How Scissor-Lift Tables Work

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Industrial Equipment | 0 comments

A scissor-lift table refers to a mechanical lifting platform that can be raised or lowered to the desired height. It makes work processes more efficient by optimizing ergonomic techniques to level vertical distances and eliminate the need for physical lifting. Although they may look complicated, this equipment is actually simple to design and deploy. Air Technical Industries (ATI) provides a range of Zero-Low Lift Tables designed to take care of all your material handling needs while improving workers’ safety, increasing productivity, and optimizing efficiency.

How Does a Hydraulic Lift Table Work?

The hydraulic lift table is designed to raise and lower whenever hydraulic fluid is forced into and out of the hydraulic cylinders. As the fluid enters the cylinder, the cylinder strokes outwards to force the scissors’ legs apart and vice versa.  The following are the two working styles of hydraulic lift tables:

Raising the lift table

The hydraulic lift table rises whenever the motor pushes the fluid into the ram cylinder. Once the unit is raised to maximum height, the fluid remains in the hydraulic cylinder to enable the lift and the table to stay in the raised position with the help of a simple check valve.

Lowering the lift table

The hydraulic lift table lowers when the down switch of the pendant control is opened. The down valve’s standard position is typically closed to guarantee that the platform doesn’t lower itself whenever there is a power outage. By pressing the down button on the pendant control, you enable the solenoid to trigger the valve to open and allow the hydraulic oil to return to the oil reservoir.

What Components Make Up a Hydraulic Lift Table?

What Components Make Up a Hydraulic Lift TableClick to Expand

Hydraulic scissor lift tables are comprised of five major components:

  • Platform: the platform is the top part of the lift table. It is where lifted items sit.
  • Base: the base refers to the bottom part of the lift table that rests on the floor. It features a track where scissor legs travel in.
  • Scissor legs: these are structural members that enable the platform to change elevation.
  • Hydraulic cylinder: hydraulic cylinders enable the lift to raise and lower.
  • Hydraulic power unit (HPU): hydraulic scissor lifts can be powered by either an electric or air motor. The motor provides the necessary power for the hydraulic lift pump to function optimally.

Zero-Low Lift Tables: The Superior Solution

Zero-Low products serve as an optimal replacement for a standard hydraulic scissor lift. The zero-low lift tables provided by Air Technical are designed to lower to the ground level, unlike similar equipment on the market. They also eliminate the inconvenience and expenses that come with ramps, pits, fork trucks, and more. Additionally, these zero-low products help reduce the risks of worker injuries and fatigue with no required lifting.At Air Technical, we offer a range of customization solutions to suit your specific needs and budget. Our experienced technicians can modify or add special features, including safety skits and automatic sequencing:

  • Automatic sequencing: We also provide PLC controls for systems integration or automatic sequencing of lift operations. 
  • Safety skirts: Safety skirts improve safety by limiting access to pinch points. They are mounted on the outside of the table with Velcro® adhesive for easy access.
  • Poly Toe Guard: This flexible polyurethane toe guard lip adds safety to any Zero-Low style table. The lip protrudes beyond the lifting platform to guard against the platform lowering onto a worker’s foot.

Get Exceptional Scissor-Lift Tables From Air Technical Industries

At ATI, we leverage the latest technology and newest equipment to provide exceptional material handling and automated equipment that optimizes workflows for an improved bottom line. If you have any questions, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. How do scissor-lift tables work?

Scissor-lift tables use crossed support arms to raise and lower a platform vertically. In hydraulic models, a pump sends fluid into a cylinder, extending it and pushing the scissor arms apart to lift the load. To lower the platform, a control valve allows hydraulic fluid to return to the reservoir.

2. What are the main components of a hydraulic scissor lift table?

The main components include the platform, base frame, scissor arms, hydraulic cylinder, and hydraulic power unit. Additional components, such as pumps, control valves, and operator controls, help regulate lifting and lowering operations.

3. How does a hydraulic scissor lift table raise and lower loads?

A hydraulic scissor lift table raises loads when pressurized fluid extends the cylinder and opens the scissor mechanism. During lowering, the control valve opens to release fluid back into the reservoir, allowing the platform to descend in a controlled manner.

4. What are the benefits of using scissor-lift tables in manufacturing?

Scissor-lift tables improve ergonomic material positioning, reduce repetitive bending and manual lifting, and help streamline assembly, packaging, and loading operations. They can also integrate with production lines and other material handling systems to improve workflow efficiency.

5. What is a Zero-Low scissor lift table and how does it work?

A Zero-Low scissor lift table lowers its platform to floor level, making it easier to load and unload compatible materials without a conventional raised platform or access ramp. Its lifting mechanism then raises the load to the required working height, supporting ergonomic and efficient industrial material handling.

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