The question "How much does a lift table cost?" cannot be answered universally, as the price of a scissor lift table depends on its size, load capacity and features. Additionally, other influencing factors play a role and should be considered during the selection process.
To give you an idea of the costs, we provide an overview using the example of a classic dock lift table. With this model, we illustrate typical price ranges and explain the most important influencing factors.
Cost factors in the lifecycle of a lift table
Throughout the lifecycle of a lift table, costs arise — from procurement to disposal. For a dock lift table, acquisition costs account for the largest share, as ongoing costs are relatively low due to the infrequent lifting operations.
For other types of lift tables, such as high performance lift tables, this ratio may change. Due to significantly higher lifting frequencies over the entire operational lifespan, the ongoing costs increase accordingly.
Acquisition costs
The acquisition costs include not only the price of the scissor lift table itself but also the expenses for structural requirements necessary for its use.
Additional costs may include:
- Creating a pit, if the lift table is to be installed flush with the floor.
- Constructing walls or partitions, if needed.
- Installing a power connection, if one is not yet available.
- Installation costs, especially if the setup is carried out by external professionals rather than in-house personnel.
These factors should be incorporated into the budget planning early on to avoid unexpected expenses.
Operating costs
In daily use, most scissor lift tables are relatively frugal. For hydraulic lift tables, the majority of energy consumption occurs during the lifting process, as only a valve is typically activated during the lowering process.
In addition to energy costs, regular maintenance and repair expenses should also be accounted for. These include also costs for wear-and-tear parts that need to be replaced over time during usage.
Disposal costs
Even the most durable product eventually reaches the end of its service life. Therefore, disposal costs should not be overlooked when making an investment decision.
These costs primarily include the effort required for:
- Dismantling,
- cleaning
- and transporting the used scissor lift table.
Whether additional disposal costs are incurred, and how much they amount to, depends on factors such as the condition of the lift table, the operating fluids it contains and its potential scrap value.
Cost example: Dock lift table
Now, let’s bring the theoretical concepts to life with specific values. As an example, we’ll consider a typical dock lift table with the following configuration:
- Technical specifications:
- Load capacity: 2,000 kg
- Platform dimensions: 2,000 x 2,500 mm
- Effective stroke: 1,400 mm
- Features:
- Loading flaps on one narrow side
- Platform railings on both long sides
- Portal as fall protection on one narrow side
- Welded wire mesh as underrun protection on three platform sides
- Hot-dip galvanized platform, structures and subframe
- Acoustic warning signal during lifting and lowering operations
- IP65 protection class
- Electric locking valves directly at the cylinders
- Installation context and purpose:
- The scissor lift table is positioned in front of a smooth, vertical loading ramp.
- It is used for loading and unloading vehicles.
In the following sections, we will analyze the individual cost factors associated with the purchase and use of the dock lift table.
Acquisition costs
Please note that this is a fictional calculation for illustrative purposes.
- Cost of the dock lift table with the above configuration: €10,860 (net)
As the loading ramp is already in place, no additional expenses are incurred for it. - Construction of the pit by a construction company: €2,750 (net)
- Installation of a 16-A CEE socket: €175 (net)
This is professionally installed by an electrician. - Assembly of the lift table: €1,865 (net)
The installation is carried out by employees of Janzen Lifttechnik GmbH. The forklift required for the installation is provided by the customer.
Thus, the acquisition costs for the dock lift table amount to €15,650 (net).
Operating costs
As we exclusively produce hydraulic lift tables and goods lifts, the example here also involves an electro-hydraulic lift table. The energy costs primarily arise during the lifting process. The electric drive power of our lift table is 3 kW, and a single lift operation takes 28 seconds. Based on an estimated 200 working days per year with an average of 20 lift operations per day, the annual energy costs can be calculated as follows:
In addition to energy costs, maintenance and repair expenses also apply. The first comprehensive maintenance of our lift tables is scheduled either after one year or after 50,000 lifting cycles (you can find more information on this topic in our article Maintenance work on the scissor lift table).
For our example calculation, we assume annual maintenance. The estimated maintenance and repair costs are €635 (excluding VAT) per year and include travel costs, labour time on site and the replacement of wear parts.
Disposal costs
As with machine tools, lift tables also eventually reach the end of their service life and need to be replaced. For this reason, disposal costs should be considered as part of the investment decision — even if these costs arise only after 10, 20 or even 30 years.
For the dismantling, cleaning and proper disposal of the dock lift table in our example, we estimate costs of €1,595 (excluding VAT).
Conclusion
Let’s now consider the total costs for the dock lift table. To account for rising price levels during its service life, we assume an annual inflation rate of 2% for operating and disposal costs. For our example calculation, we assume a period of 15 years. This is based on the depreciation period specified in the Depreciation Table for General Fixed Assets published by the German Federal Ministry of Finance. The actual technical service life of a lift table may differ from this.
Cost overview:
- Acquisition costs: €15,650 (net; including construction measures and installation)
- Total operating costs: €10,399.83 (net with annual external maintenance; including 2% inflation)
- Total disposal costs: €2,104.57 (net; including 2% inflation)
Result:
Under the assumed conditions, the dock lift table in our example has a total cost of €1,876.96 per year, or approximately €0.47 per lifting cycle, based on 20 lifting cycles per day over 200 working days per year.
This example shows that ongoing costs and eventual disposal should be considered alongside the initial purchase price. The cost-effectiveness of a lift table in a specific application depends particularly on its design, frequency of use and actual operating conditions.
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