The first question about a tandem lift table should actually always be: Why not a single scissor? Doesn't the second scissor package just make the lift table more expensive? Moreover, there must also be an even load distribution, right?
Many questions, which we would like to clarify using this tandem lift table:
Why isn't a single scissor lift being used in this case?
In personal discussions with our sales team, one of the first questions is always about the desired platform dimensions. It can happen that we recommend platforms with slightly differing or longer dimensions. The reason? Often, by choosing a slightly longer platform instead of a double scissor lift table, we can use a single scissor lift table. Since the cost is significantly influenced by the scissor package, a larger lift table can even represent a more cost-effective solution.
For the required effective stroke, a relatively short scissor would actually suffice (see also our article: ‘How high can a lift table raise?’). However, the short scissor would only support a small area of the platform; the overhangs would simply be too large, making the lift table too unstable. Therefore, the platform length necessitates a longer scissor. Due to the resulting lever arm ratios, we could not use our second smallest series, but would have to resort to our fourth series - a jump associated with higher costs.
Therefore, in this case, using two smaller scissors is more cost-effective than choosing a single, larger scissor.
How is synchronization achieved on this tandem lift table?
Since hydraulic systems tend to choose the path of least resistance, when unevenly loaded, the less burdened scissor of a tandem lift table often lifts first. The consequence? A jerky and uneven lifting motion.
To solve this problem, we use a static flow divider on unevenly loaded tandem lift tables. This ensures that, regardless of the load distribution, the same amount of hydraulic oil is always delivered to the cylinders, which guarantees synchronized and smooth lifting. Thus, we achieve synchronization without having to resort to complex control technology.
Custom adaptations for our tandem lift table project
The paintwork
As the saying used to go: “The customer can have any color, as long as it’s black.” Those days are long gone. We fulfill any color request from our customers, as long as it is within the RAL color chart and is not a fluorescent color.
Terminal strip instead of control unit
Less obvious is that this lift table was delivered without its own intelligence. Although it is equipped with all necessary sensors and actuators, the control is carried out via the superior plant control system of our customer. A terminal strip serves as the interface.
Weld-on plates
The platform of the lift table is equipped with ten weld-on plates, to which the customer’s powered roller conveyor was attached.
Delivery to Belgium
The tandem lift table was delivered to our Belgian neighbors - more precisely, to the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium. Accordingly, the documentation and signage were provided in Flemish.
