Scissor lift tables have been a key component in the evolution of vehicle assembly lines over the past hundred years. From the first advances in automation to today’s high-precision technologies, the industry has continuously demanded faster, more reliable, and more efficient solutions for lifting and positioning vehicles and components.
In this context, scissor lift tables have played a fundamental role — and few companies have had as decisive an impact as Heckert.
The Early Days: Hydraulics and Emerging Mechanical Systems
After the introduction of the first conveyors at Ford in the 1920s, manufacturers began searching for systems capable of lifting vehicles or components to different heights within the production line. In the 1930s, the first scissor tables appeared, although with highly diverse designs as the industry explored what the optimal solution might be.
From the 1950s onward, hydraulic scissor tables became the standard thanks to their simplicity.
However, they also presented significant drawbacks:
- Dependence on hydraulic oil
- Frequent maintenance requirements
- Difficulty maintaining a constant lifting level
- Higher likelihood of leaks and cleanliness issues
As mass production grew and precision became increasingly important, the industry needed a superior alternative.
The Search for Precision: From Ball Screws to Push Chains
In the 80s, the first major alternative emerged: scissor tables driven by ball screws, capable of maintaining a constant level without the use of oil. However, these systems were complex and subjected to high internal forces, which increased maintenance needs.
During the 90s, the first push-chain systems appeared, offering constant speed but suffering from high wear levels and requiring motors with very high torque.
1999–2001: HECKERT — The Birth of a Revolution in Belt-Driven Scissor Tables
The next technological leap arrived in 1999 with the introduction of the first belt-driven scissor tables using toothed belts, followed by flat belts from 2001 onwards.
Engineer Gerold Heckert was the mind behind this major breakthrough in the world of scissor lift technology — a design that many manufacturers still copy today.
These new belt-driven systems offered key advantages:
- Constant speed
- Low maintenance
- Lower power requirements
However, the early toothed-belt designs still suffered from high internal loads due to the layout of the traction system.
This is where Gerold Heckert once again made a decisive contribution.
In 2001, the first advanced belt-driven scissor table design was introduced, incorporating an additional cam on the scissor arm itself. This innovative design — developed and patented by Heckert — resolved the issues present in earlier versions:
- Constant speed
- Low maintenance
- Lower power consumption
- Reduced internal forces
- Extremely high safety factor (index > 10)
Heckert: The International Benchmark for Scissor Tables in Automotive Assembly Lines
Heckert’s contribution was not just an improvement — it was a disruptive leap that enabled modern assembly lines to reach productivity levels impossible with earlier technologies.
Heckert’s belt-driven scissor lift tables offer:
- Extreme reliability for 24/7 operation
- High, constant lifting speed
- Minimal maintenance
- High energy efficiency
- Clean, oil-free operation
- Safety factor >10
The story does not end here: since introducing the system now used by automotive factories worldwide, Heckert has continued improving every detail, both for maintenance tasks and to further enhance safety levels.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Scissor Tables in Automotive Manufacturing
In upcoming publications, we will present the latest improvements that position our scissor lift tables at the forefront of industrial technology.
Today, Heckert’s scissor tables are considered the ideal solution for automotive factories seeking to optimize cycle times, maximize reliability, and reduce maintenance in their production lines.
