How does the load distribution affect a Scissor Lift Table’s capacity?

As lifting and handling experts, we’re often asked by our customers if their Scissor Lift Tables will be affected when the load isn’t evenly distributed. The short and simple answer is YES! But to answer the question in more detail, we’ve put together a short guide for you to use to help ensure you’re using your tables safely and efficiently.

Here’s how the capacity is affected depending on load distribution…

My load is evenly distributed:

If your load is evenly distributed like the table below, you can safely add a load which is 100% of the table’s capacity.

My load sits on half of the shorter edge of the table:

Does your load sit on the shorter edge of the table? If yes, it is only safe to load the table to 50% capacity. Therefore, if your table can lift 100kg when evenly distributed, you should only load it to 50kg.

My load sits on half of the longer side of the table:

Does your load sit on the longer edge of the table? If yes, it is only safe to load your table to 30% capacity. Therefore, if your table can lift 100kg when evenly distributed, you should only load it to 30kg.

The platform on my table isn’t standard:

If your table’s platform isn’t standard and has accessories or add-ons such as handrails, gates and goalposts, always check with the supplier how the weight of these accessories will affect the table’s capacity to avoid overloading.

Reduce the risk of breakdown

If you aren’t applying these rules to your table start doing so today! Incorrect usage and overloading can easily cause breakdowns and dramatically shorten the life of your table.

If in doubt, get in contact with us and we’ll offer advice and guidance tailored to your specific application.

Why order your tables from Advanced Handling?

At Advanced Handling we do our absolute best to help our customers get the most out of their tables. Therefore, all our tables come with overload valves as a standard safety feature which stops your table from operating if it’s overloaded.

We also give our customers the option to install load cells onto their table as a bespoke option and at an additional cost. This is ideal for customers who deal with loads without knowing the exact weight. Without load cells, the overload valve will play its part and rupture. However, this then leads to downtime whilst the overload valve is reset and the table can be used again. Load cells provide users with peace of mind that their table will never have to face unnecessary downtime due to it being overloaded.

Looking for more information?

Contact our team of experts today if you need further health and safety information about your table.