Design differences: hyd car lifts vs hyd lift tables

[JackOlsen]

A typical auto lift has a ratcheting stop to bear the weight of a vehicle while it's being worked on. A hydraulic lift table with the same capacity will have things like OSHA electric toe guards to automatically stop lowering and a brass velocity fuse to maintain pressure in case of a failure. But no physical stop. Is this simply because the user will spend less time underneath the load of a lift table than they would under a vehicle lift?

I'm a non-engineer who is curious about the design differences between these two tools. I'm considering using a lift table for ATV maintenance, but don't know if I need to add a stop mechanism.

 

[kcj]

I would still want a manual pin or something to protect toes and feet.
If you have not yet purchased, check out the Handy Mfg air lift table. built rugged as a tank, and has the mechanical ratchet on the lift position.

I have used two of them. good prices for the build quality, very stable, and made in USA.

http://www.handyindustries.com/products-accessories/lifts-accessories

kcj

 

[kcj]

for some reason I can't edit my above post.
Forgot to add: I bought the little trolley to move it around, works great. Also bought the front wheel vise, which I have mounted on another motorcycle lift right now, but it works awesome. Side extensions I made from planks. The purchased metal ones would be better for ATV because the surface of the planks is up above the main table surface. I very rarely use the planks because for motorcycle narrower is better.

 

[JackOlsen]

Thanks. I'm still puzzled as to why a 5K lift table doesn't have any kind of stop, outside of the one for maintenance. It could be that there are some fundamental design differences. It could be that people rarely get underneath lift tables.

I wonder if it's harder on the table's hydraulic systems to carry loads for long stretches. Even with the weight of the table top, I'm sure many tables are not parked in the full-down position.

 

[kcj]

Is the one in your picture really a hydraulic lift? It may be an electric screw actuator, and designed for self locking when not energized.

 

[JackOlsen]

I think that might be some automated hyperlinking system the site uses. I didn't post a link to the table. But here's a seller's page on it:

http://www.drillspot.com/products/5...-43_electric_hydraulic_scissor_lift_table?s=1

 

[JackOlsen]

Well, it's installed. I added a mechanical stop, but it's working great.

Now to the next project: rebuilding the engine on the 911.

Here's a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Y-iRs4Egc