if you work in a busy warehouse or industrial environment, you already know that heavy loads simply can’t be lifted manually. Some warehouses use forklifts but, no matter how efficient, they can be a safety risk to workers.
To improve your warehouse operations and ensure safety, it’s best to consider a lift table alongside forklifts. These types of tables offer an extra level of automation on the manufacturing line.
What’s a Lift Table?
Lift tables are a convenient and efficient solution for safely lifting and lowering heavy loads in a warehouse. They come in both mobile and stationary options and can handle loads ranging from a few pounds to several tons. Some tables, such as pneumatic ones, operate with the help of air pressure. While they still require an electrical power source, they are considered cleaner and more environmentally friendly compared to hydraulic ones.
By using such tables, you can not only streamline material handling processes but also ensure the safety of your employees. These tables are designed to protect operators from injuries and prevent them from straining or bending beyond their comfort zone. Avoiding repetitive motions helps reduce worker fatigue and lowers the risk of accidents.
Types of Lift Tables
There are various types of these tables you can find in the market nowadays. These include hydraulic, pneumatic, and scissor options. Although all of these tables have similar fundamental components, such as a lifting mechanism and a flat tabletop surface, each type operates differently.
Pneumatic
Instead of relying on hydraulic technology, a pneumatic lift table uses pneumatic cylinders as its actuators. This means that instead of using a flammable and toxic fluid, these tables can lift heavy loads by compressing air. Due to this benefit, the pneumatic option is incredibly versatile and can be used in any environment without the usual safety worries.
The best part is that these tables only need an electric generator to operate. By using a mobile, user-friendly lift table that requires minimal maintenance, your warehouse can save money on powering large equipment. Unlike the hydraulic counterparts that can potentially leak fluid and cause combustion or dangerous electric currents, these concerns are non-existent with a pneumatic platform lift table.
Manual
Manually-operated models are the simplest type and are designed for handling light loads. They’re a reliable option for ensuring worker safety and offering an ergonomic work setup. To raise the table, the operator can use a crank, ratchet, screw, or pump. The lifting mechanism can be activated either by hand or by using a foot pedal.
Hydraulic
Hydraulic lift tables come with a detailed hydraulic system that effortlessly elevates and descends the table. By pumping hydraulic fluid into a cylinder, the scissor legs of the table expand and hoist the platform. These scissor legs are connected to both ends of the platform, propelling it upwards. These are extensively utilized across various industries, making them the go-to choice for lifting needs.
Electric
Electric tables come in different versions. They can either use a battery, have an electrical cord for an outlet, or even have both a battery and an electrical cord. Safety is a top priority, so these tables come with an easy-to-use on-and-off switch that can be quickly activated or deactivated. The electrical cord serves a dual purpose of supplying power and recharging the battery.
When it comes to the motors, electric tables can have either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current motors. The choice of motor depends on the specific purpose of the table. The most commonly used motors are 12v DC and 24v AC. To make things even more convenient, some of the electric designs may have a remote control for effortless lifting and lowering.
Different Types of Lifting Mechanism
Scissor
These come with scissor-shaped arms that open and close to elevate the platform of the table. They’re powered by electricity, hydraulics, or pneumatic systems. The unique design allows them to lift heavy loads while providing a sturdy and stable platform.
There are different variations of scissor lifts based on the number of scissor arms they possess. The single scissor model is the most commonly used, with heavy-duty models capable of lifting to eight tons. On the other hand, double scissor types are designed to handle even heavier and longer loads, including multiple pallets at once.
Screw Scissor
The screw scissor option works just like the regular scissor counterparts but with a twist. Instead of using a hydraulic system, they rely on a threaded screw attached to a motor or hand crank. This screw moves in a helical motion to open and close the scissors, lifting and lowering the table accordingly.
Belt Drive
These have an electric motor that operates a set of belts. The number of belts varies depending on the table’s design and the desired weight capacity. Just like screw-driven tables, belt-driven tables use scissors as their lifting mechanism. Each belt is individually tightened and can if necessary, it can be swapped out. The great thing about belt-driven tables is their compact design and internal electric motor. They can be customized to have any size work platform, making them perfect for specific applications.
Rack and Pinion Tables
These come with a solid support that can vary in length and is only limited by the supporting structure. This type of table is built to be incredibly strong and can handle lifting extremely heavy loads. They have an electric motor with gears that turn the pinion gear, allowing for easy height adjustment, much like a car jack.
Articulated
This design uses a two-part lifting mechanism to raise and lower the work surface, powered by an electric motor. As the lower support rises, the upper support moves up as well, carrying the work surface. Articulated tables can be lowered to ground level for easy loading and are typically used for lighter loads.
Daily Spark 
Leave a comment