Purchasing a high quality lift table is a sound investment for your company. It increases employee productivity, by making it easier to work with heavy loads, while also reducing the rate of lifting-related injuries. Furthermore, compared to alternative solutions for lifting and moving heavy loads, it is relatively affordable.
The thing that makes lift tables, especially high quality lift tables, worth the initial investment is the fact that you can use it over a long period without having to worry about frequent repairs.
However, this luxury of durability and reliability can only be enjoyed if you stick to a regular maintenance schedule. Here are some of the things that you should do to ensure that your hydraulic lift table does not wear out prematurely.
Regular cleaning
Hydraulic lift tables have moving parts. Any dirt or debris that gets into these parts reduces the efficiency with which they operate. As a result of the increased friction within the bushings and rollers of the lifting mechanism, it will wear out at a faster rate.
To ensure that everything works efficiently, always clean the lift table. Clear any dirt around the table and dry off any moisture on its surface.
Regularly check the axles, cylinders, and rollers to ensure that they are free of any wear-causing debris.
However, cleaning should never be limited to parts that you can only see. Since the oil filter can also become clogged, you should get into the habit of regularly removing it and then cleaning it — using compressed air is recommended. And if after a while the filter wears out, replacing it as soon as possible is advisable.
Proper lubrication and regular oil change
With time, the initial lubrication on the moving parts fades off and becomes ineffective. And if the table lift is used outside, exposure to the environment can cause the oil to dry out. Rust, debris, and dirt can also reduce the effectiveness of the lubrication. Combined, these factors can accelerate the rate at which its parts wear out.
For this reason, it is advisable that you not only clean but also regularly lubricate the lift table. If you operate it in a harsh environment, adopting a 30-day lubrication cycle is recommended.
As for the oil in the tank, it is good to remember that it wears out. When it does, you should replace it with fresh oil to avoid accelerated wear and tear of the hydraulic system.
Watch out for brake system issues and loose connectors
The earliest sign of a brake issue is the lift table’s inability to hold a vertical position. The table may gradually slide down even when the brakes are applied. It may start to appear unstable, and may start making noises.
This does not just pose an injury risk. Problems with the braking system create imbalanced and unreliable movements that exert undue pressure on some parts of the hydraulic lift table. As a result, it increases the likelihood of premature wear and tear.
Contact a lift table expert as soon as you notice any of these issues. This is because failure to address a braking problem will create a safety risk, in addition to shortening the lift’s lifespan.
In addition to looking out for signs of braking problems, you should check for loose fasteners. Check every bolt and screw to make sure that it is in place. Replace any missing fasteners, and as for loose ones, tighten them immediately.
Replace worn-out parts
The moving parts of a hydraulic lift table wear out with time — be it the shaft, bearings or cylinder pins.
Since any worn-out parts do not work as efficiently as they should, they tend to exert undue pressure on other parts. This may cause the other parts to also wear out faster. It may also cause the whole system to fail.
Therefore, it is always advisable that you replace any worn-out parts as soon as they start to show signs of wear and tear.
Following the above maintenance tips will ensure that you get the most out of your lift table.
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