This article explores the top 12 scissor lift manufacturers, highlighting the characteristics and applications of their scissor lift series.
1. JLG(USA)
JLG Industries, founded in 1969, boasts over 50 years of industry experience and is a global leader in manufacturing aerial work platforms and telehandlers. The company is part of the Oshkosh Corporation, based in the United States.
JLG scissor lifts are divided into three series: ES Series, ERT Series, and RT Series. The ES Series consists of fully electric scissor lifts, featuring fast charging and long battery life, with various models suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They come standard with full proportional controls and offer optional accessories to boost efficiency. The ERT Series includes pure electric rough-terrain scissor lifts, with four models ranging from 26 to 47 feet in platform height, all capable of driving at full height and adaptable to diverse outdoor environments. The RT Series comprises engine-powered rough-terrain scissor lifts, offering seven models with different width and height combinations, most of which support full-height driving, covering operational needs from 26 to 53 feet.
In summary, the ES Series emphasizes versatility (indoor/outdoor) and the advantages of electric technology. The ERT and RT Series are designed for rough terrain, differing only in power source (electric vs. fuel engine). The RT Series offers a broader range of models, including wide-body options, and reaches a higher maximum working height (53 feet). Together, these three series meet the needs of various industries.
2. Genie(USA)
Genie, founded in 1966, is part of the U.S.-based Terex Corporation and is a globally recognized brand alongside JLG, specializing in the development, production, and sales of aerial work platforms and telehandlers.
Genie scissor lifts are primarily categorized into two series: Slab Scissor Lifts and Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts. Genie® GS™ slab scissor lifts are designed for hard, flat surfaces, featuring low noise and spacious platforms. The electric models offer long battery life, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor operations on paved surfaces. Genie® GS™ rough terrain scissor lifts are built for rugged, uneven terrain, boasting excellent traction, climbing ability, and fast lifting speeds, ideal for large outdoor projects with spacious platforms to enhance efficiency. Both series provide large platforms but are tailored for distinctly different environments.
Additionally, Genie offers Small Scissor Lifts, which prioritize a compact design (capable of passing through doorways or fitting in elevators) while supporting a 19-foot height and space for two operators. This provides buyers with a broader range of options.
3. Haulotte(France)
Haulotte, established in 1881, is part of the France-based Haulotte Group and is a leading European brand in the aerial work platform industry, specializing in the development and manufacturing of scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers.
Haulotte scissor lifts are primarily divided into two core series. The Compact Electric Scissors are electric models designed for indoor use on hard, flat surfaces, known for their ultra-quiet operation, zero emissions, and compact maneuverability. Some models can pass through standard doorways and operate in tight spaces. The Rough Terrain Scissors (RT Series) are off-road models built for rugged outdoor terrain, equipped with a full-time drive system and reinforced chassis, offering exceptional climbing ability (up to 45% grade) and capability on challenging surfaces, with platform heights ranging from 20 to 52 feet. Both series come standard with proportional control systems and modular accessory interfaces, addressing the needs of efficient operations on flat surfaces and all-terrain challenges in outdoor construction sites.
Additionally, Haulotte offers the Ultra Compact Series (such as the HA16PX), which pushes the boundaries of space constraints. With a 1.2-meter narrow design that fits through elevators and a maximum height of 19 feet supporting a two-person platform, it is an ideal solution for building renovations and indoor installations.
4. Holdwell(China)
Established in 2008, Holdwell is a leading comprehensive service provider of aerial work platforms in China. Leveraging core advantages in global off-road machinery parts supply chains, Holdwell has established a dual-drive model of “new equipment R&D + refurbished second-hand equipment,” offering global customers full-lifecycle lifting solutions.
Holdwell’s scissor lifts cover three core areas to cater to differentiated application scenarios:
- Push Around Scissor Lifts: Designed for indoor precision operations, this low-cost solution features a fully steel structure for durability, a lightweight design for easy maneuverability, button-controlled operation, and suitability for low-level precise operations such as multi-floor decoration and property maintenance, overcoming spatial limitations through elevator transport.
- Self-propelled Scissor Lifts: Designed for both indoor and outdoor general productivity, with a large platform (load capacity 680 kg) and hydraulic drive system for smooth lifting. It enhances construction efficiency with a user-friendly control interface and is widely used in construction, industrial maintenance, and emergency repair fields.
