Most lift table manufacturers recommend a maximum hydraulic hose length for remote/external power units that should not be exceeded for satisfactory performance. The issue is not raising the lift table; a pressurized hydraulic hose of almost any practical length will raise the lift table, the issue is lowering the lift table. If the lift table is lowered with weight on the platform the weight will assist in pushing the hydraulic oil back through the hydraulic hose to the reservoir. If the lift table is lowered with no weight on the platform only the empty weight of the lift table pushes the oil back to the reservoir. If the hydraulic hose length exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation there can be too much resistance in the hydraulic system resulting in very slow or even no lowering. A combination of an empty lift table and excessively long hydraulic hose does not have the force to push the hydraulic oil back to the reservoir.
Feb 14, 2020