Which Industrial Lift System is Right for Your Project?

Which Industrial Lift System is Right for Your Project?

Congratulations! You started a business. You have a product that is going to take off. Problem is, you can’t move it.

Whether it’s a stack of crates or one big machine that you need moved, sometimes you just need the right equipment to do the heavy lifting. If you are new to a business and aren’t sure which lift system would suit your next project, here’s a handy guide to help you choose.

Choosing the Right Lift System

The first thing is to analyze exactly what you need to lift. Here are some things to consider when choosing a lift system:

• Note the size, or the footprint, of the item to determine the appropriate size of the table.
• How heavy is the load? Most tables can lift items from 1,000 to 6,000 pounds and can go up in 500-pound increments.
• Will the load be consistent or will the lift system be used for various items?
• Does the load contain special items, such as food or anything explosive?
• What vertical lift will be required?

Now that you have a basic idea of what you need lifted, it’s time to decide which type of lift is best for you.

Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are one of the most common lift systems in the industry. Their name comes from the “x” shape of the legs between the base and the platform.

• Scissor lifts are very versatile and can be used for many different jobs. They are meant to work in small spaces, like between rows in a warehouse. They are often used to lift workers who need access to high spaces.
• They aren’t considered the heavy lifters of all lift systems, as they can only lift up to 1500 pounds.
• Most scissor lifts have a vertical height of 150 feet.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts are more expensive than scissor lifts, but they definitely have their advantages.

• While scissor lifts can only be lifted vertically, boom lifts can work horizontally as well. Their arms can reach anywhere from 10 to 180 feet, and they have a radius of 360 degrees.
• A boom lift consists of a bucket hooked onto an extended arm that is controlled from a grounded base.
• These lifts are used for accessing areas that are hard access. For example, over a sound stage when lights are being installed.

Hydraulic Lifts

Hydraulic lifts come in various options, such as manual powered or battery powered.

• There are many different kinds, so finding exactly what you need isn’t a problem.
• A hydraulic lift system works via hydraulic cylinders that move up and down.
• Hydraulic lifts are used in almost every industry, from automotive to shipping to waste removal.
• Hydraulic lifts are especially useful for lifting very heavy objects like cars.

Specialty Lifts

Some products will need specialty lifts. For example:

• If you handle food, you need a stainless steel lift to comply with USDA food standards.
• If you work in a cold storage, a special hydraulic liquid may be necessary.
• Sometimes your lift will need to stop at precise locations. This can be accomplished by adding a limit switch or a photo eye.

Let’s Do Some Heavy Lifting

No matter what job needs to be done, we can help you find the perfect lifting equipment for your business. We have many different options and even offer specialty lifts.