How to Choose the Right Lift Table: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Where Do I Begin When It Comes to Purchasing Lift Tables?

There are many things to consider when purchasing a lift table. To save yourself the time, we recommend calling one of our product specialists at 877-350-2729, and they will be glad to assist you regarding what lift table will work best with your company's particular application.

If you would like to do some research prior to talking to a professional, here are a few questions to consider when choosing the correct lift tables.

1. What is the minimum lowered height and max raised height that you require?
2. How will the load be situated on the table? Along the entire table, on the edge of the table, or on one side of the table? This is very important in order to make sure the load can be handled properly.
3. What is the maximum weight that will be put on the lift table?
4. What is the largest size of the load that will be resting on the lift table?
5. Do you need the lift table to be portable, stationary or both?
6. Are you looking to have the table lift manually, mechanically, pneumatically, or electrically?
7. How many times a day will the lift table be used? This will help you consider at least 2 things: 1) The quality of the lift table and 2) Whether a manual or electric lift table makes sense.
8. What safety considerations or safeguards does your company require?
9. What will be the environment be like where the lift table will be situated? Hot, cold, room temperature, dusty, hygienic and so on?
10. What is your company's time frame? Make sure to have a cushion of time to allow for the manufacturing of the lift tables. Some can take three to four weeks. Others can take six to 10 weeks or more depending on the type. Always be sure not to shop "at the last minute."

What portable lift tables do you have available?

We carry a large range of portable lift tables at Cherry’s Industrial.   Here are the models that we currently have available:

• Presto PL Series
• PST Series
• A-500
• Presto XBP Series
• Southworth CLL Series
• A-800
• Presto WBP Series
• Southworth MLL Series
• L-250
• Presto XP Series
• DLV Series
• M-500L
• Presto WXP Series
• A-350

How Can I Determine Whether to Purchase a Manual or Electric Lift Table?

There are two factors you should consider when weighing manual versus electric lift tables: First, review how often the lift table will be used. Then, consider the height at which the lift tables will be used and how many pumps it takes to reach this height.

1. How many times will the lift table be used in the warehouse per shift?

If you intend to use a lift table regularly then a manual lift table will become more counter-productive then productive since extra time and physical wear and tear will be required to get the results you are looking for. The extra investment for a good quality electric lift table will in the long run pay for itself.

2. How many pumps will it take to raise the lift table to the height you require?

Multiply the total pumps it takes to raise the lift table to the height you require by the number of times you intend to use the lift table in a day, in a week. If the resulting number is low then purchasing a manual lift table may make sense. If the opposite is true then make a worthwhile investment and purchase an electric lift table.

What If I Need a Lift Table That Is Not Shown on Your Website or Requires a Custom Design?

We specialize in custom-designed lift table solutions at Cherry's Industrial. Our goal for our www.material-handling.com website is to showcase those products that are the most in-demand and the most effective in most cases. If you do not see a lift table that fits your needs or that requires special customization, please call 877-350-2729, and one of our product specialists will help you find the lift table that will work best for your company's application.

Why Would I Consider Purchasing a Stainless Steel Lift Table?

In most cases, the reason for needing a stainless steel lift table will include the hygienic demands of your industry. For example, in the pharmaceutical and food industries, a sanitary work environment is a must.  For this reason, all metallic equipment must be corrosive-resistant.  There can be no place for rust coming in the vicinity of food or medicine. Another place where stainless steel lift table may make sense is if your environment has high condensation.

How Do Stainless Steel Lift Tables Reduce the Spread of Contaminants?

There are many benefits of stainless steel lift tables, including their superior hygiene. Because of this, it's ideal for medical, nutraceutical, and food processing. Generally, stainless steel lift tables reduce the spread of contaminants because they are:

• Anti-corrosive: With stainless steel, manufacturers add chromium to a base of molten pig iron. The chromium reacts with free oxygen to form chromium oxide, which resists corrosion. When metal corrodes, it creates pits where food particles and bacteria get trapped — stainless steel's smooth surface protects against this.
• Sanitary: Sanitary-grade stainless steel has elements added to enhance sanitation. The amount added determines the grade, and sanitary stainless steel is usually austenitic 300 series steel. The most common grades are 304 and 316. Our Sanitary Low Profile Lift Table is fabricated from T304 stainless steel and meets food safety regulations.
• Durable: Stainless steel's resistance to scratches makes it effective at reducing contaminants. Scratches harbor microbes, such as bacteria and viruses. Table lifts carry heavy objects and serve as workbenches, so there are many opportunities for scrapes and bumps. Since heavy-duty stainless steel withstands abrasions, its surface is more sanitary.
• Easy-to-clean: Stainless steel is as easy to clean as glass, and easier to clean than both aluminum and plastic. As a nonporous material, stainless steel remains sanitary. Grime, grease and bacteria cannot nestle beneath the surface. Since the material doesn't crack or corrode, dirt, fluids and microbes have nowhere to hide. The material can be wiped down without major scrubbing and with fewer missed spots. Soap and water or cleaning chemicals are usually effective. Sanitary stainless steel lifts can save you up to 50% in cleaning time.
• Improved Turnaround Time: Equipment that leads to faster results can make up for decreased labor when workers are out sick. Also, because it requires fewer employees to operate, workers can spread out so that the spread of infections among workers is greatly reduced. In essence, the equipment works to improve the efficiency of a warehouse and accommodates reduced labor during cold and flu season.

What Options Are Available for Self-Leveling Mechanical Lift Tables?

We currently have three options for self-leveling mechanical lift tables.

• PalletPal 360
• P3 Spring
• Pallet Pal 4 SS

What Options Are Available for Self-Leveling Pneumatic Lift Tables?

We currently have two options for self-leveling pneumatic lift tables.

• PalletPal 360 Air
• P3 Pneumatic

What Control Options Are Available for the SBL-1000 Hydraulic Mast Style Lift Table?

Either a Hand Pendant Control or a Foot Switch.  Please be sure to specify which you would prefer prior to ordering.