Lift tables are devices that allow materials and workpieces to be raised and lowered to ergonomic and accessible heights for specific tasks or purposes. Despite its exclusive function lift models vary by size, capacity, elevation, and actuation.

Operation

Lift tables find occupation in many workshop and warehouse settings where small-scale mechanical ascent and descent for objects is optimal. They provide an intermediate mode of relocation for materials; they are stronger and more stable than human handlers while in forms smaller than that of forklifts or hoists, though they do not supplant the need for either.

The four most important considerations when deciding upon a table lift are.

Capacity: The maximum weight the table is suitable to burden. Tables capable of lifting 5 [short] tons or more are common.

Size: The physical dimensions of the lift table.

Stroke: The elevation capability of lift table, from contraction to full expansion.

Operational manner: The power source and mechanism providing lift to the table. See 'Types of Lift Tables' below.

Lift tables are often manufactured with wheels allowing operators to convey items at their discretion, and wheels are typically pressurized inner tube or urethane caster in design. Wheeled tables typically feature a handle for safe grasping as well as a floor lock to temporarily immobilize the table. Elevation control is usually provided by a hand or foot control, and some models may feature electronic integration. Versions that also feature a tilting table will rely on similar interfaces to determine the pitch of the table plane. Adjustable-speed ascent and descent can be popular features when dealing with dynamic, uncentered, or shifting loads such as liquids. Such loads also benefit from an integral counterbalance and retainment edges. Finally, models incorporating a carousel into the design allow operators to rotate cargo without unloading.

Types

Power Source

Typically power is only supplied to the lift table when elevating the platform. Descent is accomplished by the use of a purge valve or slow-release mechanism.

Manual	Lifting is powered by a crank, pump, racket, or screw that relies upon the operator for stimulation. This is prominent in light-duty lift tables, but may be suitable for heavy or high-volume loading.
Pneumatic	Elevation is accomplished by the use of a pressurized air cylinder in conjunction with a compression mechanism, or more rarely an air spring.
Hydraulic	Pressurized hydraulic fluids power a linear actuator to raise the table. An accompanying hydraulic pump is required.	Image credit: Lift Products Inc.
Electric	Electric motors provide a rotational power source which can power elevation with the use of a mechanical advantage, such as a rack/pinion drive or a chain lift.	Image credit: Direct Industry

Lift Mechanism

The below lifting mechanisms are not design-exclusive and two types of lift mechanism can be utilized to provide the necessary raising.

Lift Table Safety

Some designs will feature integral safety features to prevent worker injury.

Release lock: in the event of a malfunction while extended, the table locks and must be lowered by the activation of a manual auxiliary release. This prevents damage to the load and injury to nearby workers.

Pinch guard: a underlying, pressure sensitive device determines when objects are compromising the table's ability to compress and immediately halts the tables descent.

Bellows: a skirt of rubber or vinyl surrounds the lift table to prevent objects, debris, or contaminants from intruding upon the lifting mechanism. It keeps personnel safe and also extends the life of the lift.

Lift Table Standards

Organizational standards for lifting tables are incomplete as more attention has been paid to industrial carts and trucks with lifting abilities (such as ISO 22915-4) than lift tables themselves. Nonetheless, British Standard 1570 is the most developed standard regarding lift tables.