Scissor Lifts for Sale – New & Used in Canada

Complete Scissor Lift Buying Guide

If you’ve ever tried choosing a scissor lift, you know it’s not as simple as picking the one that goes the highest. Each model has its own strengths — from platform size and lifting capacity to how well it handles indoor or outdoor surfaces.

This buying guide was made by Zuma to simplify that process for you, cutting through the technical terms and showing what actually matters for your type of work. Think of it as your step-by-step roadmap to finding a scissor lift that works smarter, lasts longer, and fits your operations perfectly.

What Is a Scissor Lift and Who Needs One?

Scissor lifts are a type of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) designed to safely raise workers and equipment vertically. Their name comes from the mechanics of its crisscrossing metal supports, which look like a pair of scissors when they expand to lift the platform upward.

Vertical Reach for Safe Work at Height

Unlike ladders that require constant repositioning and offer limited workspace, scissor lifts offer the advantage of providing a stable and vertical elevation for both workers and their materials. The platform of scissor lifts is sturdy, which increases safety in the workplace as well.

The scissor mechanism of this aerial lift equipment extends smoothly in the vertical direction and locks firmly at the heights it’s set to lock in, giving enough confidence to operators and crews to focus on their tasks instead of constantly worrying about its stability at higher areas.

For any construction projects, it’s important to review Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Act to stay compliant, protect workers, and avoid costly fines or preventable incidents.

At Zuma, we provide all scissor lifts of your choice, including electric scissor lift models up to rough terrain scissor lift models for rugged, outdoor jobs, to give our customers flexibility to handle any work environment.

By investing in the right lift, companies not only improve safety for their team but also increase efficiency and productivity. Scissor lifts complete projects faster, with less downtime, and can handle heavier loads at height.

Used Indoors and Outdoors

The versatility of scissor lifts extends across virtually every work environment imaginable. Common factors to consider for interior scissor lifts include compactness, non-marking tires, emissions, and being electric powered to ensure they are safe and efficient to use in confined spaces without producing harmful fumes.

The most important considerations for outdoor use are their traction and durability to work effectively, especially on terrains. These lifts should be able to handle heavy-duty tasks on surfaces such as slopes, gravel, mud, and debris without breaking down. Some models even feature tracked tires that deliver exceptional stability on soft or sloped ground where wheeled units would undoubtedly struggle.

To make it easier to skim and quickly identify which scissor lift type best fits your project requirements, we’ve created a table for you below:

Trusted Scissor Lift Brands We Carry at Zuma Canada

Not all scissor lifts are created equal. There are numerous scissor lift brands available on the market, but only those from trusted manufacturers are guaranteed to last. At Zuma, we only partner with industry-leading brands renowned for their excellence in engineering, innovation, and reputation that sets the standard in the aerial lift industry across Canada.

Skyjack

Skyjack scissor lifts have gained a solid reputation for straightforward reliability and simple maintenance. This brand was founded in Canada and has been the trusted choice among Canadian contractors and scissor lift rental companies for more than a decade.

Skyjack scissor lifts are designed to have fewer complex components for faster troubleshooting and lower maintenance costs over their entire lifespan. Skyjack's advantage lies in its practical engineering on both electric and rough terrain scissor lifts. Below are the main benefits that make them stand out:

• Color-coded and numbered systems that speed up troubleshooting
• Lower long-term maintenance costs for fleet owners
• Electric models deliver industry-leading battery runtime
• Rough terrain lifts are built with robust steel frames for Canadian harsh climates
• Focus on core functionality over unnecessary complexity
• Strong resale value with their proven longevity
• Wide parts availability and service coverage across Canada

Skyjack’s simple design and long-term service life make it the most practical option for companies focused on keeping downtime low. Visit our Skyjack scissor lift inventory to explore models that are easy to maintain and are already proven in tough Canadian conditions.

JLG

JLG Industries brings over five decades of innovation to aerial work platforms. JLG scissor lifts are known for their slab and rough terrain categories. The engineering focus of this company on their scissor lifts is mainly emphasized on enhanced productivity and comfort to reduce operators’ fatigue during long shifts at elevation.

Here are more details on what sets them apart from the other brands:

• SkyPower hybrid systems for a versatile battery and diesel combination
• Higher drive speeds to boost efficiency between work areas
• Ergonomic platform controls
• Aggressive treads and reinforced chassis in Rough terrain models
• Global parts availability with strong technical support
• Long-lasting durability

If you’re drawn to scissor lifts that stand out for speed, comfort, and durability, feel free to explore our JLG scissor lifts page to learn more about their full specs.

Genie

Genie scissor lifts have earned an exceptional reputation as the electric scissor lift leader, especially for indoor use where quiet operation and zero emissions matter. They are well-known for their GS Series models, such as the GS-1930 as well as the GS-3246.

