversizing costs money, weight and access. When it’s line-ball, tell us the exact task height.