What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Platform Lifts?

The lifts and elevators around us function on three different types of drive systems: electrical, traction, and hydraulic. The most interesting one to understand and read is the hydraulic platform lifts, and we have covered the details in this post.

Machine powered by a hydraulic cylinder  - Oldmateelevators

WHAT IS HYDRAULIC LIFT?

A hydraulic lift is a machine powered by a hydraulic cylinder system to move and position the cab. The design varies based on the application, but the overall function and components of any hydraulic lift, including hydraulic platform lift, are almost similar –

• A hydraulic cylinder enclosing a piston
• A reservoir for oil storage
• A pump for generating fluid energy
• A motor to generate mechanical power
• Valves for manipulating fluid flow

WHAT COMPONENTS CONSTITUTE TO FORM A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

Let us quickly go through the interacting systems or the critical components of a hydraulic platform lift.

THE CIRCUITS

The role of these circuits is to control the flow and pressure of the liquid. There are pumps, and their work is to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

Convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy - Oldmateelevators

THE MOTOR

The motor installed in the hydraulic platform lift is a rotary actuator, and its role is to convert hydraulic energy into torque and rotation.

THE CYLINDER

The cylinder has to convert the hydraulic fluid energy into force and create pressure in the fluid for further actions.

THE PISTON

The piston is the most critical part of any hydraulic machine and it is situated inside the cylinder. It moves upwards in response to the pressure coming from the fluid.

Crucial component of hydraulic platform lift - Oldmateelevators

THE FLUID

This is another crucial component of hydraulic platform lift, and it powers the entire machine to move the piston up and down. Water and mineral oil are the two most common fluids, and other options used are – 

• Glycol ether
• Organophosphate ester
• Polyalphaolefin
• Propylene glycol
• Silicone oil

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFTS?

Hydraulic platform lifts used at our homes come with the following pros.

• Take up less space and usually have a smaller footprint
• Simple and quick to maintain and service
• Usually take a higher weight limit
• Hydraulic home lifts do not need a vast oil pit
• The lift cannot fall to the bottom
• Very little noise from a hydraulic home lift
• Low energy use makes the system economical to run

CONS

Here is a quick list of the cons of hydraulic lifts.

• Need a small box or room to house the pump and oil reservoir
• In oil leak situation, there will be oil in your home
• Oil can get quite warm in the system
• More filters and seals in a hydraulic lift than other types
• Not the fastest option as the fluid limits the speed

 

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Industries Where Hydraulic Lift Carts Are Used the Most

 Safety is paramount in industrial and commercial settings, but productivity must not be affected. Hydraulic lift carts can be very useful in material handling in areas like warehouses, factories, distribution centres, and much more. They help a lot in relaying the logistics and operation, and they play a major role in making workplaces safer and more efficient.

Mechanical devices fitted with hydraulic lifting - Oldmateelevators

WHAT ARE HYDRAULIC LIFT CARTS?

Hydraulic lift carts are also called hydraulic lift tables or hydraulic scissor lifts, and they are mechanical devices fitted with hydraulic lifting mechanisms. These tables have a platform mounted on the top that raises or lowers using hydraulic pressure. This hydraulic pressure is delivered using an electric motor or a manual pump. These hydraulic lift carts or hydraulic lift tables are used in various industries, and we will review the details of some of the most common sectors where they are commonly used.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON APPLICATIONS OF HYDRAULIC LIFT TABLES?

Hydraulic lift carts and tables are used in various industries, and their versatility makes them useful in a wide range of tasks.

Hydraulic lift tables very useful  - Oldmateelevators

WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION

Hydraulic lift tables and carts can be very useful in facilitating efficient loading and unloading of palletised goods. They also simplify and optimise the order and full payment process in warehouses and distribution centres worldwide.

MANUFACTURING

Hydraulic lift carts are available at a lower cost compared to residential elevator costs and help a lot in supporting assembly line operations. They help in positioning components in such a way that work flow efficiency enhances and it becomes easy for humans to track those components.

IN THE RETAIL SECTOR

Hydraulic lift carts are instrumental in the retail sector, as they streamline inventory management very easily. They also help in tasks such as restocking the shelves and moving merchandise in the retail environments.

