Alternative to Hydraulic lifts?

[Dillon Novak]

Hello guys,

Would you know of any alternatives to a Hydraulic Lift? I think a scissor lift would be ideal, but I'm feeling out any cheaper options. Essentially, I need to raise two people into the air (on the rig) and keep this frame (camera positioned at birds eye view towards the ground) without showing the lift/or whatever we would use.

http://i55.tinypic.com/4h8sn9.jpg

Thanks guys. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Michael Hardwick]

Scissor Lifts are hydraulic also.... Have you thought of using camera parallels? Much cheaper to rent... be sure to set up on level ground, and have an experienced grip assemble them. Anyway should also mention OSHA rules would require fall protection (Harnesses) for all talent and crew on any platform or lift that is above 6' off the ground.... be safe!

[Dillon Novak]

I know that a scissor lift is a type of hydraulic lift. I meant, in an ideal scenario, that's what we would get. I was just wondering if there was anything else that could replicate a move from aprox. 20FT to 8FT, with people on it.

[Richard Foster]

What about a camera crane with a grip extended platform? I'm not sure which crane it was, since I don't use big cranes that often, but I know that there are cranes that would work. Motion would be smoother, but I'm not sure about cost savings.