3 Tips For Electric Lift Table Maintenance
Despite technological advances, workplace injuries are still common. In 2015 alone, there were about 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries in the United States. And while some injuries are just unavoidable, injuries caused by workplace machine failures are due to a lapse in maintenance.
If you want to keep your workplace safe, you have to keep your machines running well. And your electric lift table is no different.
1. Don’t Miss a Nook or Cranny on Your Electric Lift Table
You should do a visual check before you begin operation of your electric lift table every day. Your checklist should include:
- Starting with the safety devices. Check the pressure relief valves, up/down limits, switches, and so on.
- Make sure there is no debris in the way of any mechanical parts. Is the floor beneath the lift clear? When you need to lower the lift, you want nothing beneath that could hinder operation.
- Check all of the snap rings and clips. You’ll find these on the cylinders and rollers. These should be in a secure position and not in danger of falling out.
- Next, check for any signs of wear and tear. The rollers, pins, and bushings could show flat spots, dislodged bearings, or missing fasteners.
- Feel all the welds for cracks. You don’t want anything structural to fail.
- The hydraulic fittings should contain no cracks or leaks. Make sure nothing is leaking. If you do find a leak, clean up the seepage and see if any more appears after a short operation.
- Lastly, check the electrical lines and hoses. You want the connectors to be snug and the lines and hoses free of rub spots.
2. Lubrication for the Best Results
While most parts will last the lifetime of the unit, you still should lubricate any friction points. This goes for caster wheels as well lock pedals. Some tips include:
- When you locate the friction point, use a multi-purpose 30 weight oil. A grease gun is the easiest way to grease any joint or casters on your lift. Transversely, you will need to keep the internal components free of grease. You can do this by cleaning the guide tube.
- Cleaning the guide tube with a degreaser is necessary every once in a while. Use a clean cloth and wipe down the guide tube thoroughly.
- Full, clean hydraulic oil will keep your electric lift table running smoothly. But when filling the hydraulic oil, do not fill it higher than two inches above the lower guide tube’s bearing.
3. Batteries Required
If this is a battery operated electric lift, you will have to maintain the battery. This is necessary to maintain a maximum lifecycle. But, be careful, as lead-acid batteries are more dangerous than typical batteries. Read every precaution that comes with your lift battery. Some things to remember about batteries include:
- New batteries need to be drained completely before they can be charged to their full potential.
- You should check the electrolyte levels in lead-acid batteries every month. You might have to add distilled or purified water every once in a while.
- The older the battery, the more often you will have to add water.
As long as you perform maintenance on your electric lift table regularly, it will last a lifetime. If you have more questions about lifts, contact us—we’re ready to help you get the most from your lift table!
