How to Choose the Right Lift Table

The first step in selecting a suitable lift table is to carefully assess your specific application. Several key factors need to be understood:

Understand the Load Characteristics

Ask yourself what type of load you’ll be lifting. Consider whether the load is stable on a flat surface and if its size will fit comfortably on a typical lift platform. Key aspects to evaluate include:

The components and makeup of the load

The individual and total weight of those components

The load’s center of gravity, especially if it isn’t centrally located, and the overall size of the load

If a load is unbalanced or off-center, it can significantly reduce the operational lifespan of the lift. These types of loads introduce additional stress on the lift structure beyond just the vertical lifting force.

Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario

Always plan with the most demanding scenario in mind. A good rule of thumb is to assume the maximum load condition will involve half of the total weight being concentrated on one half of the platform—particularly while the table is in motion.

What matters most in these situations is the load’s center of gravity in relation to the geometric center of the platform (which corresponds to the midpoint of the lift’s support structure, as determined by the minimum platform size).

Best practice: Try to position the load so that its center of gravity aligns with the center of the platform to ensure optimal balance and safety.

How Will You Load Your Scissor Lift?

The method by which loads are transferred onto and off of a scissor lift is a crucial consideration when selecting the appropriate lift configuration. These transitions affect edge loading, potential impact forces, and can also create unbalanced conditions during the lifting motion.

Common Load Transfer Methods

There are three primary ways to move loads onto or off of a lift:

1. Rolled On / Rolled Off

This involves using wheeled equipment such as carts or pallet jacks. The loading dynamics vary depending on the rolling device:

• Dual-axle carts or pallet jacks: These typically distribute weight evenly—half of the total weight is borne by the lift as the front axle moves onto the platform.
• Single-axle systems (like hand trucks or cylindrical rolls): These concentrate the full load on a single point, creating a significant impact.
• Forklifts: These impose an uneven load, often as much as 80–90% of the weight concentrated toward one edge due to their rear counterweights.

2. Slid On / Slid Off

Used in applications such as conveyor systems or sheet feeders, sliding loads exert a different type of force:

• In general, sliding loads create less impact than rolling loads.
• When materials like paper sheets are gently layered, edge impact is minimal and unlikely to affect lift selection.
• However, dense and heavy items—like a lead ingot—can exert high edge pressure even when slid into place, which could be a key design consideration.

When evaluating sliding loads, it’s critical to consider:

• Friction and impact during transition
• Horizontal momentum against any mechanical stops
• Layered loading, where each added section is assessed for both total weight and its share of edge loading
• The footprint of each load segment, in relation to both the entire platform and the smallest allowable platform size
• Position of the center of gravity for each load section, especially in reference to the platform’s structural center

3. Placed On / Picked Off

This method applies to stacking or crane-assisted loading, and usually presents the least amount of edge stress:

• Manual stacking, such as arranging boxes by hand, results in minimal impact and essentially no edge loading.
• Vertical placement using cranes can also avoid edge loading, but may introduce high vertical forces. However, if the load descends at a controlled speed—around 17 feet per minute—even maximum weight can be handled safely by an extended lift.

Summary: Factors to Assess

When selecting a lift, consider the following influences from your loading method:

• Type and magnitude of impact and friction
• Presence of horizontal momentum during loading
• Incremental loads and their distribution on the platform
• Size and position of each load in relation to the platform’s structure
• How each load segment’s center of gravity aligns with the platform center

A well-informed assessment of these elements ensures that the lift selected will perform safely and efficiently for the intended use.

 

Managing Vertical Speed and Edge Load Considerations

Vertical Movement Speed

Operating a lift at speeds greater than 17 feet per minute (fpm) can potentially cause damage to essential lift components, including:

• Hydraulic cylinder seals
• Hoses and fittings
• Structural elements such as scissor arms and support frames

While most industrial cranes are engineered to stay at or below the 17 fpm threshold, other systems—such as vacuum-assisted lifters, vertical conveyors, or free-fall loading setups—can exceed this limit, introducing harmful impact forces.

Best practice: The slower the vertical descent or impact, the less risk of mechanical stress or long-term damage.

Understanding Load Ratings: Centered vs. Edge Loads

Total Load Capacity

This refers to the maximum weight the lift is rated to raise when the load is:

• Evenly distributed
• Positioned at the center of the platform

This is the most ideal and commonly recommended method of operation.

Side/End Load Capacity

This is a different measurement: it defines the maximum allowable weight that can be positioned over the edge of the platform, especially when the lift is fully extended. This capacity is generally lower than the centered load rating due to the additional stresses placed on the structure.

Key Considerations for Edge Loading

Edge loading becomes a major factor when loads move across the platform edge while the lift is not in its lowest position. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• When fully lowered, the lift’s base, cylinders, and scissor arms are solidly supported—so there’s minimal structural risk if a maximum load crosses the platform edge.
• However, larger platforms (bigger than the lift’s minimum standard size) extend beyond the base structure, and may experience bending or flexing without added support.

To avoid this, if you’re using oversized platforms, make sure to install additional external supports beneath the overhanging sections.

These types of applications—where edge movement occurs at full capacity—are uncommon. But if your project involves such requirements, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a lift design expert to ensure safe and durable operation.

 

Vertical Travel Requirements

To choose the right lift model, you’ll first need to determine the maximum elevation height your application demands. This value defines the vertical travel capability required. Most standard lift models are available in various travel ranges to accommodate a broad spectrum of applications.

Platform Dimensions

Lift platforms are typically designed to match standard base sizes. However, they can be customized to be wider or longer—up to an additional 24 inches—based on your operational needs.