Genie scissor lifts are relied upon throughout warehouses, stores, and manufacturing facilities for their reliability, ease of use, and long service life.
While Genie offers a variety of lift types, their electric scissor lifts stand out the most for indoor use, and here’s why:

• Proven reliability and durability in warehouses, retail, and manufacturing
• Intuitive controls with their Smart Link connectivity feature
• Compact frames designed for standard doorways
• Non-marking tires to protect finished floors
• Advanced battery systems for extended runtime
• Automatic pothole protection for additional safety feature
• Wide dealer support network across Canada

Genie is hard to beat if you need an electric lift that runs quietly, handles indoor tasks with ease, and keeps floor surfaces safe. You can check out our Genie scissor lift page to compare models side by side and see which one fits your day-to-day work best.

Explore All Brands

Don’t limit your options to the ones listed above. The best scissor lift for your business might be from another top manufacturer we carry. Explore all scissor lift available at Zuma Canada, use our easy-to-navigate filters, and compare each model side by side to view the full range in one place.

Types of Scissor Lifts: Indoor vs Outdoor Use

The most important factor when choosing a scissor lift is knowing which type is suited for indoor or outdoor use. This decision is crucial as it directly impacts both performance and safety in its intended application. If you choose the wrong one, it can lead to a wasted investment, unsafe operation, inefficiency, and even potential damage to both the lift and the job site.

Electric, Slab & Indoor Scissor Lift for Tight Indoor Spaces

Electric and slab scissor lifts are designed for establishments where clean operation, safety, and precision are of importance. They are best used on smooth and finished surfaces, and are the top choice for warehouses, hospitals, schools, and retail centers.

Some of the favorite features of industries in these lifts are:

• Non-marking tires to protect polished and finished floors
• Quiet operation of below 70 decibels to minimize business disruptions
• Zero-emission battery power for safe use in enclosed areas
• Narrow chassis widths to fit standard doorways and elevators
• Tight turning radii for easy maneuverability in confined spaces
• Working heights that exceed expectations for their compact size

Browse our electric and slab scissor lift page today and explore all the equipment designed to help keep your operations efficient without disrupting the environment you work in.

Rough Terrain & 4WD Scissor Lifts for Outdoor, Uneven Job Sites

When your work takes you off paved surfaces and onto challenging and uneven ground, you will need a scissor lift that’s built to handle the toughest conditions. Rough-terrain scissor lifts are the most rugged machines with aggressive tread patterns.

They are equipped with powerful engines, reinforced tires, and a sturdy stability system to handle uneven ground. Most rough terrain models also come with four-wheel drive, which helps improve traction on mud, gravel, or even sloped terrains.

Here are a few standout features that set rough terrain scissor lifts apart:

• Oversized tires with aggressive tread for traction
• Ground clearance up to 12 inches for debris and ruts
• Four-wheel drive that handles slopes of up to 25–45%
• Diesel and dual-fuel engine options for heavy loads and longer runtime
• Reinforced steel frames built for the most challenging job sites
• Platform heights ranging from 19 to 50+ feet
• Tracked unit models for advanced stability on soft and sloped ground

Browse our rough terrain scissor lift page to find more detailed specs and power options to equip your team with machines that are built to perform in the toughest conditions.

Should You Buy or Rent a Scissor Lift?

Think carefully about how often you’ll use the equipment, your project timelines, and the budget you’ve set aside. These factors will help you weigh your options more transparently and choose the path that best supports your goals.

While Zuma Canada doesn’t offer rentals, we care about helping you see every angle before investing. Our goal is to ensure you make an informed decision with confidence, knowing you’re choosing the equipment that will truly serve your needs and requirements in the long run.

To help you weigh the differences more clearly, the table below shows a side-by-side look at the factors to consider when you decide to buy or rent a scissor lift:

To make sure your budget aligns with the model that you need for your operations, you can request a quote today. This way, you’ll see our flexible financing options that can help make your equipment ownership more accessible, without needing to pay everything up front.

Looking for a Used Scissor Lift?

Smart business owners know the value of asset ownership even when it’s pre-owned. If you’re looking to save money without compromising on quality and safety, you can check out our wide range of used scissor lifts.

Our refurbished scissor lift models undergo rigorous inspection before it is listed on our website. At Zuma, we ensure you have full transparency about the equipment you’re purchasing by providing complete inspection results upfront so you can buy with confidence, and you know the full condition of the equipment before its delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scissor Lifts

Need Expert Help Choosing a Scissor Lift?

There are several brands and models available in our scissor lift page, and having expert guidance is invaluable when purchasing one. We're here to provide personalized advice, answer your questions, and help you navigate our extensive inventory to find the perfect machine that aligns with your operational needs and budget.

Learn More About Scissor Lifts

Learning more about scissor lifts helps you work more safely, take better care of your equipment, and make smarter buying decisions as your projects grow. Feel free to read more of our resources below for expert tips, maintenance guides, and comparisons to stay ahead.