Lifts have revolutionised all aspects of life allowing buildings to be accessible and to improve deliveries and services in many different industries. A lift is simply a platform that moves up and down carrying either people or products. Presently there are five main types of lifts; barrel hoists, disability platform lifts, Mezzanine Goods Lifts, scissor table lifts and service lifts. Archimedes invented the very first lift in 336 BC using a simple open carriage contraption pulled up vertically using hoists. The very first lifts were manually operated by people, animals and occasionally wheels. They were used to transport water, building materials and other heavy objects with ease.The Romans continued to use these types of lifts for many years contributing to the rise of the Roman Empire. King Louis XV commissioned the very first passenger lift in 1743 to carry him up to his mistress’ apartments on the second floor. The technology was very much the same as the lifts the Romans used. Lifts became mechanically operated in the 1800’s due to advances in technology. (Source: Gizmodo.com)
Barrel Hoists
Barrel hoists lift barrels and cylindrical objects between floors in licensed premises, public houses and restaurants. They are simple to operate and maintain and only require a 240-volt single phase supply. Constant pressure push buttons provide complete control during all aspects of the operation. A braked motor interlinked to a sprocket assembly with twin chains enables equal distribution of the load. Two cantilevered steel arms support the load within the mainframe.The barrel hoist is able to transport beer kegs, drums and gas cylinders to different levels regardless of their awkward shape. Compliance with European safety regulations results in a safe working environment with no risk of personal injury.
Disability Platform Lifts
Disability platform lifts enable businesses and visitors centres to comply with the 2010 Equality Act. They allow people with mobility issues, breathing difficulties, low energy and heart conditions to enjoy work and pleasure without restrictions. People with disabilities are able to effortlessly move between different levels on a simple platform using constant pressure buttons. There is a call station at every landing stage and the lift is able to operate between two to six floors. Each lift has a capacity of 400 kg which is approximately four people. The mechanism is a screw and nut assembly powered by 380/3/50 vac electric motor. Flooring is none slip and each lift is self-supporting with only the landing stages connected to the building structure. Access to the lift is either via a ramp or level access at floor level.
Mezzanine Goods Lifts
Mezzanine goods lifts make it possible to move goods, cartons, pallets and other large deliveries without manual intervention. Each lift is individually designed to suit the environment it is operating in. They are self-supporting structures with fixings at each floor level. Access is via a ramp or shallow pit area. There is an electronic push button at each level with safety gates. All Mezzanine goods lifts comply with the Essential Safety Requirements of machinery safety regulations.
Scissor Table Lifts
Scissor table lifts are used to load trucks and unload goods in order to place them in storage. They are available with single, double or triple vertical scissors depending on the length of the platform. Every unit is designed to accommodate each individuals companies requirements in relation to the platform size and lifting height.They can be installed in either a pit or at floor level with the option of a concertina safety mesh around the perimeter. Hydraulic power packs drive the lifts either mounted or remotely depending on its size. Work cradles can be mounted onto the structure if required.A full perimeter pressure safety bar causes the lift to stop immediately if there is an obstruction when it is being lowered. The lifts are built to comply with the essential safety requirements of machinery safety regulations.
Service Lifts
Service lifts are traditionally known as, ‘Dumb Waiters’, because they transport food and dirty dishes to and from the kitchen. They are set at a height which makes unloading and loading comfortable for the user. They are also referred to as under bar lifts and are supplied with either a 50 kg or 100 kg capacity. The maximum distance is 4000 mm between each floor.They are operated by a push button call station with lights to indicate progress. A sprocket and chain drive drives the lift and is mounted in a machine room at the top of the lift. Food grade stainless steel is used and the machinery complies with the essential requirements of machinery safety regulations. Challenger Dumb waiters also carry a CE mark.If you would like to find out more about the different lifts we manufacture please contact us.
