Northeast Manufacturing News • Manufacturing News Northeast Nov 2024 • Tandem Lift Table with Walk-behind Drive

Air Technical Industries (ATI) has developed the Ergo-PAD (Portable Assembly Device), an over-sized tandemstyle hydraulic lift table with a selfpropelled walk-behind drive unit. This innovative combination of material handling technology provides for lifting, positioning and transporting long materials or sheets, as well as complete product assemblies throughout a facility.

Commonly used as a portable assembly line, production processes can be streamlined by eliminating the need for expensive and inflexible floor-based moving assembly lines, overhead cranes or forklifts to move a product from one work station to the next.

Reduce carbon output with the electric, fume-free design. Lift and drive systems are self-contained and battery operated, requiring no electrification system or dragging of cords. Typical units are 24 VDC powered with highcapacity battery banks sized to sustain a full-shift of work between charges. Available on-board battery chargers are fuss-free, pre-wired and only require a standard 120 VAC 3-prong outlet to charge on-demand.

Hydraulic lifting action is quiet and smooth yet also powerful and economical. Where some lift tables are stationary, this one can drive itself.

The drive is controlled by a walk-behind tiller handle similar to a powered pallet jack, offering fully variable speed control, dead-man (stop on release) disengagement, safety belly switch, horn and lift controls on handle. A remote tethered pendant for lifting action is also supplied so height adjustments can be made by the operator at the workstation rather than having to walk over to the tiller handle. ATI also offers more advanced drive systems that are remote controlled and built-in to the lift frame, with powered steering enabling tethered or wireless drive control for unique maneuverability or other special circumstances.

The lifts are fully customizable to meet the specific requirements of the application. This may involve simple modifications to size and capacity, however the possibilities are extensive. As a mobile workstation or assembly line, the lift systems can be equipped with mounting provisions to attach products or fixtures. They can include auxiliary power outlets, providing convenient access for power tools. Drawers or trays can be incorporated into the lift platform or frame to facilitate kitting or tool storage. Additionally, the ergonomic design allows operators to lift the table to comfortable positions at adjustable heights.

Safety features include a 3:1 structural safety factor. A hydraulic pressure relief valve prevents over-loading.

Hydraulic safety features available are velocity fuses to prevent the lift from collapsing in the event of a hydraulic failure. Accordion style safety skirts protect the operator from pinchpoints inherent in the scissor mechanisms. If configured as a mobile work platform, lift platforms can be supplied with OSHA-compliant guard rails and a nonslip deck surface.

Tandem lift systems with over-sized platforms are available in sizes from 36” x 120” up to 72” x 240” with custom sizes available. More compact traditional and floor level lifts are available with platform sizes as small as 18” x 36”. Vertical lift capabilities can easily accommodate ergonomic working heights and larger models can raise as much as 5’ to 6’ high. Lift capacities range from 500 lbs. to 50,000 lbs.