Workers who need to access areas above ground level will often use either a scissor lift or scaffolding. Both options can provide vertical access to otherwise unreachable areas, but there are several key differences between them that often make scaffolding a better choice.

With that in mind, here are just five reasons to consider using scaffolding instead of a scissor lift.

1. Extensive Access

While scissor lifts and scaffolding can both be used to reach awkward places, scissor lifts can only access one point at a time. That means whoever is on the lift platform will be restricted to the area immediately next to that platform. Scaffolding doesn't present the same problem. People will be able to work on different levels, and being able to fit longer platforms also means workers can cover far more of one area. With a scissor lift, you'll have to move the platform whenever a new area needs to be reached.

2. Larger Capacity  

Scissor lifts can be great when they only need to accommodate a couple of people, but platform sizes are too limited to take many more. This can become a problem when several people need to be working at once. Additionally, you may find it harder to fit all the supplies needed for more intensive work on a scissor lift platform. If you need the added space, scaffolding is going to be the smarter choice.

3. More Portable

Scissor lifts are easy enough to move to different areas, but only when there's flat terrain and no confined spaces. Unfortunately, the fact they cannot be broken down into separate pieces means you may find it impossible to get into more confined areas or through tighter entrance points. Even stairs or uneven flooring can be a problem. In contrast, scaffolding can be disassembled into several smaller pieces, so access should never be a problem.

4. Lower Weight

It's worth remembering that scissor lifts tend to be much heavier than scaffolding. After all, you need to account for both the platform and all the mechanical parts necessary to move it. This isn't always an issue, but you might run into problems if you need to cross any surfaces that can't take the strain. Scaffolding is much lighter, so weight isn't as likely to be a concern.

5. More Dependable

With scaffolding, there's very little that can go wrong. Even if one piece is damaged, you can easily swap it out for another. In contrast, any issues with a scissor lift are liable to make it inoperable. Any one of the mechanical parts required for proper operation can fail, and those parts generally can't be fixed either quickly or easily. As such, a faulty scissor lift can stop work in its tracks.

For more information about scaffolding, contact a local company.