Leading Pneumatic Lift Manufacturers

Pneumatic lifts use pressurized air to lift items higher or move them up floors. Pneumatics are used over electric or hydraulic for their low cost. However, they cannot get as high as their counterparts due to air being a weaker power source. An external pump increases internal pressure inside the lift, which allows the cylinder the move along the axis of the piston.

Pneumatic lifts employ a lifting mechanism using a hollow cylinder and a piston. As the piston moves, air pressure is increased, which causes the lift components to raise. Pneumatic lifts are used to assist in raising large or heavy loads during pallet handling or vehicle loading. The versatility allows for assisting in work positioning and ergonomic handling of goods, reducing incidents of musculoskeletal disorders in workers. Industries that commonly use lift tables include woodworking, upholstered furniture manufacturing, metalworking, paper, printing and publishing, warehousing and distribution, heavy machinery and transportation.

There are two basic types of Pneumatic lifts. The air over hydraulic, which are built the same as a traditional lift except that the electric motor is replaced by an air motor. Lifts of this type are used in applications where electrical components cannot be used or are not available. The other type is the airbag design which operates by inflating airbags under the table to cause lift. Pneumatic scissor lifts use air pressure as their lifting mechanism. Often chosen because these lifts do not emit hazardous fumes or by-products into the environment.

Pneumatics are often used because they are more cost-effective than electric lifts. However, because of their actuator size, operating pressure may be difficult to maintain. Making the lifts not ideal when high reliability is required.

To ensure safety it is recommended to examine lifts every 6 to 12 months, depending on the equipment. Additionally, lifts according to LOLER Approved Code of Practice and guidance must be examined by a competent person. Competent being defined as someone with appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of lifting equipment. A LOLER examination is required at least once a year under the Health & Safety legislation.