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Lift tables - essential information


About Lift Tables
A lift table is a piece of equipment that is used for material handling on site. It is mainly meant for static handling but there are also mobile versions.

A lift table solves fixed and mobile level differences in material flow systems. It can also be a component in assembly lines and in automated production processes in all types of industry. Lift tables are often used in production systems to provide an ergonomic safe working environment. The Hymo Lift tables are manufactured in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive, 98/37/EC, and according the latest CEN-standards.

Function and use 
The main function for a lift table is to overcome differences in levels in material handling, logistics or production systems.  Another function of a lift table is the correct ergonomic positioning of goods and products. This contributes to a better flow of the goods and improved productivity.  The correct ergonomic working position relieves the strain and fatigue on the operator and creates a safer working environment. Lift tables can handle many different types of goods which are usually but not always a uniformly distributed stationary load. Lift tables mainly handle uniformly distributed stationary loads, most types of goods and load carriers. Extended platforms, side /point loads and horizontal load pressure would not occur. The stated lifting capacity is valid for the stated and agreed use of the unit under the agreed working conditions. The permissible load distribution is according following figures stated.

System and functional design
Lift tables are used as components in material handling lines, as equipment on site, a standalone unit and also in production-related systems. Lift tables are mainly static units but mobile units are also available. Lift tables can be used as elevator or vertical transporter or handling units for loading bays applications.

Design
The lift platform, scissors package and base frame are manufactured from steel, the hydraulic unit and a drive unit which generate the lifting movement are made from other materials. Lift tables must be CE-marked and manufactured in accordance with lift table standard EN1570. The lifting movement is generated when the scissors package is closed and is opened by the action of the cylinders in the hydraulic unit, and the lowering movement when the oil in the cylinder is returned to the tank and the scissors package closes.

 1.PLATFORM - here the goods are placed

2. SCISSOR MECHANISM - Carry the load and generate the lift

3. HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT - Drive unit for the movement

4. BASE FRAME - Foundation for other equipment

Screw lift tables have a mechanically activated scissors package. The hydraulic cylinders are replaced by a screw, which generates lifting and lowering movement through the scissors package. This type of scissor lift is used when precision and exact level stability are required.

Lifting platform
The lift table features a standard safety frame fitted to the underside of the platform. If the safety frame is triggered when the lift is travelling down it stops the lift. This prevents trapping and crushing injuries. The lifting platform can also be customised to suit individual usage. (See “Options / Equipment”.)  There is a given relation between platform length and lifting height, the longer the platform the higher the stroke (lifting height) of the scissor package. This can be overcome by using a double scissor package (one on top of the other) where a standard platform length is required with a high stroke. Where a long platform length is required with a short stroke a tandem scissor package (two short sides placed end to end) can be used.  

Scissors package
The scissors package consists of two parallel pairs of scissors. The scissors package carries the load and is placed between the lifting platform and the base frame. It can be designed to suit various lifting heights, lifting height sequences and load capacities. The scissor package can be equipped with safety equipment such as mesh guarding or bellows guarding. (See “Options /Equipment”.)

Base frame
The base frame is the foundation of the lift table and distributes the total pressure against the floor. There are different types of base frames. At frequent use the base frame can be equipped with replaceable wear strips for the wheels in the scissors package. During horizontal movement of goods, during driving or demand of higher roll over load in the bottom position, the base frame will be reinforced.

Hydraulic equipment /Drive unit
The hydraulic equipment/drive unit can be designed for a particular duty cycle, need, weight of load, lifting speed, lifting movement sequence, level of automatization, demand of supervision and environmental demand. The same conditions are valid for the design of screw lifting tables.

Options / Equipment
Here we show examples of options / equipment: 

 - Fork entry base frame facilitates easy transport of the table without load, using a pallet truck. 
 - Mobile base with handle makes it easier to move the table between different locations. 
  - Turntable increases accessibility. 
 - Tilting equipment for long side tilting facilitates loading and unloading. 
 - Ramp facilitates positioning of load on the lift table with pallet truck handling. This option is used when a pit cannot be constructed. 
 - Loading flap bridges the gap between lift table and vehicle. 
 - Safety flap provides roll off protection of wheelborne goods. 
 - Roller conveyor makes the load moveable on and off the lift table. The roll off guard is included. 
 - Folding bellows guard prevents smaller objects from getting under the lift table and also acts as protection for the operator. 
 - Guard rails or gates prevent goods from falling off the platform. 


Check list for choice and purchase of lift tables
When purchasing a lift table as unit in a material handling flow system, a separate unit or production systems there are some factors to consider. It is a good idea to make a check list to ensure that nothing important will be forgotten. A check list can contain the following points:
 

* Have alternative solutions been examined?
* Have current safety matters been observed?
* Have ergonomic and environmental demands been considered?
* Can the equipment be used for alternative handling?
* Can the equipment be reused in other layout of handling?
* Can manual operation (lift trolley) replace the motor drive?

Lift tables – development
A lift table is a piece of equipment which can be a part in material handling and logistics systems, and also be a separate unit in different production systems for bridging level differences. As vertical transporter and elevator, the lift table can be replaced by other equipment. For other ranges of use there is no alternative equipment available. Lift tables are continuously developed to improve the design, versatility of usage and safety features. The goal is that the lift table becomes a great part in an always increasing better production economy and production environment.

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