- Tracked Scissor Lifts: Defines breakthrough performance in all-terrain capabilities with wireless remote control and automatic leveling system for safe operations on steep slopes up to 45°. It includes standard features like anti-pinch protection, motion alerts, and intelligent safety modules, with customizable power/color schemes to meet specialized engineering needs.
With a global network for genuine parts supply, Holdwell refurbishes and sells second-hand aerial work platforms from international brands such as JLG, Genie, and Dingli, ensuring performance meets standards through over 200 tests. The flexible supply system of “new machines + used machines” reduces total ownership costs for customers, offering a broader selection range.
5. RUNSHARE(China)
RUNSHARE Heavy Industry, based in Yueyang, Hunan—China’s hub for construction machinery—has emerged as a core technology innovator in the aerial work platform sector. With the milestone achievement of producing China’s first domestically made 30–40 meter aerial work platform and holding over 20 national patents, RUNSHARE has established itself as a technological benchmark in the industry.
RUNSHARE scissor lifts precisely cover working heights ranging from 6 to 45 meters. Its electric scissor lifts utilize ultra-quiet battery power, making them ideal for environments like hotels and warehouses. Featuring an ultra-narrow 760 mm chassis that fits through doorways when folded, they also incorporate a unique rotating chassis tray design that improves maintenance efficiency by 50%. Dual-sided extendable platforms further enlarge the working area. The diesel rough-terrain scissor lifts employ four-wheel drive and active oscillating axle technology to conquer slopes of up to 45%, while hydraulic outriggers stabilize operations on uneven ground. A slide-out engine tray ensures fast and convenient maintenance access.
RUNSHARE products are characterized by their “heavy-load performance + extreme spatial adaptability,” delivering highly reliable vertical access solutions for power stations, shipyards, and large-scale national infrastructure projects.
6. Skyjack(Canada)
Founded in 1985, Skyjack is a professional aerial work platform brand under Canada’s industrial giant Linamar Corporation. With over 30 years of technical expertise and more than 250,000 units produced (including the all-time best-selling SJIII 3219 scissor lift), Skyjack’s products have become the top choice for rental companies and construction sites, known for their “simple, durable design and easy maintenance.”
Skyjack’s core scissor lift product lines address two major operational challenges. The Micro Series is specifically designed for work in confined spaces, with a lightweight chassis that fits into passenger elevators and foldable guardrails that easily pass through standard doorways. Its leak containment tray design simplifies maintenance, while the AC drive motor ensures low-energy, all-day operation. The Rough-Terrain Scissor Series features a four-wheel-drive system that tackles mud, slopes, and other challenging terrains. Equipped with steel motor impact guards and a 6.8-meter extendable platform, it balances rugged outdoor durability with high team productivity. All models come standard with Skyjack’s exclusive SKYCODED™ color-coded wiring system, which significantly enhances troubleshooting efficiency and reduces downtime.
7. Snorkel(USA)
Founded in 1959 by Art Moore, Snorkel revolutionized firefighting with the Snorkel No. 1, an articulating boom that allowed firefighters to combat flames from heights up to 85 ft. (25.9m). This pioneering spirit established Snorkel as a leader in aerial access solutions, setting industry benchmarks for safety and performance in fire and rescue operations.
Snorkel scissor lift product lines are also reliable. Designed with heavy-duty steel and over-engineered components, Snorkel scissor lifts deliver exceptional durability and high-reaching performance at a competitive cost of ownership. Their compact dimensions ensure maneuverability in confined spaces, allowing them to fit through standard doorways, while optional bi-energy systems enhance efficiency on select models.
Snorkel’s scissor lift range caters to diverse needs, offering models for low-level access, rough terrain, and electric operation. With maximum working heights spanning 12 ft. 6 in. (4.0m) to 45 ft. (13.9m) and platform capacities from 500 lbs. (227kg) to 1,500 lbs. (680kg), Snorkel provides reliable solutions for construction, maintenance, and industrial tasks.
8. MEC(Canada)
Founded in 1976, MEC has spent the past 45 years driving continuous innovation in the aerial work platform industry with its mission of delivering “Better Solutions.” As the pioneer of the Leak Containment System (LCS®), MEC has also earned over 20 industry safety innovation awards with groundbreaking products like the world’s first full-height drive scissor lift, the 3232SE.
MEC offers a diverse range of compact slab scissor lifts, featuring the industry’s lowest platform heights—starting as low as 10 feet. These lifts are fully electric and equipped with the innovative Xtra-Deck® technology. Their lightweight design makes them ideal for use on sensitive flooring and in cold environments.
