Lift Platforms

Description

Lift platforms are lifting devices used to raise or lower materials, equipment, or people to a height or to inaccessible areas. It provides an ergonomic position for operators to work. The lifting mechanism of the platforms is carried out by using hydraulic cylinders and electric motors. The mechanism can also be pneumatic or if the load is light-weight, a foot pump can also be used. A Lift platforms are also be known as aerial lift platforms or Arial Work Platforms (AWP).

Types

Types of Lift Platforms based on lifting mechanisms

• Articulated lift platforms: Articulated lift platform are normally powered hydraulically. They are also called as hydraulic platform or boom lifts
• Scissor lift platforms: Scissor lift platforms consists of folding supports linked to each other in a criss-cross 'X' pattern and move up by applying pressure. This type of platforms can be moved only in vertical direction
• Mechanical lift platforms: These are simple form of lift platforms which work by using screw threads or rack and pinion arrangement.

Types of Lift Platforms based on motive mechanisms

• Un-powered lift platform: These are usually smaller units that have require external force to move them
• Self-propelled lift platform: These lifting platforms have self-propelled medium such as tracks or wheels to drive themselves within the work area
• Vehicle lift platform: These are mounted on vehicles such as trucks, railway cars etc

Specifications

Certain important specifications and considerations required while selecting a lift platform are:

• Lift capacity
• Vertical lift travel
• Platform width and length

Applications

Lift platforms are used in various industries such as heavy machinery and transportation, warehousing and distribution, metalworking, woodworking, light assembly, paper, printing and publishing. Some of the specific applications include:

• Work positioning in assembly operations and manufacturing
• Pallet loading and unloading
• Materials positioning in machine feeding applications
• Load positioning when integrated into conveyor systems