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What are Hydraulic Lift Tables?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Hydraulic lift tables are small, powerful elevator platforms used in construction, electrical and power service, automotive and garage service, manufacturing, painting, inventory management, telecommunications, wire and cable industries, and any other industry in which getting workpieces to above-ground locations is essential. These tools operate on the principles of hydraulics, whereby a system of pumps and motors is used to convert hydrostatic power, or intense pressure in a fluid, into mechanical motion, or work. The fluid most commonly used in hydraulic systems is petroleum with various additives. Because fluids are highly resistant to pressurization, they can contain a tremendous amount of energy without losing very much volume. Typical fluid pressure inside hydraulic systems is 7000-42000 kilopascals (kPa).

Two of the most important applications of hydraulic lift tables are to improve worker safety and to increase the maximum weight of any given product component. The table eliminates the need for pulleys in moving heavy components. A system of hydraulics is called a hydraulic circuit.

Hydraulic lifts are often used in auto repair shops to give mechanics access to the underside of vehicles.
Hydraulic lifts are often used in auto repair shops to give mechanics access to the underside of vehicles.

Because these devices contain fluids at high pressure, their components must be very strong and resistant to damage. Even a tiny leak can release a stream of high-pressured fluid that can puncture human skin. Hydraulic lift tables are equipped with pressure relief valves, should the pressure inside exceed safe levels.

As a mechanical means of transferring power, the hydraulic lift is hard to beat. A lot of mechanical power can be contained in small cylinders filled with pressurized fluid. These cylinders are usually made of steel, stainless steel, or aluminum; although titanium is used in some high-performance variants. Hydraulic lift tables often include features for mounting on trucks or other vehicles. Modern devices include microprocessors with load sensors that tune pumps to operate at maximum efficiency levels.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AboutMechanics contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

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Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AboutMechanics contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

KatrinaYancy

Really informative article.This type of equipment is mainly used to increase overall efficiency and also provide a great relief to the workers. A friend of mine started a construction company last year. He bought quality lift tables at reasonable prices to reduce the worker strain.These kinds of lift tables can also ensure the safety of all the employees by carefully lifting loads.

hutomthe

Hello

That was lovely define, got really great information from this post.Lift tables are small in size but have great strength.

Thanks for sharing this.

www.hutomachines.eu/

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    • Hydraulic lifts are often used in auto repair shops to give mechanics access to the underside of vehicles.
      By: Diyanski
      Hydraulic lifts are often used in auto repair shops to give mechanics access to the underside of vehicles.