Subscriber Discussion

Scissor Lift In A Cargo Trailer?

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Joseph Parker
•May 16, 2018

I'm very likely going to buy/lease a Skyjack SJ3219.  I have a 16' cargo trailer with 7' ceiling, so I've got plenty of height clearance.  The unit weighs 2500 pounds, which is half as much as the trailers max cargo load.  The door is 6' 8" tall and is 14" from the ground.  Wheelbase is 55", and ground clearance is 2.3".  Questions as follows:

-Has anyone used a cargo trailer for this purpose?  

-I can calculate that my door is at approximately a 17 percent grade, which is within spec.  My issue is with the top of the ramp.  I can't figure out what grade would be required to clear the top with the clearance and wheelbase I have.  Anybody know?

-Any other suggestions?  I'd really like to avoid having to buy a $3-$5k trailer for this one purpose.  

 

Thanks!

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Jeff Kaproth
•May 16, 2018

If I calculated correctly, the ground clearance of 2.4" and a wheelbase of 55.2" gives you a breakover max of 9.9deg. or 11 grade

 

 

(2)
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Joseph Parker
•May 16, 2018
In reply to Jeff Kaproth

That helps, thanks!  I went back and checked my work, I think I really screwed up my calculation.  My grade should be closer to 10%. 

UE
Undisclosed End User #1
•May 16, 2018

No math used on my answer as I would mess it up... Maybe take your truck and cargo trailer to the lift dealer and test it? 

(1)
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Joseph Parker
•May 17, 2018
In reply to Undisclosed End User #1

It's 3 hours away, was hoping to avoid making 2 trips.  Also, if I'm being honest I really don't want to be "that guy" loading his vehicle.

(1)
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Paul Grefenstette
•May 16, 2018

dumb question but why not just rent one for projects?  we use all types of lifts from 20' scissor to 75' boom lift so if we were to buy one I wouldn't even know which one would be the best fit -- we have thought about a bucket truck on one of the vans as a better hybrid for outdoor pole work but havent had the demand to pull the trigger

 

 

 

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Joseph Parker
•May 17, 2018
In reply to Paul Grefenstette

I understand, if you'd told me a year ago I'd be buying one I wouldn't have believed you.  Thing is, in the last year I've spent over $4500 in rentals just for 20' scissor lifts.  The last one we rented was on a trailer, so we could tow it wherever we need it.  We used it on jobs we wouldn't have rented one for as well with great time savings.  The kicker?  The unit is only $10k brand new, so I'd be halfway to owning one.  We have 3 projects in the pipeline where we need them. so it's beginning to look like a no brainer.  I'll still have to rent booms or 4x4 lifts occasionally, but this will server alot of needs.  

The really funny thing is that I wanted a Genie GR20.  They fit through drop ceilings with the removal of one cross piece, so they are really handy and the small size makes for easier storage.  Oddly though, they are about $5k more than a 19' full size model.  Economy of scale I guess?

(1)
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Brian Rhodes
•May 17, 2018
IPVMU Certified

Can you use a forklift to just punch/ remove the thing in there flat and level with the trailer floor?

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Joseph Parker
•May 17, 2018
In reply to Brian Rhodes

Possibly, but I fell like the drop down door would get in the way.  I ended up ordering a 4'x3' aluminum ramp, and am installing 4" standoffs on the top of the door which should get the angles right in line.  I want this to be a permanent solution, and this seems the easiest way.

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