Hydraulic lift carts are instrumental  - Oldmateelevators 

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Hydraulic lift carts are nothing short of a boon for the automotive industry as they assist in overall vehicle management and repair work. These hydraulic lift carts become a stable platform to allow automotive mechanics to access the undercarriage components and lift heavy mechanical parts.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYDRAULIC LIFT CARTS?

According to the vendors, versatility is the first feature to notice in hydraulic lift carts, as they are adaptable to various environments and tasks. This is why they are used across several industries, and enhanced safety makes hydraulic lift carts the top preference in industries where safety is always a concern. With ergonomic design, these hydraulic lift carts help in space optimisation, and customisation options are always present to make them useful in specific operational requirements.

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Why Are Traction Elevators Considered Safer Than Other Types?

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The technology used for vertical transportation is advancing and evolving rapidly. Traction elevators are the outcome of this advanced technology, and they have emerged as the key player that allows older people and people with mobility issues to access the upper floors of a high-rise building. This post discusses the main functionality of these traction elevators, and we will also go through the pros and cons.

WHAT IS A TRACTION ELEVATOR?

The traction lift offered by any elevator service company is also referred to as a cable lift, counterweight lift, or rope lift. The main components of a traction elevator are – 

• Cables or ropes

• A sheave or pulley

• Counterweight

• Motor

Some traction lifts also have gears between the motor and the sheave, while some lifts are directly connecting the motor and the sheave. The cable ropes are made from solid stainless steel for enhanced safety. These cables ensure that even if the strand breaks fail, the cable will be there to hold the cab.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTIONING OF A TRACTION ELEVATOR?

The overall functioning is effortless to understand as the motor is attached to a sheave with the help of a rope or cable. This rope is attached to the lift on one end and the counterweight on the other end. Upon getting a call, the motor turns the sheave, and this motor can move in both directions to move the cab up and down. The cab rises upwards, and the counterweight goes downwards, and vice versa. This counterweight is present to lower the pressure or strain on the motor. This translates into lesser power consumption and better stability. These elevators also come with an overspeeding governor to monitor the speed of your traction elevator.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING TRACTION ELEVATORS?

The traction lifts offered by an elevator service company will come with several benefits or advantages over other types. For example – they are more reliable compared to hydraulic lifts as they come with fewer mechanical parts. There is no fluid system involved in traction lifts, and this means fewer chances of any breakdowns or faults. They are also less space-consuming than hydraulic lifts and require additional space to store oil in reserve. Moreover, traction elevators are faster than hydraulic lifts, and this makes them ideal for high-rise buildings. Safety systems are also believed to be better in traction lifts than hydraulic lifts. They come with an overspeeding governor to prevent the cab from overspeeding or falling.

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A Quick Guide to Functions and Uses of Hydraulic Lifts

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We all use hydraulic lifts and elevators very frequently in our daily lives. But only some of us are aware of how these elevators function. A wonderful scientific approach works behind the overall functioning of these hydraulic lifts or elevators. Let us understand this science in this blog post.

WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

A hydraulic lift is a heavy-duty elevator built for long-term and frequent use. It has a straightforward working mechanism that involves using hydraulic power for controlling and power generation. They are accommodating in moving people and goods vertically, and this is mainly due to the piston that moves inside the cylinder. An electric motor is installed to pump the oil into the cylinder with immense pressure that moves the piston up to elevate the hydraulic lift. 

According to experts in lift modernisation works, hydraulic lifts are ideal for 5 to 6-storey high properties. Earlier hydraulic lifts were powered by water pressure, but modern-day hydraulic elevators and lifts are supported by a piston that moves inside the cylinder due to the pressure generated by oil.

Apart from hydraulic lifts, traction elevators use steel ropes, pulleys, etc., to move up and down.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS?

Hydraulic lifts can be seen in almost every building, and while installing them, two factors have to be considered - the height to reach and the operation speed. As mentioned above, even after lift modernisation works, a hydraulic lift can move up to six storeys high, and the operational speed is also significantly low.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS

HOLED HYDRAULIC LIFTS

To install a holed hydraulic lift, lift modernisation professionals must drill a hole to accommodate the entire cylinder and the piston. This piston will be attached to the elevator cab to push it upwards when the oil is released into the cylinder. The maximum travel distance is 60 feet.

HOLELESS HYDRAULIC LIFTS

No holes are needed to install these hydraulic holeless lifts, and this factor sets them apart from the former. The stipulation is that this version of hydraulic lift can travel a maximum of 40 feet. They can be classified further as telescopic hydraulic lifts, non-telescopic hydraulic lifts, and roped hydraulic lifts.

