Doorway & Access Checker

Quick answer: a machine fits when the narrowest point on its route — gate, doorway, corridor or lift car — is wider than the machine with clearance to spare. Standard single doorways (about 820 mm) suit narrow 19ft and 26ft scissors around 810 mm wide; anything wider needs double doors or roller-door access. Measure every pinch point, not just the front door.

Worked example

A shopping-centre tenancy with an 850 mm rear corridor: an 810 mm narrow scissor fits with 40 mm total clearance — workable, but only after checking for conduit, fire hose reels and skirting that steal width part-way along. One protruding hinge can be the difference.

Common questions

Does the machine fit through on its own wheels?

Yes — scissor lifts drive through lowered. Height is rarely the problem indoors (most are under 2.3 m stowed) but check door head height on older buildings.

What about lifts (elevators)?

Weight matters more than size: a 19ft electric scissor is around 1.5 tonnes, beyond most passenger lifts. Goods lifts need their rated capacity checked against the machine’s spec sheet.