There are a number of controls available to operate a lift table however push button controls are the most common type of controls available for a lift table.
Typically push button controls are a constant pressure design, in other words the operator must depress and hold the Up button for the lift table to raise and depress and hold the Down button for the lift table to lower. The lift table is at rest if neither the Up button nor the Down button is depressed.
Push button controls can be a pendant control which is a handheld design or stationary controls which are controls on a fixed pedestal or installed on a fixed post on the platform of the lift table.
With guarded foot pedal controls the operator can use their foot to activate the lift tables up or down operation. Using guarded foot pedal controls frees the operator’s hands to perform other tasks as the lift table platform raises or lowers.
Push button controls are available with a key controlled feature which provides a level of security by preventing unauthorized use. The lift table is inoperable until an individual with the proper level of security first inserts a key and activates the control station.
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) can be used to control the lift and lowering of the lift table. A PLC can be programmed to perform specific lifting and lowering tasks on a repetitive basis; PLC’s are often used to control a lift table or multiple lift tables in an automated work cell particularly if the operation and sequencing required is more complicated.
Limit switches often play an important role in controlling a lift table. For example an Up Travel limit switch can be preset to repetitively stop a lift table at the same raised height on an ongoing basis. A Down Travel limit switch can be used to signal the lift table is in the fully lowered closed position. This signal can be used to automatically operate a powered conveyor moving product onto or off the fully lowered lift table.
If a lift table is to have 2 sets of controls to operate the lift table both sets of controls will automatically be fitted with an Emergency Stop button. If during the operating cycle anyone notices the potential for an unsafe situation either operator can immediately depress the EStop button and all movement of the lift table is stopped.
The choice of lift table controls usually depends on a combination of the application requirements and the operators preferences. Consultation with a sales representative is the best way to determine appropriate controls for a given application. For additional information on the various controls available for lift tables please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.