WHAT COMPONENTS HELP IN THE FUNCTIONING OF A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

Here is a small list of the main components that assist hydraulic lifts.

• A hydraulic cylinder enclosing a piston

• A reservoir for oil storage

• A pump for generating fluid energy

• A motor for generating mechanical power

• Valves for manipulating fluid flow

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What Are the Uses and Advantages of Hydraulic Lifts?

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Hydraulic elevators and hydraulic lifts are one of the most critical equipment used for goods and people transportation. They are more preferred and recommended than traction elevators due to their ability to carry heavy loads very easily. These lifts and elevators have become essential to our lives due to enhanced consciousness about making buildings and structures more accessible for people with disabilities and elderly people. They also provide convenience to people travelling towards the upper part of the building, where using stairs is completely impractical. In this blog post, we look at the top uses of hydraulic lifts in our daily activities.

TOP USES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

RELIABLE LIFTS

Experts involved in lift modernisation consider hydraulic lifts as highly reliable lifts preferred over all other types available in the market. They are consistent, low maintenance, and easy to operate and handle. These hydraulic lifts use a hydraulic compressor as a motive force to provide safe and dependable operation.

FOR TRANSPORTING HEAVY GOODS

Hydraulic lifts and table lifts are the most impressive solutions to position the work material and are ideal for carrying heavy weights. Trucks and vehicle lifts are often used to lift materials and their loading and unloading. They come with attachments that can be rear or front-mounted, and the most basic example is the dock lifts.

PROVIDE SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS

Providing safe working conditions is the top goal behind using hydraulic lifts and getting lift modernisation works done. They can significantly reduce the chances of injuries caused to people and workers due to unsafe working conditions. These dangerous working conditions mainly arise in areas where loading/unloading and shifting heavy goods from one place to another are done. These hydraulic lifts assist a lot in safely transferring, loading and unloading heavy goods and materials. They also help workers by ensuring that the humans don't have to apply too much force and hard work.

USED FOR HOLDING AND MOVING PRODUCTS 

Another advantage of hydraulic lifts is that you can use them for various purposes in different conditions. In other words, they can also be used for moving products and materials horizontally and vertically. Hydraulic lifts can be permanently fixed for a sustained work environment. The versatility of these hydraulic lifts makes them capable of working even like a forklift truck. Even after working in such harsh conditions, these machines don't require any special care or regular maintenance. Simple maintenance steps like inspecting the hydraulic fluid are required because leaking hydraulic fluid can be hazardous under high pressure. 

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What Features Make Hydraulic Platform Lifts So Versatile?

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In manufacturing houses, warehouses, construction sites, and other similar industrial environments, people face a significant challenge of lifting heavy equipment and products. In this situation, hydraulic lifts come in very handy, as they enhance the speed, safety and efficiency of your project site incredibly. These hydraulic lifts come in various forms, and one of them is the hydraulic platform lift. This blog post focuses on this version of hydraulic lifts to understand how they benefit us.

WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFT?

Hydraulic platform lifts are mainly high-capacity lifts equipped with several safety features. The top safety feature that deserves mention here is dual safety restraint maintenance bars and positive stops on all four corners. Another safety feature that will never go ignored is the dual safety restraint maintenance bars and cylinder rods and protectors. All hydraulic lifts function using the same essential components:

• A Hydraulic Cylinder Enclosing A Piston

• A Reservoir For Oil Storage

• A Pump For Generating Fluid Energy

• A Motor For Generating Mechanical Power

• Valves For Manipulating Fluid Flow

WHAT IS THE CAPACITY OF HYDRAULIC PLATFORM LIFTS?

These models come in various capacities ranging from 30000 to 60000 lbs. With an evenly distributed weight, the ability and weight-carrying capacity enhances further. There is also a supportive platform that raises and loads using criss cross braces. An inclined platform lift can be incredibly beneficial at industrial sites, construction sites, and automotive industry, marine and aerospace sectors. These hydraulic platform lifts are also ideal for ceiling construction, cable wiring and other tasks performed at elevated levels.

Hydraulic platform lifts and inclined platform lifts help a lot at our homes by allowing accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. An inclined wheelchair lift is the most valuable tool for a person with disabilities, and they offer many benefits. Let us quickly understand the benefits of installing hydraulic platform lifts or inclined wheelchair lifts at home.

