Lifting apparatus comprises a base, a platform disposed above the base, a thrust mechanism therebetween to lift the platform with respect to the base, and a platform stabilizer assembly enclosed within the thrust device to connect the platform and base in a fixed relationship with respect to each other. The platform stabilizer assembly comprises an upper extensible, scissors linkage mechanism having upper end portions connected to the platform and a lower extensible, scissors linkage mechanism having lower end portions connected to the base. The lower end portions of the upper extensible, scissors linkage mechanism are pivotally connected to upper end portions of the lower extensible, scissors linkage mechanism so that the scissors linkage mechanisms are constrained to move in unison. Guides located on the base and platform outside and adjacent the platform stabilizer assembly constrains movement of the stabilizer linkages within the thrust mechanism.