Winter construction across Illinois and elsewhere in the Midwest puts added stress on equipment and operators alike. Between hydraulic sluggishness and slippery surfaces, ensuring safety when operating scissor lifts outdoors should be of paramount concern.

Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures demand more than disciplined operating practices. The condition of your lifts and your team members must be prepared for cold, outdoor jobsites. The first step is to match the right scissor lift to outdoor conditions and the scope and type of task. Putting forethought into every piece of equipment helps reduce risks, maintain productivity, and protect crews throughout the season.

Match the Lift to Day-to-Day Winter Conditions

Not all scissor lifts are designed for winter usage. For example, outdoor-rated and rough-terrain scissor lifts like those available at 365 Equipment and Supplies are more dependable under certain conditions. Start by finding one that’s built with heavy-duty components and large tires suited for uneven, frozen surfaces.

Other considerations for scissor lifts in cold, outdoor conditions:

• Type of terrain
• Ground clearance
• Source of energy
• Height and reach
• Load capacity
• Stability

Using an indoor-only slab lift outdoors in the cold increases the likelihood of traction loss and ground clearance issues, not to mention battery problems. Be sure yours is appropriate for the job to reduce the chance of becoming stuck or worse.

Related reading: Unsure whether you need a vertical lift instead? Find out what separates them from scissor lifts here.

Perform Cold-Weather Inspections on Critical Components

Don’t wait for your equipment to malfunction before making sure your scissor lifts are ready for what lies ahead. Winter temperatures have a way of amplifying small mechanical issues, and Midwestern winters can be pretty unpredictable. In particular, any lifts that rely on hydraulic systems, batteries, and drive motors require advance inspection, as the cold can reduce battery performance and thicken the hydraulic fluid that enables them to perform.

Take steps to prevent:

• Sudden power losses
• Sluggish controls
• Mechanical failures
• Stops and starts during critical overhead work

Your inspections should be comprehensive, covering everything from tires and guardrails to controls and emergency systems before each shift. Making this a habit helps ensure they will respond predictably once elevated.

Be sure you’re stocked up on all the supplies you need to winterize your job site.

Allow Time for Hydraulic & Electrical Systems to Warm Up

It’s a simple rule of thumb, but one that’s easy to forget when you’re rushing to a job site. Many scissor lifts used on commercial construction sites rely on hydraulic power to raise and lower platforms. In cold weather, those systems need time to reach operating temperature.

Give your workers extra time to let the lifts idle, making sure they slowly cycle up and down rather than diving into full use. This practice can improve a lift’s responsiveness while reducing any strain on the pumps and seals for smoother movements — and is especially vital for larger-capacity equipment in wintertime.

Manage Traction Based on Tire Type and Drive System

Compare the drive systems of different lifts you’re considering with the specific job sites in mind. Not only is traction one of the biggest winter challenges for anything that must traverse across the frozen ground, but different factors can help you get the performance you need. Decide whether you’ll benefit more from a tracks system that can maneuver through deep snow, or rough-terrain tires and a four-wheel drive system for mixed conditions and ground types.

Respect Wind Limits for Platform Height and Capacity

Higher-capacity and extended-height scissor lifts may be necessary for your upcoming commercial construction projects. So, keep in mind that strong winter winds can increase your risks at elevation. Wind exposure grows as platforms rise, especially on open sites. Review the manufacturer’s wind ratings, and lower platforms during gusty conditions. It will help your team maintain their stability.

Meanwhile, take other measures to reduce wind-related sway of lifts. Choose one that has the appropriate platform height and won’t succumb to gusty conditions to avoid dangerous movements while at work.

Read Up on Safety Instructions & Scissor Lift Guidelines

Make sure every worker on the job is informed of best practices when operating scissor lifts. Here are some resources the team can explore regarding lift operation across the U.S., including for winter work in the Midwest:

• OSHA’s Construction Safety Standards. These help contractors follow federal safety requirements for scissor lifts on construction sites. Find out about fall protection, stabilization, and other smart safety practices.
• ANSI. While OSHA focuses on legal compliance, the American National Standards Institute is helpful in a different way. It produces best practices for using mobile elevating work platforms, including considerations related to environmental conditions.
• Manufacturer Operating Manuals. Become thoroughly familiar with the operating manuals, including manufacturer guidelines for other equipment and supplies. They define how each specific lift should be operated, covering limits for wind and cold weather operations that might be relevant in the months ahead.

Call 365 Equipment & Supply in Illinois for All Your Needs

Cold weather doesn’t have to slow your project down. Selecting scissor lifts engineered for winter construction helps reduce risks and maintain productivity all season long.

To find the right scissor lift for your next project, explore 365 Equipment & Supply online or call (847) 756-3807. You can also reach out with questions and someone will get back to you soon!