ENHANCED MOBILITY

The critical advantage of adding a lift to a home's structure is that it will enhance mobility significantly for people with mobility issues and disabilities. They are much better than ramps that require a lot of space, and liberty is compromised. On the other hand, inclined wheelchair lifts and inclined platform lifts don't consume too much space and, at the same time, provide smooth and convenient vertical travel.

VERSATILITY IN APPLICATIONS

The versatility of these hydraulic platform lifts and inclined wheelchair lifts is another benefit for the users. They come with a wide range of features, and they can be used in settings like homes, public buildings, schools and even vehicles. In any environment, the lift will only enhance mobility and make life easier for people with disabilities and wheelchair users.

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Home Lift Elevators – Some Crucial Questions and Their Answers

People with mobility issues and those using a wheelchair already have a very challenging life. Their struggle continues on every step, and the presence of stairs or inaccessibility multiplies the challenges further. With the help of office and home lift elevators, however, these challenges can be mitigated and eliminated. 

Residential elevators, in particular, are beneficial for older people, those having mobility issues and wheelchair users. Getting a home lift installation done should be preceded by several common questions, and some of them are present in the list of questions discussed here.

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HOME LIFT ELEVATOR FAQs

What is the standard size of a residential elevator?

The size of your elevator can influence your choice and requirement. The manufacturers will seek your specifications initially, and if you have some, design the lift based on them. Ideally, a home lift elevator is around 7 feet tall and between 3 and 5.5 feet deep.

How Much Space Is Needed For Installation?

This will also depend on what kind of lift you have chosen. If you have opted for a lift with a shaft, you will need a minimum of 5 feet in width and depth. However, a pneumatic shaft-less elevator will save a lot of space, and almost half of the space will be needed.

What Is The Smallest Residential Elevator?

According to the vendors of hydraulic platform lifts, the smallest residential elevators are shaft-less pneumatic lifts. By removing the shaft components, a lot of space is saved, as also the hassles of digging a pit for the shaft.

What Could Be The Minimum Size Of A Home Lift Elevator?

The smallest home elevator is the pneumatic model, which is around 20 inches in diameter.

Which Is The Best Home Lift Elevator?

The best home lift elevator will entirely depend on your choice and based on your needs. The space present at your home, the requirement and most importantly, your taste will play a significant role in determining the best lift for you.

What Are Hydraulic Platform Lifts?

Hydraulic platform lifts use hydraulic power to move up and down with the help of pistons that have a fluid pumping system. The pressurised fluid is collected in the cylinder, and it pressurises the piston up that eventually lifts the hydraulic platform lift. To lower it., the simple mechanism of releasing the fluid is run, and the car starts coming down slowly.

ARE HOME LIFT ELEVATORS COMPLETELY SAFE?

Yes, they are safe for use as long as they are made per the standards and maintained according to the specifications. It is essential that product safety guidelines are followed and regular elevator servicing and maintenance are done. Any flaw present in the mechanism should be diagnosed immediately to keep the machine in perfect working order.

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Types Of Hydraulic Lifts Commonly Seen Around Us

Hydraulic lifts are used in various applications, and industries find them very functional and helpful. They are found in the automotive, shipping, construction, waste removal, mining and retail sectors. Using these lifts, it becomes very simple and easy to transport people up and down and also goods and equipment. There are different types of hydraulic lifts available, and in this post, we will explore some of them.

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USES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

In commercial setups, these hydraulic lifts are preferred over all other elevators and lifts. The reason is that it is highly reliable, resistant to wear and tear and, most importantly, easy to maintain. These lifts function on hydraulic pressure as the motive force, and since the mechanism is very easy to understand, you will not even need an elevator service company for essential maintenance.

WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC LIFT?

These lifts use a hydraulic cylinder to lift, move or position heavy loads. The experts from the elevator service company create the design depending on the intended application or the industry where it is used. You will find most of these lifts functioning using the same essential components.

• A hydraulic cylinder enclosing a piston

• A reservoir for oil storage

• A pump for generating fluid energy

• A motor for generating mechanical power

• Valves for manipulating fluid flow

They consist of several interacting systems that we have discussed below.

CIRCUITS

These circuits are designed to control the flow and liquid pressure.

