5 Ways To Keep Your Aerial Lift In Mint Condition
Aerial lifts are an expensive, albeit very valuable and useful, investment. An asset on any job site, these machines simplify a host of tasks that require elevated access, from tree care to building maintenance. These machines truly work hard in demanding environments and always manage to deliver.
But to ensure your aerial lift continues functioning as well as it did on Day One, you have to put time and effort into maintaining it. Routine maintenance will ensure consistent safety, efficiency, and reliability. Neglect it and you’re likely to end up with malfunctioning equipment that’s susceptible to premature failure.
Here are pointers to help you with aerial lift upkeep!
1. Read The Operator’s Manual
Every aerial lift comes with an in-depth manual that has to be carefully perused by the operator or anyone else using the machine. Why? It has everything you need to know about the best maintenance practices recommended by the machine’s manufacturer.
Expect it to be a treasure trove of information, such as troubleshooting guides, inspection procedures as well as maintenance intervals. You should also operate your lift, keeping the best practices in mind to ensure long-term performance.
2. Inspect Pre-Use Everyday
Before using your aerial work platform, scan it for potential issues so you can prevent major meltdowns. A quick walk-around the machine can help you detect:
- Hydraulic fluid leaks
- Damaged or worn-out tires
- Missing or loose fasteners
- Cracks on the surface - be it in structural components or welds
- Malfunctioning safety features - broken lights, faulty alarms etc.
- Low battery or fuel levels
Maintaining a log of the inspections you make will help you keep track of fixes and repairs. It’ll also help you notify your team of which machines are usable and which are out of service.
3. Lubricate Your Lift
Hydraulics are the backbone of aerial lifts. They impart your machine with the smoothness you expect of it. You can keep up their top-notch performance by:
- Performing a weekly check of the fluid levels in the machine’s system
- Checking if there are signs of wear, bulges or cracks
- Strictly following the recommended manufacturer’s guidelines about replacing hydraulic filters
- Making sure the hydraulic fluid you use is of the right grade - this is necessary as Canada’s low temperatures can impact performance
Another rule of thumb for optimal performance? Frequent lubrication of joints, pivot points and outriggers. It’s the best way to extend their lifespan while reducing wear.
4. Keep The Electrical Systems In Good Shape
If you have an electric or a hybrid aerial work platform model at hand, you have to take special care of the battery. Here’s how:
- Battery terminals can corrode - be sure to check them periodically
- Always maintain optimum water levels if your machine is equipped with lead-acid batteries
- Every time you’re done using your aerial lift, charge its battery to full to avoid deep discharges
- Store your lift in a dry and temperature-controlled place - especially if it’s not going to be used for a while
Other electrical components, such as the wiring and connectors, can also display signs of wear over time, so keep tabs on their condition too.
5. Check Tracks & The Undercarriage
Though aerial work platforms can handle rough terrain without breaking a sweat, their tracks end up bearing the brunt of uneven surfaces. You must inspect the following:
- The overall condition of your lift’s rubber tracks
- Wear and tear in the rollers and sprockets
- Build-up of debris under the carriage, especially during bad weather
Cleaning and tensioning the tracks of your aerial lift is the best way to maintain them. It can help you keep derailment at bay while ensuring smooth operation.
Conclusion
Regular servicing should also factor into the aerial lift maintenance practices you follow. Professional servicing from qualified technicians, performed quarterly or so, will help you detect and solve deeper issues. They will check your machine from head to toe, ensuring everything functions as it’s supposed to and will replace faulty parts with OEM-quality components.
Maintaining your aerial lift ensures it performs consistently well in the long run. Provided you invest in high-quality machines, which you can find at Platform Basket Canada. Our Italian-made aerial work platforms are extremely durable and easy to care for. Contact us to get aerial lifts that come with advanced features and after-sales service, and repairs.
