Australia's scissor lift market is dominated by a handful of global brands, each with a different reputation, model range, parts network and price point. Whether you're buying for your own fleet or specifying a hire unit for a project, understanding the differences between Genie, JLG, Skyjack, Haulotte, Snorkel, Dingli and MEC will save you time, money and unexpected downtime.
Genie
Genie — owned by Terex Corporation — is one of the most recognised access equipment brands in Australia. Their GS series scissor lifts cover a wide range of platform heights and deck capacities, from compact indoor slab models to large rough-terrain units. Genie machines are known for their robust build quality and wide dealer network across Australia, which means parts and service support are generally accessible even in regional areas.
The GS slab range suits commercial construction, warehouse maintenance and retail fitout work. The GS RT (rough terrain) and GS DC-powered outdoor units are common on infrastructure and civil construction sites. Genie's DC electric range has a strong reputation for reliability and ease of servicing.
JLG
JLG (John L. Grove) is an Oshkosh Corporation brand and one of the dominant names in Australian commercial construction fleets. The JLG ES series (electric slab) is a standard specification on large fitout projects and in commercial hire fleets nationally, favoured for its controls layout and serviceability.
JLG offers a broad scissor lift range from compact 19-foot units through to heavy-duty 46-foot rough terrain platforms. Their service network in Australia is well established through authorised dealers in every major state, and OEM parts availability is generally strong. JLG machines often appear in large hire fleet tenders because of their consistent build quality and predictable maintenance schedules.
Skyjack
Skyjack (a Linamar company based in Canada) built its reputation on simplicity. Their SJIII series electric scissor lifts are intentionally straightforward: fewer electronic components, simpler hydraulic circuits, and design choices that prioritise field serviceability over feature density. The result is a machine that Australian hire operators rate highly for low downtime and easy fault diagnosis.
Skyjack's Australian footprint is concentrated in hire fleets — particularly mid-size commercial hire companies — where the lower maintenance complexity translates directly to higher utilisation rates. Their rough terrain SRT series covers outdoor construction applications. Skyjack does not carry the widest model range, but the models they do offer are consistently well-regarded.
Haulotte
Haulotte is a French manufacturer with a growing Australian presence. Their Compact series covers the electric indoor scissor lift segment, while the Star series covers rough terrain applications. Haulotte machines are competitive on price in the new-equipment market and are increasingly common in hire fleets on the east coast.
Australian parts and service support for Haulotte has improved significantly in recent years through dedicated distributor networks. For buyers considering new equipment, Haulotte offers a strong feature set at a competitive capital cost — though resale values and aftermarket parts availability should be weighed against the better-established brands.
Snorkel
Snorkel is a global access equipment brand with a solid Australian hire market presence. Their electric scissor lift range covers the standard commercial heights used across Australian construction and maintenance projects. Snorkel machines are positioned competitively on price and are a regular choice for hire fleets looking to expand capacity without premium brand capital outlay.
Service support in Australia is available through national distributor networks. For buyers prioritising capital cost over brand prestige, Snorkel offers reliable machines with acceptable parts availability in major markets.
Dingli
Dingli is a Chinese manufacturer that has gained a significant foothold in the Australian scissor lift market through competitive pricing on new equipment. Their electric scissor lift range covers the most common commercial height classes and is widely available through Australian equipment distributors.
The trade-off with Dingli equipment, as with most Chinese-manufactured access equipment, is in the depth of the local service network, OEM parts availability over the machine's full service life, and resale value compared to established Western brands. For buyers prioritising low entry cost on a machine that will be used intensively and retired relatively quickly, Dingli can represent good value. For long-service fleet investment, the parts and support infrastructure of established brands carries more weight.
MEC
MEC (Manitowoc Equipment Company — not to be confused with Manitowoc Cranes) is a Canadian manufacturer with a growing Australian hire market presence. Their electric scissor lift range has been gaining traction with mid-size hire operators who want an alternative to the dominant Genie/JLG/Skyjack offerings.
MEC machines are generally well-regarded for build quality and are competitively priced on the new equipment market. Australian parts and service networks are still developing compared to the major brands.
Which brand is right for your fleet or project?
- For long-term fleet investment and regional support: Genie, JLG or Skyjack are the safest choices — strongest parts networks, best resale values, and the most established service infrastructure across Australia.
- For low-cost entry on a commercial hire fleet: Snorkel, Haulotte or Dingli can offer competitive capital cost with acceptable support in major metro markets.
- For minimal maintenance complexity: Skyjack's reputation for field serviceability makes it a strong choice for operators who want to keep their own maintenance costs low.
- For rough terrain outdoor use: Genie GS RT, JLG rough terrain range, and Haulotte Star series are the benchmark options in Australia.
This guide is general information prepared by EWP Australia and is grounded in publicly available Australian Standards and Safe Work Australia material. It is not a substitute for the current published edition of the relevant standard or for site-specific engineering advice. Always work from the current standard and consult a competent person for your specific equipment and application.