Applications
The scissor lift allows operators and materials to be lifted vertically in a stable and safe manner , thanks to a pantograph mechanical structure operated by a hydraulic or electromechanical system.
These machines are used in numerous contexts —from construction to industrial maintenance — where it is necessary to reach high heights while maintaining a compact base and perfectly vertical lifting.
To ensure safe and efficient lifting, the platform must guarantee precise control of the speed and height of lifting, the stability of the frame during use, the correct positioning of the work platform and constant monitoring of the hydraulic circuit pressure. This optimises the safety,performance and durability of the machine, even in harsh environments or on uneven surfaces.
Requirements:
Steering angle control
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Vehicle tilt monitoring
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Platform height control
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Stabilisers positioning adjustment
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Basket load control
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Requirement:
Steering angle control
Accurate steering angle control is essential to ensure safe and precise manoeuvrability of the scissor lift, especially in confined workspaces or on uneven surfaces. A reliable detection system allows the operator to smoothly manage the positioning phases, reducing the risk of incorrect manoeuvres and improving the overall stability of the machine. This translates into greater safety, efficiency and operational durability over time.
Solution:
Gefran offers the GRN shaftless rotary sensor, designed for applications where compactness and reliability are essential.
Main features:
- Contactless Hall effect magnetic technology, which guarantees long operating life
- Compact in size and easy to install, it adapts easily to different construction layouts
- Offers high resistance to shock, vibration and external agents
Thanks to these features, the GRN ensures precise and reliable steering control, helping to increase the efficiency of mobile vehicles.
Requirement:
Vehicle tilt monitoring
Monitoring the vehicle’s inclination is an essential function for ensuring the stability and operational safety of the scissor lift. A precise detection system allows variations in the chassis’s position relative to the optimal position to be identified, reducing the risk of tipping and maintaining the machine’s balance even on uneven ground.
This control protects the operator and equipment, improves manoeuvring safety and helps to maintain performance and reliability over time.
Solution:
Monitoring the inclination of the chassis is essential to ensure the stability and safety of the entire platform, especially when operating on uneven terrain. For this requirement, Gefran offers the GIG inclinometer.
Main features:
- Available in single or redundant output versions;
- Sensor housing sealed with resin to provide complete protection against external agents;
- High resistance to shock and vibration.
Thanks to their precision, robustness and compatibility with safety systems, Gefran inclinometers are the ideal solution for ensuring the stability of the base in mobile machines.
Requirement:
Platform height control
Controlling the height of the scissor lift platform is an essential function for ensuring the correct execution of lifting manoeuvres and maintaining the stability of the work surface.
Usually, the height of the platform is calculated using an angle sensor installed on the first pin of the pantograph system, which measures the angle between the base and the boom. This data is used to accurately determine the height reached.
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To control platform height, Gefran offers GRA and GR3P rotary shaft sensors, based on contactless Hall technology that guarantees measurement stability and long operating life, ideal for repetitive movements such as those found in pantograph mechanisms.
GRA shaft rotary encoder
Main features:
- Available with redundant output and various electrical interfaces, both analogue and digital
- Sensor can be fitted with a wide range of auxiliary levers
- Resistant to shock, vibration and high temperatures
Rotary sensor with GR3P shaft
Main features:
- Compact and robust design, which simplifies installation even in confined spaces
- Sensor configurable with various mechanical options (centre distance, fixing system and auxiliary levers)
- High resistance to shock, vibration and temperatures up to 125°C
The GRA and GR3P sensors are a versatile and safe solution for height control in scissor lifts, ensuring precise movements and reliable management of lifting operations.
Requirement:
Stabilisers positioning adjustment
The correct positioning of the stabilisers is essential to ensure the stability and operational safety of scissor lifts. A precise monitoring system allows you to check that each stabiliser is correctly and evenly supported on the ground, avoiding conditions of imbalance that could compromise operator safety. This function improves the efficiency of lifting manoeuvres, reduces the risk of tipping and preserves the durability and reliability of the machine.
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To check the correct positioning of the stabilisers on a scissor lift platform, Gefran offers the KM series pressure sensors and the RK-5 linear position sensor.
KM series pressure sensors
Main features:
- Compact design, ideal for installation even in confined spaces
- High resistance to shock, vibration and high temperatures
- SIL2/PLd certified sensor, ensuring high functional safety standards
RK-5 magnetostrictive linear sensor
Main features:
- Direct installation inside the hydraulic cylinder, without external bulk
- Contactless magnetostrictive technology that eliminates wear and tear and guarantees long life
- High resistance to shock and vibration
Thanks to these features, KM pressure sensors and RK-5 magnetostrictive linear position sensors are a reliable and robust solution for controlling the positioning of stabilisers, combining safety, efficiency and reliability.
Requirement:
Basket load control
Monitoring the load on the basket prevents overload situations that could compromise the stability of the platform and the safety of the operator.
A reliable monitoring system detects pressure variations in the hydraulic circuit in real time, correlating the value with the force exerted by the load.
This allows the machine to remain balanced, preventing jamming or tipping and ensuring use in compliance with safety regulations.
In addition, continuous load measurement helps to optimise the performance of the lifting system and reduce maintenance.
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Solution:
Gefran recommends the use of KM series pressure sensors as a reliable and effective solution for indirect control of the load on the basket.
Main features:
- Compact design, ideal for installation even in confined spaces;
- High resistance to shock, vibration and high temperatures;
- SIL2/PLd certified sensor, ensuring high standards of functional safety.
Thanks to these features, KM pressure transducers are a practical and robust solution for basket load control, combining safety, efficiency and reliability.
Operating principle
The scissor lift platform consists of a series of crossed pantograph booms that extend vertically to lift the work surface. The extension and retraction movement is performed by a hydraulic or electromechanical system, driven by a engine that provides the power necessary for the controlled lifting and lowering of the load. During operation, the control system regulates the pressure and flow rate of the oil in the hydraulic circuit to achieve smooth and stable movements. Linear position sensors, rotary sensors, tilt sensors and pressure sensors allow the operating parameters to be constantly monitored , ensuring precision and safety in all phases of work.
To perform these operations efficiently and safely, the scissor lift must be able to rely on a reliable detection system for mechanical, hydraulic and stability parameters, so as to prevent risky situations and ensure consistent performance over time.
Requirements and technology
Scissor lifts must guarantee safe, stable and precise vertical lifting even in the presence of variable loads, uneven surfaces and difficult environmental conditions. For this reason , it is essential to integrate an advanced sensor system capable of ensuring smooth movements, constant control of operating parameters and maximum safety for the operator.
The sensors installed on the machine monitor tilt, height, pressure and load, helping to prevent instability or overloads that could compromise safety and performance. Gefran solutions, designed to withstand shocks, vibrations, dust, water and extreme temperatures, guarantee reliability even in the most demanding applications.
The main technological requirements include:
- Steering angle control
- Vehicle tilt monitoring
- Platform height control
- Stabilisers positioning adjustment
- Basket load control
Gefran offers a complete portfolio of rotary, linear position, tilt and pressure sensors to support scissor lift manufacturers in developing safe, efficient and durable machines.