Important Note on Load Capacity with Oversized Platforms:

When the platform exceeds the base dimensions:

• The Side/End load capacity is reduced by approximately 2% for each inch the platform extends beyond the standard size.
• This reduction happens because the extra overhang acts like a lever arm, amplifying the stress on the scissor leg structure for the same applied weight.

In practice, this means that:

• For every inch added to the platform’s width, and
• For every inch added to the platform’s length,

you must derate (reduce) the allowable edge load by 2% per inch. This is a general rule of thumb to ensure structural safety and maintain proper performance.

 

Illustrative Example: Platform Oversizing and Load Capacity Reduction

Let’s consider a case involving an Advance Lifts P-2536 model:

• The standard (minimum) platform size for this lift is 24″ x 48″.
• If a custom platform of 48″ x 54″ is installed, the lift’s edge loading capacity will be reduced due to the added overhang.

Here’s how the derating calculation works using the 2% per inch rule of thumb:

• Side Edge Load Capacity Reduction:
  (48″–24″)×2(48″ – 24″) × 2% = 48%(48″–24″)×2
  So, side load capacity is decreased by 48% due to the extra 24 inches of width.
• End Edge Load Capacity Reduction:
  (54″–48″)×2(54″ – 48″) × 2% = 12%(54″–48″)×2
  So, end load capacity is reduced by 12% from the added 6 inches of length.

While this rule provides a general guideline, keep in mind that actual edge load capacities depend on multiple design variables such as platform material, support structure, and load distribution. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or a qualified lift engineer for accurate evaluation.

Best Practice for Load Direction: Side vs. End Loading

In most scissor lift constructions, the structural integrity is significantly higher along the ends (the direction parallel to the scissor legs) compared to the sides (perpendicular to the legs).

Operational Recommendation:

• When moving or placing loads—especially while the lift is elevated—you should aim to transfer loads over the ends of the platform, not the sides.
• This orientation better aligns with the structural support direction, reducing stress on the mechanism and enhancing longevity.

Avoid rolling or sliding heavy items across the sides of the lift unless it is in the fully lowered position, where the structure has maximum support.

Power Supply Considerations

When evaluating the operational needs of a lift system, it’s important to assess both the lifting mechanism and the power unit independently. Key questions to ask include:

• Will the lift perform full-stroke movements (complete up or down cycles), or will it operate through repeated short movements (jogs) in one direction?
• What are the intervals between operations?
• What is the size and direction of each movement?
• What is the total cycle count per hour, per day, and annually?

Frequent and Incremental Movements

For applications involving rapid, frequent jogs, particularly upward, special power unit configurations may be required:

• If the jogs are downward, the system uses continuous-duty solenoids designed for this type of operation, so no modifications are needed.
• If the jogs are upward, the standard electric motor could overheat due to the high frequency of start-stop cycles.

In these cases, alternative power options should be considered:

• Air-powered units
• Air-over-water systems
• Continuous-running electric motors

For more details, refer to the power unit specifications listed with the specific lift model you’re evaluating.

Motor Options

Many lifts operate manually—using hand or foot pumps to raise the platform. For powered lifts, these are the most common configurations:

• Single-phase 1 HP motors
• Three-phase 1.5 HP motors

Motors can often be customized or swapped based on user requirements.

External or remote-mounted power units are also available for certain lift models. These options offer more flexibility in terms of installation and system layout.

The appropriate motor is always selected based on the lift’s load capacity and required lifting force.

Control Options

Most scissor lifts are operated via a handheld push-button control for raising and lowering.

However, other control styles can be selected depending on user preference and operational conditions:

• Foot pedal controls
• Wall-mounted control panels
• Limit switches (for automated stop positions)

These alternatives provide ergonomic or automation benefits depending on the application.

 

Frequency and Speed of Use

The standard lift motor is rated for intermittent use. If the unit operates more frequently than one complete lift every four minutes, or if it performs upward jogging every 10 seconds, there’s a risk of motor overheating.

To accommodate higher usage rates or faster lifting speeds, optional external power units are available.

Lowered Height and Pit-Mounted Options

If your application demands a lower-than-standard collapsed height, pit-mounted lifts offer a practical solution. Standard lowered heights can go as low as 2.9 inches, and custom configurations can achieve even less.

Important Safety Considerations:

• Pit-mounted lifts must feature either beveled platform edges or electromechanical toe guards to comply with OSHA safety standards.
• Toe guards add 8 inches to both the length and width of the platform for safe foot clearance.

Mechanical & Structural Options

Platform Modifications:

• Oversized platforms can be expanded up to 24 inches in width or length.
• Beveled edges increase the platform footprint by 4 inches on each side.

Installation and Mobility:

• Pit-mounted lifts must include:
  • Electromechanical toe guards or beveled edges
  • Lifting eyes for safe placement during installation
• Portable lifts can be equipped with:
  • Two steel wheels on each side or
  • End-mounted dolly wheels for empty unit repositioning
    (Consult us for oversized configurations.)

Enhanced Functionality:

• Turntables (custom sizes) allow for rotation during loading/unloading
• Conveyor tops and ball transfer platforms can streamline material handling
• Special fixtures may be added for unique application needs

Top Surface Materials:

• Stainless steel sheeting for corrosion resistance
• Diamond plate finishes for added durability and grip

Transport Packages:

• Add two fixed and two swivel casters for moving loaded units safely and easily.

Additional Features to Enhance Lift Versatility

• Accordion (bellows) skirts: Enclose the scissor mechanism to improve safety and reduce risk of entrapment.
• Fire-resistant and low-temperature hydraulic fluids: Ideal for hazardous or cold environments.
• Wash-down compatible models: Suitable for food processing or cleanroom settings.
• Adjustable flow control valves: Allow you to fine-tune lifting/lowering speed.
• Fork pockets: Make it possible to relocate the lift easily with a forklift.