Diesel Scissor Lift Financing

A diesel scissor doesn't need a charged battery or an extension cord. It runs as long as there's fuel in the tank and the engine turns over, which is why outdoor construction crews spec diesel when the job moves around a site, when the shifts run long, or when the nearest electrical outlet is a hundred yards away. The machine earns on grade, in mud, and in cold weather where a slab electric sits grounded. We fund diesel scissors because they're working tools on working job sites, and a deal that closes fast means the machine is on the job when the crew needs it.

Diesel scissors are rough-terrain machines. They run pneumatic or foam-filled tires on four-wheel-drive chassis with oscillating axles, and they handle the kind of uneven terrain that kills a slab electric's wheels. Working heights run from about 26 feet on smaller dual-fuel machines up to 40-plus feet on large four-wheel-drive production units. Platform capacities are generally higher than comparable electric models. We fund diesel RT scissors new or used from $50,000, statement-led review below about $400,000, closed in one to two weeks.

The major diesel scissor manufacturers use Kubota and Perkins diesel engines in their RT platforms. Kubota four-cylinder units are standard in the 26-to-32-foot class; larger Perkins diesels appear in the 40-foot class on the Genie GS-4390 RT and similar machines. These are industrial engines designed for high-hour continuous service, typically rated to 4,000 to 6,000 hours before a major rebuild is warranted with proper maintenance.

Four-wheel-drive and active oscillating axles are standard on production RT scissors. Gradeability on most 26-to-32-foot models runs about 30 to 45 percent while driving, which covers most earthwork grades and unfinished site conditions. Traction on wet soil or rebar-strewn grade varies by tire type. Foam-filled pneumatics eliminate flat risk on rebar-heavy structural sites; standard pneumatics give better traction on dry compacted material.

The 26-foot diesel scissor class, which includes the Genie GS-2669 RT and Skyjack SJ4740 in modified configurations, handles most residential and low-rise commercial outdoor work. For taller structural applications at the third and fourth floor, the 40-foot rough-terrain scissor is the right machine. The height step between 26 and 40 feet is significant and not bridged by intermediate models in most production lines.

New diesel scissors in the 26-to-32-foot class price between $55,000 and $85,000 depending on manufacturer and configuration. A single new unit in this range clears our $50,000 floor and supports a single-unit application-only deal. Two or more units is a fleet deal, which we close under one approval off the bank statements for the whole order.

Used diesel scissors require a bit more attention than used electric models because the drivetrain and engine condition determine the machine's remaining useful life in ways that a battery-driven machine doesn't have. We look at engine hours, service records, tire condition, and hydraulic system history. A well-maintained Genie RT with 1,500 hours and documented service is a solid used unit. One with 3,500 hours and unknown service history needs more scrutiny. We underwrite used diesel machines on their merits and will tell you upfront if the deal needs additional documentation.

For the used scissor lift market broadly, diesel RT models hold value better than electric models of similar age because diesel drivetrain repair is more predictable and the rough-terrain chassis doesn't have the battery degradation issue that affects electric residuals. A well-maintained used diesel scissor from a reputable fleet source is a good financing candidate.

Can I use a diesel scissor lift indoors?

Diesel scissors should not be used indoors in occupied buildings or enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation due to exhaust emissions. Some diesel RT scissors can be used in large open-air structures or partially-enclosed spaces with proper air movement. For indoor use, the electric slab scissor is the right machine.

Does the Tier 4 Final emission standard affect which used diesel scissors I can finance?

Tier 4 Final diesel engines are the current EPA standard for off-road diesel equipment. Pre-Tier 4 (Tier 3 and older) machines are still legal to operate in most markets but can't be registered as new in California and some other states. We finance pre-Tier 4 used machines in markets where they're legal to operate; just be aware of local emissions rules for your job site.

My diesel scissor has 2,800 hours on it. Can I refinance it to pull cash out?

It depends on the machine's current market value at 2,800 hours and what's owed on it. A Genie or Skyjack RT at 2,800 hours with good maintenance history still has real market value. If the value exceeds the payoff, a cash-out refinance is possible. Send us the details and we'll tell you what the numbers look like.

Is foam-filled or pneumatic tires better for financing purposes?

Tire type doesn't affect financing. It affects operation. Foam-fill eliminates flat risk on rebar-heavy sites; pneumatics give better gradeability and traction on dry soil. Some operators buy pneumatic and have them foam-filled before the machine goes on a structural steel site.

I have B credit and need two diesel scissors for a six-month commercial project. What's the process?

B credit is something we work with regularly. Two diesel scissors at $55,000 to $85,000 each puts you costing on the order of $110k to $170k, which is well within application-only territory. Send three months of bank statements and the completed app and we'll have terms for you fast.