Knowing How Platform Lifts Work

Aug 9
08:53

2016

Brian J White

Brian J White

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A lot of people may think that platform lifts work in a very simple process. These types of lifts actually have complex systems which helps it work smoothly.

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There are three main platform lift drive systems. All these three have their own pros and cons,Knowing How Platform Lifts Work Articles but they all do the same thing, go up and down.

More and more modern platform lifts are controlled from call buttons with electrical inputs. These buttons sends signals to the centre processor in which it initiates the pumps or motors for it to move. Here are the three main systems of lifts:

Screw and Nut Drive System Platform Lifts

This works when the full length of the shaft utilises a steel screw pole. There is then a drive nut screw that is attached to the motor of the platform. The motor will then turn the nut and the lift will either go up and down.

When this type of system is installed, it would often require a supporting wall most especially on longer lifts, so that it would have a better stability. The thread system often requires routine lubrication that is done by a self-lubricating system. The cons of these types of system platform liftsare the wear and tear of its thread.

Hydraulic Drive System Platform Lifts

Hydraulic drive system works when the platform lift is attached to an existing hydraulic ram. For a person to effectively move the life, a pump will push a hydraulic fluid to the ram which comes from a centre reservoir. The ram will then extend when the lift rises and will have a reverse flow when it lowers down.

The disadvantage when people choose to use hydraulic system is that it requires additional space for the reservoir unit and pump. During hot weather or season, the hydraulic fluid also releases an odour.

Encapsulated Chain Drive SystemPlatform Lifts

This system works with a chain that is wrapped with a highly durable casing of polyurethane plastic that will guide the chain and will ensure that slippage situations will be impossible.

A gearbox and motor above the shaft will turn a driveshaft in which the chains are attached on either side of the platform. When the driveshaft rotates the chains, it will either be pushed or pulled. The platform will move downward or upward. An advantage of this system over other systems of platform lifts is that it is highly durable and can offer longer guarantee.