Lift table
From wikiMHEDA
A lift table is an ergonomic device utilized to raise, lower or tilt workloads such as pallets and containers. A lift table is a scissor lift device used to raise, lower, stack, convey and/or transfer material between two or more elevations and not limited to landings. Such movement enables the worker to access the load at an acceptable level so as to not exert undue physical strain while working with the item(s).[1]
In addition to being an ergonomic device for the benefit of the worker interfacing directly with the material on the lift, a lift table is also used in many systems and applications where workers do not interface the material on the lift; the lift is used (as only implied above) to help convey or transfer material from one elevation to another as part of an overall process improvement (as opposed to a strictly ergonomic improvement). [2]
The most common type of lift table is a hydraulically operated scissors lift. Hydraulic lift tables can be powered by a manually operated pump, electric, or air motor powered hydraulic pump. Other means of operation include air bag tables, which are generally not desirable due to the compressibility of air giving the lift a "spongy" feel where the raised height can change as load is added or removed. Another style is electro-mechanically operated lift tables where a ball or lead screw driven actuator is used instead of hydraulic cylinders. These styles of tables can be cost-prohibitive, however they are useful in areas where hydraulic equipment is not permitted.
Other types of lift tables include post lift tables that use vertical tubes instead of scissors to carry the load. Post lift tables have a much higher lowered height than traditional scissors lift tables. Double scissors lift tables consist of one lift on top of the other and provide much greater vertical travel with a smaller platform because the amount of travel a scissors lift can have is directly related to the length of the scissors. Tandem scissors lift tables consist of two or more tables installed end-to-end to provide a much larger platform size.[3]
Other Types of Lifts
Other types of lifts include:
- Aerial lift
- Articulated boom lift
- Boom lift
- Bucket loader
- Cantilever vertical reciprocating conveyor
- Dock lift
- Industrial scissor lift
- Lift cart
- Scissor lift
- Telescopic boom lift
- Vertical reciprocating conveyor
Benefits of Lift Tables
- Increased productivity and efficiencies by bringing the level of the top of load closer to the person doing the work.
- Loading and unloading times can be greatly reduced.
- Reduction in potential work injuries by eliminating workers need to bend up and down by bringing the work load to their level.
- Reduced product damage.[4]
References
- http://www.mhia.org/learning/glossary
- Michael Adel, Autoquip
- Air Technical Products, Hydraulic Scissor Lift Tables
- DACO Corp
