Lift tables that are designed with more than one stack of scissor legs are referred to as multi stage lift tables. Multi stage lift tables are designed to provide a high amount of vertical travel/lift while requiring a minimal floor space foot print.
This link illustrates examples of standard Pentalift multi stage lift tables. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions_category/multistage-lifts/
This link illustrates examples of custom designed Pentalift multi stage lift tables. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions_category/custom-highlifts/
Multistage lift tables can be used to raise/lower the platform to transfer product between 2 elevations. In this application it is the sole responsibility of the customer to ensure that the equipment quoted adheres to any/all local elevating devices or elevator codes.
Multistage lift tables are also used as a high lift maintenance platform and can be used as a high lift work station or product positioner during assembly, testing etc.
Although every application has its own characteristics and requirements the following are the most common questions to be addressed.
What are the ideal platform size and the lifting capacity?
What electrical power source is available to operate the multistage lift table and what is the expected frequency of operation?
If the lift table is to be used to transfer product from one level to another what is the difference in the height elevations?
If the lift table is to be used as a high lift maintenance platform or high lift work station how high does the lift table platform have to go to provide maximum operator access to the product?
Will the lift table need to be mobile or installed directly on the floor or installed into a recessed pit at the lower floor level?
Will there be people on the lift table platform? If the answer is yes the lift table is generally equipped with a checker plate platform surface for improved traction, a combination of guard rails, interlocked gates or platform access chains, possibly the push button controls will be installed on the platform with a manually operated lowering valve installed on the floor level located power unit. This manually operated lowering valve is only to be used in the event of a power failure or an emergency allowing the platform to be safely lowered from the lower level.
Is there a targeted lift speed? Lift tables are often specified with a 10’ – 12’ feet per minute lifting speed. This typical 10’ – 12 FPM lift speed meets most application requirements however it can be increased using a higher HP lift motor in conjunction with a higher gallon per minute output pump assembly.  If required the lift speed can be slowed using a lower HP lift motor and a lower gallon per minute output pump power unit assembly.
What environment will the lift table be operating in, indoors, outdoors, dry, damp etc.? Knowing the operating environment the manufacturer will be in a better position to assist in selecting the most appropriate finish coat for the lift table. A spray on enamel paint is the standard finish coat provided and suits the majority of applications; an upgraded spray on epoxy paint finish is available.
For damp or wet operating environments a hot dip galvanized finish is also available. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hot-dip-galvanizing-what-to-know.pdf
These are the most common questions to be addressed when selecting a multi stage hydraulic lift table. Based on the application additional questions may also require answers such as traffic pattern on and off the platform in the raised and lowered position etc.
For additional information and assistance in selecting the Pentalift multi stage lift table most suited to your application please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.