The websites of the various lift table manufacturers feature a large number of different lift table variants. In an estimated 90 per cent of the applications, however, only six different types of lift table are used. We would like to introduce them to you in this article.
In a previous article we already presented the bases for almost all lift tables: the scissor lift table and the column lift. In this article we would now like to discuss the most common configurations of these basic designs.
Up to twelve different types of lift tables are advertised on the websites of the different lift table manufacturers. This is to ensure that the right type of lift table is available to meet every customer requirement.
From the customer's point of view, however, this should not be an added value. Customers’ lack of experience with the subject area only makes choosing the right base more difficult.
In addition, the hectic pace of today's working world often does not allow enough time to deal intensively with all subject areas.
Lift table
The classic lift table actually does not need to be specially explained. In its simplest configuration, the lift table consists only of the base frame, the scissors and the platform and is only designed to lift and lower a load.
Despite its simple design, this all-rounder can be used for almost all applications. The different suppliers produce lifting tables with a working load limit (WLL) ranging from 500 kg to more than 40,000 kg. You can even find specially designed lift tables with a permissible payload of almost 100 tons.
The functionality of a simple hydraulic standard lift table can be increased by the various lift table accessories that are available. Nearly all manufacturers can supply rotating platforms, tilting devices and roller conveyors for the lift table. Lift table manufacturers specialising in special designs can also customise the load-handling equipment. A classic lift table can be converted into a lifting work table, mobile lift table or a loading lift table , for example.
The robust and simple design makes the classic lift table the ideal basis for other lift table types.
Flat lift table
The flat lift table or low-profile lift table is one of the most well-known types of lift tables. It is used whenever a particularly low overall height is required or desired.
The platform of the flat lift table is usually designed in a U or E shape, so that the lift can also be loaded without a ramp plate. Furthermore, the low overall height often does not require a pit. This aspect is particularly interesting when a lift platform is installed in a building at a later date, as this represents a considerable on the necessary acquisition costs.
In recent years, pallet loading stations has become its main area of application. The absence of a pit also allows conveyor lines to be retrospectively altered or reorganised, which increases the versatility of the in-house material flow. In pallet loading stations, the load is transferred by roller conveyors on the platform.
Aerial work platforms
Even people outside the industry should be familiar with an aerial work platform . It is used when people need to be lifted.
Examples of where it is used include repair, installation and inspection work at great heights. In contrast to classic work platforms, aerial work platforms can be operated from a control unit on the platform. This considerably speeds up work at great heights, as there is no need to climb up and down all the time. Furthermore, tools and material may be taken with on the work platform in most cases.
Car jacks and lifts
All lift tables that are built to lift cars are included under car jacks. However, a whole range of lift table types, which do not have much in common apart from the load, fall into this category.
Probably the best known type of car jacks can be found in auto repair shops. Column lifts are often used as the base, more rarely scissor lift tables. This type is only used to facilitate inspection, assembly and repair work on motorcars.
Some car dealerships, however, still use car jacks to present and market motorcars.
In turn, car lifts are used to move vehicles between different levels.
Some manufacturers also offer a very interesting configuration of the car jack. In these cases, the car jack is used as an underground lift garage. This makes it possible, for example, to park the vehicle underground and park another vehicle on top of it. This way, you kill two birds with one stone: the available space is used optimally and it provides more protection against theft.
Column lift
A lift mast is used in a column lift to execute the lifting movement. Its big advantage over a scissor lift table is that the platform dimensions and the effective stroke can be changed independently of each other.
Furthermore, there are almost no limits to the design of the platform geometry. For example, a U-shaped or E-shaped platform similar to that of a flat lift table would be conceivable, so that loading with pallet trucks is also possible without a pit or a ramp plate.
Goods lift
The goods lift is always used when loads need to be transported over several levels. The standard column lift is often used as the basis for the lifting structure, as it allows large effective strokes to be achieved easily.
However, the lift ordinance stipulates a number of additional safety features compared to the standard column lift. These include, for example, enclosures and sophisticated safety equipment.
In addition to the classic goods lifts, we also supply underground lifts. These are always used when loads are to be lowered underground.
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