PUMPS

According to the experts of an elevator service company, the role of the pump in these lifts is to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The pump creates a vacuum in the inlet and forces the liquid to move from the reservoir to the inlet line.

MOTOR

The motor fitted in these lifts are rotary actuators, and their role is to convert hydraulic energy into torque and rotation.

CYLINDER

The cylinder is fitted in these lifts to convert hydraulic fluid energy into force and create pressure in the fluid.

PISTON

The hydraulic piston installed in hydraulic lifts moves upwards in response to the fluid pressure. This piston is housed within the cylinder itself.

THE HYDRAULIC FLUID

This fluid allows the power to be transferred throughout the system. The most common fluids are water and mineral oil, but there are other options also available to be used as hydraulic fluid.

• Glycol Ether

• Organophosphate Ester

• Polyalphaolefin

• Propylene Glycol

• Silicone Oil

TYPES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

These lifts are available in several types, and the elevator service company optimises each to meet specific load safety and requirements.

THE TOP NAMES ARE –

• Table lifts

• Personnel lifts

• Forklifts

• Medical lifts

• Automotive lifts

• Post car lifts

• Platform lifts

• Pallet lifts

• Hand-pumped lifts

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Types Of Hydraulic Lifts You See Commonly Around Us

Commercial facilities and buildings are impossible to access entirely in the absence of several pieces of equipment, and one of them is the hydraulic lift. These lifts are available in many forms, and they are a part of different industries and sectors. They help patients, along with their hospital beds to be shifted from one floor to another and, in fact, from one building to another. Let us go through some common types of hydraulic lifts that elevator companies offer.

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TABLE LIFTS

They can move items from one floor to the workable level. Transportation companies are the biggest beneficiaries of these lifts, and they use them to lift materials onto truck beds or warehouse floors.

PERSONNEL LIFTS

These lifts offered by an elevator service company are designed to lift people safely to different heights for work or to move materials. These materials could be anything like electrical lines, inventory placement on mezzanine floors and for accessing certain products and materials.

FORKLIFT

The most common type of hydraulic lift available in the market is a forklift, and it can move materials at construction sites, where houses, factories, retail stores and so on. They are also used frequently for loading and unloading trucks and aeroplanes. They are compact and powerful enough to quickly move items from one location to another, even in cramped areas.

MEDICAL LIFTS

These lifts are designed for lifting devices for surgical tables, hospital beds and marketing equipment. Using these lifts is a convenient method for moving patients along with their hospital beds from their rooms to treatment areas and other floors.

Apart from these types, there are also automotive lifts to lift the vehicle for repair inspection. It is considered the most potent type of hydraulic lift offered by an elevator service company. Then, there are post-car lifts, platform lift and pallet lifts available for use, and all are from the family of hydraulic lifts only.

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Important Steps to Take Before Commercial Lifts Installation

A number of things could influence the overall cost of getting commercial lifts installed and therefore, it is very important that before you get one installed, you carry out a small research. This research should be basically on whether the chosen lift is going to fit your purpose not and what would be the overall cost of this installation. Here in this post, we will have a look at some common factors that will influence the final cost. 

The Basic Points To Consider Are:

Meeting the Codes

• According to the experts, no matter they are home or office lifts or residential or commercial lifts, it is very important that they meet the Building Code of Australia for Disabled Access. 
• However, an important point to take into note is that this will vary depending upon the application and here, a building surveyor would be able to tell you about the mandatory requirements of a project.
• At the same time, the residential, as well as commercial lifts, must conform to a recognized lift code such as AS1735 or EN81.
• Not to mention that these installations should also meet AS3000 for electrical installations.
• When all these things are decided and you are also determined about the size and rated load, you will be in a better position to discuss the project and its requirements with the supplier of commercial lifts.
• These suppliers will give you a firm quote along with the drawings of the upcoming project and here, you will have the option of choosing the company of your choice.
• It’s important that before starting the project, even the minutest details are discussed face to face because experts believe that with it, costly mistakes can be averted straightaway.

When Comparing Prices The Following Are The Main Points:

• What speed does the lift travel at and is it appropriate for the size and use of the building?
• What finishes are offered within the quote?
• What structure is required to support the lift? 
• Does it have its own support structure?
• What is the quality of the motor, drive, and electronics?
• Does the company have spare parts and a quality maintenance department in your city?

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