Alternatives to the lift table

• 1. Advantages of lift tables
  • 1.1 Economic & low-maintenance
  • 1.2 Easy operation
  • 1.3 Flexibility in load handling
  • 1.4 Simple function extensions
• 2. Disadvantages of lift tables
  • 2.1 Limited agility
  • 2.2 Limited flexibility with pit installation
• 3. Alternatives to the lift table
  • 3.1 Hand pallet trucks
  • 3.2 Cranes
  • 3.3 Forklifts
  • 3.4 Storage and retrieval machines
• 4. Conclusion

To make an informed decision for or against a lifting device, you need to know and weigh the pros and cons of a potential investment. Depending on the application area, an alternative machine might be better suited to handle a task than a conventional lift table. In this article, we will compare the lift table with four alternatives.

In manufacturing and commercial enterprises, you are most likely to encounter hand pallet trucks, forklifts, cranes, lift tables and storage and retrieval machines. For this reason, we have selected these five machines for comparison.

First, we will focus on general arguments for and against a scissor lift table. Following that, we will provide a brief comparison with the alternatives.

If the operating conditions for the lift table are not too specific, it has a relatively simple design. In the simplest case, it consists of a platform, a scissor mechanism and a base frame. Limiting it to essential and common components has several advantages. Thus, hydraulic lift tables are generally considered to be economical and low-maintenance lifting devices.

A standard lift table with basic equipment can only lift and lower. Accordingly, its operation is straightforward. Even if its functionality is expanded with a rotating and/or tilting platform, the risk of operator error remains low, as the control elements are usually intuitively understood. The minimal time required for training can be cited as another advantage of its simple operation.

For complicated processes, the controls can usually be (partially) automated to minimize the risk of operator errors and further streamline the material handling process.

Most lift table manufacturers use modular systems when constructing scissor lift platforms. Often, only the lift table platform is customized to meet customer requirements. As a result, virtually any desired platform geometry and load-handling device can be realized. An example is the work lift table, which often incorporates roller conveyors.

Additionally, the load-bearing structure can be easily reinforced, allowing heavy loads to be lifted without any issues. An example of this is special lift tables capable of lifting up to 100 tons.

The functionality of a simple lifting platform can be easily expanded with an additional rotating and tilting platform. Besides these attachments, mobile lift tables on rails or wheels are also part of almost every manufacturer's standard program.

Furthermore, some producers have extensive experience in the field of special lift tables. These providers can meet almost all customer wishes and requirements.

Equipping the lift table with a chassis makes the platform a mobile and versatile helper. However, no lift table currently on the market possesses the agility of a forklift.

If you want to load the lift table with a hand pallet truck, you must ensure the platform is accessible. This can be achieved through a special platform geometry, a pit or a drive-on ramp.

If a low-profile lift table cannot be used due to local conditions, the possibility of ensuring accessibility through special platform geometry is unfortunately eliminated. The remaining solutions are a pit and a drive-on ramp.

Pits have the disadvantage that relocating the lift table later requires significant effort: the old pit must be removed and a new pit must be created. An in-ground lift table thus reduces flexibility during restructuring processes.

An alternative to a pit are drive-on ramps. These are often used with column lifts. However, drive-on ramps can take up valuable space.

Hand pallet trucks can be found in almost every production facility. They are affordable, flexible and therefore indispensable in manufacturing and material handling.

However, their usability is limited to light to medium loads that can be accommodated on an Euro pallet. The actual weight that can be transported and the speed at which it can be moved also depend on the physical condition of the operator. Furthermore, a good floor surface is necessary for smooth operation. Significant height differences are usually not surmountable with a hand pallet truck, making a stationary lift table a useful addition.

Overhead and gantry cranes are characterized by easy positioning and high travel speed. They can also handle heavy loads.

The use of a crane is locally restricted. They always require rails or a comparable guide, especially for heavier loads. Relocating the crane is only possible with significant effort. Additionally, the acquisition costs are relatively high.

Forklifts have a higher travel speed compared to lift tables. Accordingly, valuable work time can be saved over long distances. Additionally, forklifts offer high flexibility: They can be used wherever they are needed. Furthermore, the functionality of the forklift can be easily extended with special attachments.

However, this comes with relatively high acquisition costs and significant maintenance expenses. Compared to the space requirements of the lifting device, forklifts have a relatively low load capacity. The maximum possible payload is also lower compared to a lift table. This is due to the arrangement of the load-bearing structure. Since this cannot be placed under the load, the forklift must have a correspondingly high weight to counteract the risk of tipping.

For inexperienced drivers, the working area of the forklift is not always easy to oversee, leading to frequent collisions with gates and walls with the load or the vehicle.

Storage and retrieval machines are characterized by very high travel speeds. Additionally, their capabilities for acceleration and deceleration are maximized, allowing for very fast and efficient warehouse turnover.

However, for a typical manufacturing operation, the use of a storage and retrieval machine is usually not profitable. The acquisition and maintenance costs are only justifiable with a very high turnover rate, making them often suitable only for large-scale manufacturers or trading companies. Furthermore, standard storage and retrieval machines are designed only for small and light loads. Therefore, they cannot be used for bulky and heavy items.

After these brief comparisons, we now turn to the question of which machine should be invested in. The clear choice is ... no particular lifting device.

As always, there is no such thing as the perfect all-in-one solution. Each material handling device has its strengths and weaknesses as well as its specific application area. Therefore, the responsibility for choosing the right machine lies with the decision-maker or their advisors.