Important Safety Notice
This article provides general information about common diesel scissor lift controls. It does not replace the operator's manual, model-specific familiarization, practical training, workplace risk assessment, or applicable local regulations.
Control layouts, symbols, starting procedures, safety systems, and operating restrictions vary by manufacturer and model. Only trained and authorized personnel should operate a diesel scissor lift.
How to Use a Diesel Scissor Lift Control Panel Safely
A diesel scissor lift normally has two control locations: a ground control panel mounted on the chassis and a platform control console used by the operator while working from the platform.
Depending on the machine, the controls may include:
- A key selector switch
- Engine start and stop controls
- Emergency-stop buttons
- Lift and drive function selectors
- A proportional joystick
- Steering controls
- Drive-speed settings
- Outrigger or leveling controls
- Warning indicators
- Fault-code displays
- A horn
- Emergency lowering controls
Although many diesel scissor lifts use similar control principles, the position and function of each switch may differ. Operators must identify the exact machine model, read the applicable operator's manual, and understand all panel symbols before use.
Understanding the Two Control Locations
Most diesel scissor lifts are equipped with both ground controls and platform controls.
Ground Control Panel
The ground control panel is usually located on the machine chassis. It allows authorized personnel to operate selected functions from ground level.
Common ground-control functions may include:
- Ground, platform, and off selection
- Engine start
- Platform raising and lowering
- Emergency stop
- Emergency lowering
- Diagnostic information
- Engine-hour display
- Warning indicators
Ground controls may be used during inspection, function testing, maintenance, or an emergency.
Except in an emergency or when specifically required by the operating procedure, ground controls should not be used to move the platform without communicating with the person in the platform.
Platform Control Console
The platform control console is used by the operator while working from the platform.
Common platform-control functions may include:
- Engine start
- Emergency stop
- Function enable
- Lift and drive selection
- Proportional joystick control
- Steering
- Horn
- Drive-speed selection
- Outrigger or leveling controls
- Warning lights
- Diagnostic display
The operator should be familiar with the direction arrows, function symbols, enable switches, and warning indicators before moving or raising the machine.
Identify the Exact Machine Before Operation
Before using the control panel, confirm:
- Machine manufacturer
- Model number
- Serial number
- Power configuration
- Control-panel version
- Applicable operator's manual
- Installed options and accessories
Do not assume that the controls shown in a video, article, or another machine's manual are identical to those on the equipment being operated.
Even two scissor lifts with similar working heights may have different:
- Starting procedures
- Joystick functions
- Steering controls
- Outrigger systems
- Warning indicators
- Diagnostic codes
- Elevated travel restrictions
- Emergency lowering procedures
Check the Control Symbols and Safety Labels
Control-panel symbols provide important information about machine functions.
Common symbols may represent:
- Engine start
- Engine stop
- Platform lift
- Platform lower
- Drive
- Steering
- Horn
- Emergency stop
- Ground control
- Platform control
- Low speed
- High speed
- Outriggers
- Automatic leveling
- Tilt warning
- Overload warning
- Engine oil pressure
- Engine coolant temperature
- Battery or charging condition
- Fuel level
If a symbol is unclear, stop and check the operator's manual. Do not test an unfamiliar switch while the platform is elevated or while personnel are close to the machine.
Complete a Pre-Operation Inspection
The equipment should be inspected before each work shift and whenever required by the operator's manual or workplace procedure.
The inspection should include:
- Fuel level
- Engine oil level
- Coolant level
- Hydraulic oil level
- Batteries and electrical connections
- Hydraulic hoses and fittings
- Tires and wheels
- Wheel fasteners
- Guardrails
- Platform floor
- Entry gate
- Scissor structure
- Pivot points
- Cylinders
- Ground controls
- Platform controls
- Emergency-stop buttons
- Emergency lowering system
- Alarms and warning indicators
- Outriggers, if equipped
- Safety decals
- Rated-capacity labels
- Visible structural damage
Look for leaks, cracks, loose parts, damaged cables, missing fasteners, worn tires, abnormal corrosion, or unauthorized modifications.
Do not operate the machine if a safety-related defect is found. Remove it from service and arrange inspection or repair by qualified personnel.
Inspect the Work Area
The work area must also be inspected before starting the machine.
Check for:
- Holes
- Drop-offs
- Slopes
- Soft ground
- Uneven surfaces
- Debris
- Overhead structures
- Electrical conductors
- Pedestrians
- Vehicles
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Narrow access areas
- Doorways
- Wind and changing weather
- Inadequate ground-bearing capacity
A diesel rough-terrain scissor lift may have greater ground clearance and traction than an indoor slab machine, but it must still be operated within the surface, slope, leveling, and stability limits stated in the operator's manual.
Do not interpret gradeability as permission to elevate the platform on a slope.
Perform the Required Function Tests
Function tests should be completed before the machine is placed into service.
The exact sequence varies by model, but the operator should normally confirm that:
- The ground emergency stop functions correctly
- The platform emergency stop functions correctly
- The engine starts and stops normally
- Ground raising and lowering controls operate correctly
- Platform raising and lowering controls operate correctly
- The function-enable control works
- The drive system responds correctly
- Steering operates in the expected direction
- The horn works
- The brakes stop and hold the machine
- The tilt warning operates as designed
- The overload system operates as designed, if equipped
- Outrigger controls and indicators operate correctly, if equipped
- Releasing the enable switch stops machine movement
- Emergency lowering functions correctly
If a function test produces an abnormal result, do not continue operating the machine.
Starting the Diesel Engine
The engine-starting sequence must follow the instructions for the specific model.
Before starting:
- Confirm that the work area is clear
- Make sure no maintenance work is being performed
- Check that emergency-stop buttons are in the required position
- Select the correct control location
- Confirm that controls are in neutral
- Verify that sufficient fuel is available
- Check warning indicators
- Ensure adequate ventilation
Some diesel engines may require a preheat or glow-plug function in cold conditions. Use this function only as instructed in the operator's manual.
Do not operate the starter continuously for an excessive period. If the engine does not start, stop and follow the troubleshooting procedure specified by the manufacturer.
Never use a diesel engine in an enclosed area without suitable ventilation and exhaust control.
Using the Key Selector Switch
A typical key selector may include three positions:
- Ground control
- Platform control
- Off
Ground Control Position
This position normally allows the machine to be operated from the chassis control panel.
It may be used for:
- Pre-operation testing
- Maintenance procedures
- Platform lowering
- Emergency assistance
- Authorized ground operation
Platform Control Position
This position normally transfers control to the platform console.
Before selecting platform control:
- Confirm that the platform operator is ready
- Check that the entry gate is closed
- Ensure the work area is clear
- Confirm that the platform controls have passed function testing
Off Position
This position normally disables normal machine operation.
When the machine is parked or unattended:
- Lower the platform completely
- Turn the selector to off
- Stop the engine
- Remove the key where required
- Prevent unauthorized operation
Understanding the Emergency-Stop Button
Most diesel scissor lifts have red emergency-stop buttons at both control locations.
Pushing an emergency-stop button normally disables machine functions associated with that control system.
Use the emergency stop when:
- Uncontrolled movement occurs
- A person is in danger
- A mechanical or hydraulic problem appears
- A collision is imminent
- The controls do not respond normally
- An unsafe condition develops
Before resetting an emergency stop:
- Identify why it was activated
- Confirm that the hazard has been controlled
- Check that no one is in danger
- Inspect the machine if a malfunction is suspected
The emergency-stop button should not be used as a substitute for the normal engine shutdown procedure unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
