Hydraulic Lift Table

Hydraulic Lift Table Information

There tends to be a mistaken belief that only heavy industries or auto shops have a need for the hydraulic lift table. Definitely not so! You’ll not have to go far in your daily travels to run across a business or home that uses one type of hydraulic lift table or another. From the local veterinarian to the local contractor to the basement of a handyman, they are everywhere!

The great thing about the hydraulic lift table is that they are manufactured in a wide variety of styles, with a wide range of weight and height capacities. For example, the home handyman may only need a table with a weight capacity of 500 pounds. On the other hand, a contractor may need a hydraulic lift table with a capacity of a thousand pounds or more that has the ability to raise 4 or more feet into the air. Your vet may require a table with top that swivels. The bottom line is that you can get a hydraulic lift table in just about any configuration to suit your specific needs.

While the main function of a hydraulic lift table is to be able easily lift heavy items, providing the ability to work on them, they are also used to help prevent injuries that could easily occur if heavy objects were moved in other manners. They also improve the productivity of those involved in a particular project. For the home handyman, they also can save significant sums of money over the long haul as well because a job that may require two people takes just one person with a hydraulic lift table.

Tips For Purchasing A Hydraulic Lift Table

When you are considering purchasing a new hydraulic lift table, you are going to want make note of several things before pulling the trigger on the purchase. Being prepared going into the process could very well save you a whole lot of angst down the road.

Some of the things you want to consider during the selection process are common sense. But you’d be surprised at how many people don’t even thing about many of the following points:

• Determine exactly what you’ll use the table for.

Knowing the sizes of items you’ll be lifting is important. Go with a table top that’s too small, you’ll have trouble. Go with a table with too big of a top, you’ll be wasting space as well as money.

• What’s the maximum amount of weight you’ll be lifting at any given time?

Don’t be fooled into thinking you need a much larger weight capacity than you have a need for. While it may be nice to have the ability to lift 3,000 pounds, if you never have a need to lift more than 1,000 pounds, save yourself the extra money.

• Does the table need to be mobile, or is stationary OK?

• How high will you need to lift an item at any given time?

Check to see how high counters or work benches are in your home or business. Be sure to get a hydraulic lift table that can reach at least an inch higher than your highest counter or work bench.

• If you own a business, check with your employees for their thoughts on the type of platform they feel would be best.

Who better to know that the day to day operators of the equipment?

• Will you be using the table indoors or out? In corrosive or humid conditions?

• When buying a hydraulic lift table that will be used in adverse conditions such as in an outdoor, humid or corrosive environment

It’s critical that you pay attention to the materials used in the construction of the table. A stainless steel table will likely be best in these type of conditions.

• Be sure to check the task cycle of the table.

You’ll have to determine how often you’ll be using the machine and purchase one that is properly rated. For example, a high end machine may have a duty sequence of 50 an hour. On the other hand, the everyday unit may have a duty sequence of only 3 per hour. Don’t overbuy, but don’t under buy, either. If you end up using the hydraulic lift table in excess of its duty sequence rating, parts will wear out much sooner due to the excess wear and tear. Buy a table that’s rated a whole lot higher than you’ll ever need it for and you’ll be wasting money. Knowing how much you are going to use the table is critical.

• Stay away from no name hydraulic lift table manufacturers.

Stick with a well known manufacturer such as Northern Industrial Tools. In doing so, you’ll know that you are getting a lift table that adheres to all the safety standards, is of high quality and is one that is guaranteed.

Hydraulic Lift Table Safety Tips

• While using a hydraulic lift table can save you and your employees from significant injuries associated with lifting heavy items, there are some basic safety tips that should be followed when using one.
• Never let those who are no familiar with the lift table’s operation use it until they are properly trained in its use.
• Never let children play on or near the lift table.
• If your hydraulic lift table has a “dead stick” type of control, be sure it’s in the “off” or “neutral” position when the lift is released.
• Be sure that you inspect your hydraulic lift table often and replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.
• Never use your lift table if it jerks or jumps suddenly or raises too quickly. Have a qualified repair person solve the issue first.
• As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s operating and maintenance instructions carefully.

Employing a hydraulic lift table in your workshop or in your business can make a lot of sense from safety, time and financial points of view. Determining which type of table is best for your needs as well as following basic and common sense safety practices are important so that you get the most out of your new hydraulic lift table.