As a supplier of electric scissor lifts, I’m often asked about the hydraulic system that powers these remarkable machines. In this blog post, I’ll delve into what the hydraulic system of an electric scissor lift is, how it works, its key components, and why it’s so crucial for the operation of these lifts. Electric Scissor Lift

Understanding the Basics of a Hydraulic System
At its core, a hydraulic system is a power – transmitting mechanism that uses a liquid (usually hydraulic oil) to transfer force from one point to another. In an electric scissor lift, the hydraulic system is responsible for raising and lowering the platform. It takes advantage of Pascal’s law, which states that when pressure is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure change occurs throughout the entire fluid.
How the Hydraulic System in an Electric Scissor Lift Works
The operation of the hydraulic system in an electric scissor lift can be broken down into several steps. First, when the operator activates the lift controls, an electric motor starts. This motor drives a hydraulic pump. The pump draws hydraulic oil from a reservoir and pressurizes it.
The pressurized oil is then directed through a series of valves and hoses to the hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are the heart of the scissor lift’s lifting mechanism. As the pressurized oil enters the cylinders, it causes the pistons inside to move. The movement of the pistons extends the scissor arms, which in turn raises the platform of the lift.
When the operator wants to lower the platform, a different set of valves is opened. This allows the pressurized oil to flow back into the reservoir, and the weight of the platform and any load on it forces the pistons back into the cylinders, causing the scissor arms to collapse and the platform to descend.
Key Components of the Hydraulic System
Hydraulic Pump
The hydraulic pump is the power source of the hydraulic system. It converts mechanical energy from the electric motor into hydraulic energy by creating a flow of pressurized oil. There are different types of hydraulic pumps used in electric scissor lifts, such as gear pumps, vane pumps, and piston pumps. Gear pumps are commonly used due to their simplicity, reliability, and relatively low cost.
Hydraulic Cylinders
Hydraulic cylinders are the actuators of the system. They are responsible for converting the hydraulic energy into linear mechanical motion. In an electric scissor lift, multiple hydraulic cylinders are used to ensure smooth and stable lifting and lowering. The size and number of cylinders depend on the lift’s capacity and design.
Valves
Valves play a crucial role in controlling the flow and pressure of the hydraulic oil. There are several types of valves in a hydraulic system, including directional control valves, pressure relief valves, and flow control valves. Directional control valves determine the direction of the oil flow, allowing the lift to be raised or lowered. Pressure relief valves protect the system from over – pressure by releasing excess oil back into the reservoir. Flow control valves regulate the speed of the oil flow, which affects the lifting and lowering speed of the platform.
Reservoir
The reservoir stores the hydraulic oil. It also helps to cool the oil and remove air and contaminants from it. A proper reservoir design is essential to ensure the smooth operation of the hydraulic system. The size of the reservoir is determined by the volume of oil required for the system and the heat dissipation needs.
Hoses and Fittings
Hoses and fittings are used to connect the various components of the hydraulic system. They must be able to withstand high pressures and be resistant to abrasion and corrosion. High – quality hoses and fittings are crucial for preventing leaks and ensuring the safety and reliability of the lift.
Advantages of a Hydraulic System in Electric Scissor Lifts
High Lifting Capacity
Hydraulic systems are capable of generating a large amount of force, which allows electric scissor lifts to lift heavy loads. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial maintenance to construction projects.
Smooth and Precise Operation
The hydraulic system provides smooth and precise control over the lifting and lowering of the platform. The operator can easily adjust the height of the lift to the desired level, and the system can maintain a stable position even under heavy loads.
Safety
Hydraulic systems are designed with safety features such as pressure relief valves and locking mechanisms. These features help to prevent over – loading and ensure the safety of the operator and any personnel working on the platform.
Durability
The components of a hydraulic system are built to last. With proper maintenance, the hydraulic system of an electric scissor lift can provide reliable service for many years.
Maintenance of the Hydraulic System
Proper maintenance of the hydraulic system is essential to ensure its long – term performance and reliability. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
Regular Oil Changes
Hydraulic oil should be changed at regular intervals according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Over time, the oil can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and moisture, which can affect the performance of the system.
Filter Replacement
The hydraulic filters should be replaced regularly to remove contaminants from the oil. Clogged filters can restrict the flow of oil and cause damage to the system.
Inspection of Hoses and Fittings
Hoses and fittings should be inspected regularly for signs of wear, leaks, or damage. Any damaged components should be replaced immediately to prevent oil leaks and ensure the safety of the system.
Checking Fluid Levels
The hydraulic fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as needed. Low fluid levels can cause the system to operate inefficiently and may lead to damage to the pump.
Why Choose Our Electric Scissor Lifts
As a leading supplier of electric scissor lifts, we take pride in offering high – quality products with reliable hydraulic systems. Our lifts are designed and manufactured to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
We use only the best – quality components in our hydraulic systems, ensuring long – term durability and reliability. Our experienced team of engineers and technicians conducts rigorous testing on each lift to ensure that it meets or exceeds industry standards.

In addition, we provide comprehensive after – sales service and support. Our technicians are available to provide maintenance and repair services, and we offer a wide range of spare parts to keep your lift in top condition.
Telescopic Boom Lift If you’re in the market for an electric scissor lift, we invite you to contact us to discuss your specific needs. Our team of experts can help you choose the right lift for your application and provide you with a competitive quote. Whether you’re looking for a small – capacity lift for indoor use or a heavy – duty lift for outdoor construction projects, we have the solution for you.
References
- "Hydraulic Systems and Fluid Power" by Anthony Esposito
- "Lift Equipment Handbook" by various industry experts
- Manufacturer’s manuals for electric scissor lifts
Mantall Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.
Mantall Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. is well-known as one of the leading electric scissor lift manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good service. Welcome to buy discount electric scissor lift made in China here from our factory. For pricelist and quotation, contact us now.
Address: NO.62, Binhai Avenue, Binhai Industrial Park, Qidong City, Jiangsu Province, China
E-mail: Gloria@mantall.com
WebSite: https://www.mantallawp.com/