• 1. What limits the lift height?
• 2. Relationship between scissor length and lift heigh
• 3 The minimum platform length
• 4. High effective stroke despite small platform dimensions
  • 4.1 Double scissor lift tables
  • 4.2 Column lifts

In this article, we examine the question: How high can a lift table lift raise?
First, we take a look at the factors that limit the effective stroke. Next, we explain the relationship between the scissor length and the lift height. Finally, we present solutions for achieving high lift heights even in limited spaces.

The maximum lift height of a scissor lift table is determined, among other factors, by the platform length and the load to be lifted.

The platform length directly influences the dimensions of the scissor mechanism:
A larger platform generally allows for a longer scissor structure, enabling a greater effective stroke. Conversely, a smaller platform requires a shorter scissor construction, which limits the lift height accordingly.

The load to be lifted also affects the lift height, as larger loads generate higher forces and moments that strain the stability of the structure. For example, as the load increases, the scissor arms, bearings and cylinders must be reinforced accordingly. This additional material requirement and the rising mechanical demands create physical and structural limits that restrict the maximum lift height.

The maximum lift height (effective stroke) of a scissor lift table is directly related to the length of the scissor arms and the angle at which the scissor mechanism is positioned. As a rule, the scissor mechanism is not positioned steeper than 45°.

Using the trigonometric function, the effective stroke can be calculated for a given scissor length:

Effective stroke = Scissor length ⋅ sin(45°)

Since sin⁡(45°) = 0.707, the formula becomes:

Effective stroke = Scissor length ⋅ 0.707

Example 1: Calculating the effective stroke for a given scissor length

For a scissor length of 1 meter, the effective stroke is calculated as follows:

Effective stroke = 1,000 mm ⋅ 0.707 = 707 mm

With a scissor length of 1 meter, a effective stroke of approximately 700 mm can be achieved.

Example 2: Calculating the scissor length for a given effective stroke

If you want to determine the scissor length required to achieve an effective stroke of 2 meters, the formula can be rearranged as follows:

Scissor length = Effective stroke / 0.707

Scissor length = 2,000 mm / 0.707 ≈ 2,830 mm

To achieve an effective stroke of 2 meters, a scissor length of at least 2,830 mm is required.

As previously mentioned, the platform length and the scissor length are interdependent. Since additional space is needed for lift table equipment and safety features, the platform must always be longer than the scissor mechanism. The platform length can be calculated as follows:

Platform length = Scissor length + Allowance

The allowance depends on the desired equipment for the lift table. For a standard lift table with foot protection safety edges and limit switches, the allowance is approximately 150 mm.

Example calculation:

For a standard lift table with an effective stroke of 2 meters (scissor length of 2,830 mm), the calculation is as follows:

Platform length = 2,830 mm + 150 mm = 2,980 mm

The platform must therefore be at least 3 meters long.

Variations in the allowance

The allowance may vary depending on the lift table’s requirements:

• If no foot safety edges are required, the allowance can be reduced by approximately 40 mm.
• Additional platform understructures, such as a PVC roller for underrun protection, require more space. This increases the allowance accordingly.

A long platform is not always practical or feasible. This can be due to various reasons:

• The available space is insufficient to install a large lift table.
• The size of the load to be lifted is so small that a long platform would be disproportionate.

For such cases, there are two possible solutions: