How to Choose a Lift Assist

How to choose a lift assist system that will best suit your function...

Make a complete analysis of your material handling needs before you make your choice. Budget is important but don’t compromise on quality, efficiency and safety because of price.

Did you know

The lift assist system capacity must be greater than the heaviest material to be handled.
Ratings for lift assist systems consider the lifting capacity at the end of the arm, keeping in mind end tooling.
In customized end tooling, weight might not be known, so take into account an estimated weight.
As the length of the arm/reach increases, the lifting capacity decreases.

Things to consider before buying a lift assist system:

The weight of the material handled versus lifting capacity of the handling systems available
Will it be used to move fragile parts?
The weight of the end tooling, radius (reach) of the arm and the reach-in ratings
Your required work envelope, desired mounting option, parallel linkage and side load considerations
Directions of hook movement(s) needed - up/down, left/right, forward/backward
How often it will be used and whether it needs to be moved to other in-house locations
How and where the load will be moved?
How will it increase the safety of workers and loads lifted?
How much you are willing to invest in it?

To calculate Lifting Capacity - add the weight of the item to be handled to the weight of the end tooling (lifting apparatus). The sum will help determine the required capacity of the lift assist system.

Load + Tooling Weight = Total Load

Selecting the required reach is important when the user handles a load with the end tool positioned farther than the effective reach of the lift assist system. The reach-in dimension is measured from the center of the vertical arm to the center of gravity of the load and must be added to the radius of the base unit. Match the required radius of reach with the lifting capacity. Remember that when reach requirements increase, lifting capacity decreases.

Types of Lift Assist Systems:

Manipulator Systems
Articulated Jib Crane Systems
Articulated Lifting Arm Systems
Torque Arm Systems
Machine Loading Systems
Parts Transfer Systems

Benefits of Parallel Linkage:

End tool mounting plate remains in a horizontal plane, parallel to the floor, throughout the operation
A stable base for the mounting of the end tooling
Enables use of a greater variety of end tooling
Facilitates getting to hard to reach areas
Handle overhung loads (See Reach-In dimension information above)
Provides a safe method of lifting, tilting and rotating loads.
Ensures precise control with smooth action

How side loading can affect your choice?

When an operation requires the end tool and load to be rotated horizontally, it is called side loading. A lift assist system's capacity decreases as the angle of horizontal rotation increases. That is why side loading is an important consideration in selecting the right lift assist system. Consider the maximum angle of rotation for a given load and reach before making your choice.

Why should you know your Work Envelope?

The horizontal and vertical operating range of a lift assist system is called the work envelope. It should match the parameters of the operation being performed. The Work Envelope can be identified by using spacers to lower ceiling and trolley mounted units or modifying the pedestal height to raise or lower floor units.

Choosing a mounting option that works for you:

Pedestal: bolted to the floor in a fixed location.
Cart: provides mobility as the pedestal is mounted to a cart in a track affixed to the floor, or with casters.
Ceiling: eliminates floor obstruction as it is bolted to an overhead support structure at a fixed location.
Trolley: increases work envelope as it is bolted to a double girder trolley and able to move along a runway.

Contact R & D Ergo for your lift assist requirements. We do site audits to help identify your needs. We also provide delivery, installation, commissioning, training and after sales services.

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