Access platforms play a vital role in a wide range of industries, offering a safe and efficient means of reaching elevated work areas. However, like any piece of mechanical equipment, access platforms can experience wear and tear over time; leading to issues that can compromise their performance, safety and reliability.
There are a wide range of issues that access platforms can encounter, from hydraulic system issues, to electrical malfunctions, to structural damage, and each issue carries its own unique set of challenges.
By understanding these warning signs and taking proactive measures, you can maintain the peak performance of your access platform and keep it in optimal working condition, ultimately ensuring a safer and more efficient work environment for your team. In this post we recognise these signs, so you can address them promptly with the required repairs.
Hydraulic System Problems
If you’ve noticed slow or uneven movement of your platform, hydraulic fluid leaks, or unusual noises when operating the lift, it could be a sign of hydraulic system issues and these problems may require repairs to the hydraulic components. The hydraulic system is at the heart of most access platforms, responsible for lifting, lowering, and positioning the platform. When issues arise within the system, such as slow or uneven platform movement, hydraulic fluid leaks, or unusual noises during operation, it can significantly affect the lift’s performance and safety. These problems may be caused by damaged hydraulic hoses, malfunctioning valves, worn-out seals, or other hydraulic components that require attention.
Electrical Malfunctions
Access platforms often rely heavily on electrical systems for functions like platform movement, controls, and safety features. When electrical issues arise, such as unresponsive controls, flickering lights, or faulty sensors, they can compromise your platform’s reliability and safety. These kinds of malfunctions often point to problems within the electrical wiring, connectors, switches or circuitry. Addressing electrical issues promptly is important to ensure that your platform remains operational, safe and dependable. If you neglect any electrical issues, this can lead to operational disruptions and potential safety hazards for your team.
Structural Damage
Structural damage in an access platform is a major sign that your access platform might need immediate repairs. The structural integrity of an access platform is paramount to both its safety and functionality, and when structural damage is present its essential it gets sorted as soon as possible. Damage such as bent or corroded components, cracks in the platform, or loose fasteners can compromise the lift’s stability and safety and lead to catastrophic accidents. Timely repairs are crucial to address and rectify any structural issues before they become worse, and to make sure that your platform functions safely for your staff.
Platform Issues
Platform issues can also be a sign that your access platform might need repairing, as they can hinder your operations as well as pose a huge safety risk. The platform, where your operations stand or work whilst using it, can have issues such as misalignment, uneven extension, or damaged guardrails; which can directly affect the usability of the lift as well as its stability. Operating a platform with such problems also poses serious safety risks to those using it, and can potentially lead to dangerous situations if the platform has a problem. Timely repairs are crucial to address and rectify any platform issues, ensuring it remains operational and safe.
Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks in an access platform are also a strong indicator that your equipment might be in need of repairs. Fluid leaks, whether it be hydraulic or oil, can indicate that there are issues with your platform’s hydraulic system, engine, or other vital components. These types of leaks are problematic for several reasons, one of which being that they result in the loss of essential fluids which can lead to reduced system efficiency and impaired platform performance. They also can create slippery surfaces, posing safety hazards for operators and workers. Ignoring fluid leaks can allow the root cause of the problem to persist, potentially leading to more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.
If your access platform is having any of these issues, it could potentially be the start of a much bigger problem and here at Elite Access, we can help. We offer a wide range of servicing and repair services for access equipment. Whether you have a spider lift, a cherry picker, a trailer mounted boom, a scissor lift, or another type of access platform then we will be able to provide you with the repairs you need to get it back up and running again. We understand how important it is for your access platform to be functioning effectively and efficiently for the success of your business, and that it can cost you time and money if it needs repairing.
Our major refurbishment facility in Milton Keynes is well equipped to carry out repairs on all makes and models of access equipment, whatever the issue is. We offer post-accident damage assessments and repairs, major overhaul, hydraulic ram-sealing and pressures testing, electrical cable replacement, and much more; to suit your access platforms needs. If you’d like to learn more about our access platform repairs, get in touch with us today. You can email us at info@eliteaccessrepairs.co.uk or give us a call on 0845 519 8327.