The rough-terrain scissor lift product line features oscillating front axles that enhance adaptability on uneven surfaces while maintaining stability. Factory-designed and authorized sheet material trays allow for safe material handling outside the platform. These machines are direct electric drive, delivering energy efficiency and high torque performance, with a 40% gradeability and extended work cycles between charges. The Ultra Deck models are equipped with dual slide-out extensions and large material loading entrances, ensuring outstanding performance even on the most demanding job sites.
9. Hy-Brid Lifts(USA)
Hy-Brid Lifts is a lift brand under Custom Equipment, LLC, with its first lift designed and manufactured in 2004. In 2023, ASKO Holdings acquired Custom Equipment, LLC, expanding the product lineup. Starting in 2025, Hy-Brid Lifts has officially been rebranded as AXCS, continuing its production and sales operations.
AXCS scissor lifts are available in four series. The Push-Around Series offers a 16-foot lightweight solution with a 530-pound load capacity and compact body, ensuring safety and maneuverability for multi-floor renovation projects. The Pro Series is a 25-foot high-efficiency model with an 800-pound load capacity and LeakGuard™ leak containment technology, enabling zero downtime for warehouse rack maintenance. The Zero Turn Series is a 22-foot ultra-maneuverable model featuring a zero-turn radius steering system, effectively navigating narrow exhibition hall aisles. The EL Series represents the industry’s top-tier height at 51 feet, with a heavy-duty 992-pound load capacity, providing comprehensive coverage for large-scale factory construction projects.
10. Manitou(France)
Manitou is the flagship brand of the Manitou group. Manitou’s SE 1932 and SE 2632 are compact electric scissor lifts designed for safe, quiet, and emission-free operation in confined indoor or outdoor areas on stable ground. With platform heights of 19 ft. and 26 ft. respectively, and a narrow 32-inch frame, they are ideal for industrial maintenance and finishing tasks.
Key safety features include non-slip steps, wide handles for three-point support, anti-rollover bars, and sensor-equipped swivel bins. Fold-down guardrails allow passage through 80-inch doorways, while a guided platform extension enhances workspace flexibility. Side and rear fork pockets ensure easy transport, making these lifts a practical choice for tight job sites.
11. Aichi(Japanese)
Founded in 1962 as Aichi Sharyo Co., Ltd., the company quickly gained a global reputation for high-quality derricks and aerial work platforms through the 1960s and 1970s. The AICHI E-Series Scissor Lifts are versatile electric lifts designed for facility maintenance, construction, plumbing, painting, and more. With working heights ranging from 25 to 38 feet, they feature a compact design that fits through standard doorways.
Key highlights include a 24V AC drive system, zero-degree turning radius, and a roll-out platform extension deck that adds up to 50 inches of reach. Engineered for durability and ease of use, they offer enhanced safety with anti-rollback functions, pothole protection, and speed reduction when elevated. The smallest model (1932E) can navigate tight indoor spaces, while larger models offer fold-down guardrails and modular controls for added flexibility.
12. Zoomlion(China)
Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading global provider of construction machinery and lifting equipment. They emphasize cutting-edge technology, intelligent connectivity, and durable products with environmental friendliness. Zoomlion has developed a broad portfolio of aerial work platforms, including electric scissor lifts powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Zoomlion’s scissor lift lineup is highlighted by the DC Series (including lithium-powered DC-Li models) and the heavy-duty HD Series. The DC Series features efficient 24V electric direct drive systems, long-life lithium-ion batteries with a 5-year warranty, cold-weather performance down to -20°C, and advanced safety features such as pothole protection, autobrake, and emergency descent systems. Connectivity options include an integrated Battery Management System (BMS) and optional remote monitoring through the AWM system. The HD Series is built for rugged job sites with hydraulic-driven platforms up to 14 meters and robust design for tough environments.
Both series offer high platform capacities (up to 680kg), modular designs with swing-out trays for easy maintenance, and intelligent controls, making Zoomlion scissor lifts reliable and efficient for indoor, outdoor, and heavy-duty applications.
Conclusion
The scissor lift industry thrives on innovation, with leading manufacturers continually refining their offerings to enhance safety, versatility, and efficiency. These top 12 companies have set themselves apart through their commitment to quality, technological advancement, and customer-focused solutions. Whether it’s navigating tight indoor spaces or tackling demanding outdoor projects, their diverse range of scissor lifts ensures that professionals worldwide have the tools they need to work smarter and safer. As the industry evolves, these manufacturers will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of elevated work, driving progress in global construction and industrial sectors.
