Scissor Lift Tables

A scissor lift table is a type of lifting platform that uses a scissor-like mechanism (linked, folding supports) to raise and lower a flat platform vertically. They are primarily used to lift goods, materials, or equipment to a desired height for ergonomic positioning, loading/unloading, or transfer, rather than for personnel lifting (though some are rated for personnel).

Types of Scissor Lifts Tables

Manual/Hand-Pumped Scissor Lift Tables: 

Operated by a foot pedal or hand lever, suitable for light-duty, infrequent lifting.

Electric/Hydraulic Scissor Lift Tables: 

Powered by an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump, offering greater lifting capacity and speed.

Battery-Powered: For mobility and cordless operation.

AC Powered: For continuous operation in a fixed location.

Fixed/Stationary Scissor Lift Tables:

Permanently installed on a factory floor or dock for continuous use, often recessed into the floor.

Mobile/Portable Scissor Lift Tables:

Equipped with wheels or castors for easy movement within a facility.

Low Profile Scissor Lift Tables: 

Designed to have a very low collapsed height, allowing easy loading with a pallet truck without a ramp.

Tandem Scissor Lift Tables: 

Use multiple scissor mechanisms in series for very long platforms.

Heavy-Duty Scissor Lift Tables:

For exceptionally heavy loads.

Tilt Scissor Lift Tables: 

Can tilt the platform for ergonomic access to components.

Applications in Various Industries

Manufacturing & Assembly: Ergonomic positioning of workpieces, lifting parts to machine height, assembly line integration.

Warehousing & Logistics: Loading/unloading trucks (dock lifts), transferring goods between levels, order picking.

Automotive: Lifting engines, transmissions, or vehicle bodies for maintenance or assembly.

Printing Industry: Lifting stacks of paper to the press feeder.

Packaging Industry: Lifting products for packing or palletizing.

Retail: Stocking shelves, moving displays.

Accessibility: As wheelchair lifts (specialized and regulated).

Technology:

Hydraulic System: Comprises a hydraulic power unit (motor, pump, reservoir), hydraulic cylinders, hoses, and control valves. This is the primary mechanism for lifting.

Scissor Mechanism: Interconnected steel members that extend and retract.

Control System: Push-button controls, foot pedals, limit switches for upper/lower limits, safety valves (e.g., velocity fuses to prevent rapid descent).

Safety Features: Pinch point guards, emergency stop, overload protection, safety maintenance bars.

Material Selection Considerations

• Platform & Base: Heavy-gauge structural steel (e.g., carbon steel, often checkered plate for non-slip surface) to withstand distributed and concentrated loads.
• Scissor Mechanism: High-strength structural steel channels or flat bars, often with reinforced pivot points, to ensure rigidity and prevent buckling.
• Pins & Bushings: Hardened steel or wear-resistant alloys for pivot pins and bushings to handle high loads and reduce wear.
• Hydraulic Cylinders: Precision-machined steel.
• Hydraulic Hoses: High-pressure resistant synthetic rubber or thermoplastic.
• Wheels/Castors (for mobile units): Polyurethane, nylon, or rubber-coated steel, chosen for load capacity, floor protection, and maneuverability.
• Surface Finish: Industrial-grade paint or powder coating for corrosion resistance and durability.
• Seals & Gaskets: Elastomers (e.g., Nitrile, Viton) compatible with hydraulic fluid and operating temperature.
• Safety Features: Yellow/black striped safety markings, steel toe guards.