Hydraulic scissor lift tables are powerful devices used to handle heavy loads. Although there are several types of lift tables, the hydraulic scissor lift table is one of the most commonly used options in a variety of industries. They have a wide range of benefits from increasing production times to enhance the safety of your workers. 

Learning about the mechanics behind this piece of industrial equipment can help you better understand its working principles and functions. Read on to learn more about how hydraulic scissor lift tables work.

Hydraulic Lifts Have 5 Major Components

A lift table may look like a very intricate piece of machinery, but it’s actually pretty simple in design and structure. Here are the parts that make up the lift:

  • Platform – This is the top of the table where you place items. It can be customized in different dimensions according to your needs.
  • Scissor legs – This part of the hydraulic lift table bridges the gap between the base and the platform. Vertical scissor legs support and guide the platform through different elevation changes.
  • Hydraulic cylinders – The purpose of hydraulic cylinders are to provide the pressure needed to raise and lower the table. There are normally 1 to 4 cylinders on each unit.
  • Motor/power source – Most hydraulic lifts are powered by either an electric or air motor. These provide power to the hydraulic pump which actuates the lift table.
  • Base – This is the bottom of the structure that rests on the ground. Besides being the foundation for the unit, the base is engineered with tracks to guide the rollers at the bottom of the scissor legs.

How a Hydraulic Scissor Lift Table Operates

A hydraulic system works by applying force at one point to an incompressible liquid, which sends force to a second point. The process involves two pistons that are connected by an oil-filled pipe. Here’s how a hydraulic lift works:

Raising the Lift Table

As the motor pushes oil into the ram cylinder, the hydraulic scissor lift table rises. Once raised, the lift stays in place due to a check valve that keeps the oil in the hydraulic cylinder. Upon reaching the desired height, the pump is switched off and the lift is held securely in position by the oil trapped within the cylinder. 

Lowering the Lift Table

The lift table is lowered by opening a down valve that allows fluid out of the cylinder at a controlled rate. The down speed of a lift table is a function of controlling how fast the fluid is allowed to leave the cylinder.

Contact the Lift Table Experts Today

Have more questions about hydraulic scissor lift tables? Since 1934, Lange Lift has been manufacturing high-quality hydraulic lift tables, scissor lifts, and custom lift products for material handling in a wide array of industries worldwide. We make our products in the US, never forgetting the dedication to quality that our customers demand. To learn more about us and our wide selection, check out our video gallery and product catalog. If you’re ready to purchase the highest quality products for your industrial job site, contact Lange Lift today!