Platform equipment, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, aerial work platforms, and cherry pickers, plays a crucial role in providing a safe and efficient way to access heights for tasks like installation, repair, inspection, and cleaning. However, something that is often avoidable is essential equipment breaking down and requiring emergency repairs. Not only can this lead to unexpected and costly expenses, but it also causes downtime and reduces overall efficiency.
There are several simple steps you can take to prevent breakdowns and ensure your equipment remains reliable. At Elite Access Repairs, we specialise in platform equipment repairs and maintenance, and we’ve put together this guide to help you avoid the need for emergency repairs. Discover how to keep your platform equipment running smoothly and prevent costly breakdowns.
Tips for Keeping Platform Equipment Operating Smoothly
Regular Servicing and Inspections
Scheduling routine servicing and inspections is crucial for identifying potential issues before they turn into major problems. Regular maintenance checks help keep your equipment running smoothly and can prevent unexpected breakdowns. Inspections can also catch worn out parts, hydraulic fluid issues, or electrical faults early, allowing you to fix them before they escalate. By regularly servicing your platform equipment, you ensure its longevity, reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs, and minimise operational downtime.
Address Small Issues Quickly
If you notice any minor faults, such as unusual noises, slow operation, or leaks, don’t delay repairs. Fixing small problems early can prevent them from escalating into more significant and costly repairs down the line. What might seem like a minor fluid leak, could damage major hydraulic components during its next use. Addressing small issues promptly can keep equipment functioning optimally and prevent the added expense of emergency fixes or extended downtime.
Keep Equipment Clean
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in the machinery over time, leading to blockages or wear on critical components. Keeping platform equipment clean helps prevent unnecessary strain on the system and ensures efficient operation. Dirt can clog filters, corrode metal parts, and reduce the performance of machinery, eventually leading to breakdowns. Regular cleaning is a simple yet effective way to maintain your equipment’s health and avoid costly, time-consuming repairs.
Check Fluid Levels Regularly
Hydraulic systems are vital to platform equipment, so checking fluid levels regularly is essential. Having low levels of hydraulic fluid in equipment can lead to overheating or system failure. If fluid levels drop too low, components can overheat, leading to serious mechanical failure. By monitoring and maintaining proper fluid levels, you help avoid sudden breakdowns and ensure the smooth operation of your equipment.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Proper lubrication is key to reducing friction and wear on moving components. Make sure to lubricate parts like bearings, gears, and joints to maintain smooth operation and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Lack of lubrication can cause parts to grind against each other, accelerating wear and potentially leading to equipment failure. Regular lubrication helps reduce strain on the machinery, minimising the need for major repairs and keeping your equipment in top condition.
Avoid Overloading
Each piece of platform equipment has a maximum weight limit, and exceeding this limit can put excessive strain on the machinery and lead to breakdowns. Overloading platform equipment can cause damage to the hydraulic system, destabilise the equipment, and even lead to dangerous accidents. By sticking to the manufacturer’s guidelines, you reduce the risk of equipment failure and ensure the long term reliability of your machinery.
Store Equipment Properly
When not in use, ensure to store platform equipment in a clean, dry environment to protect it from the elements. Exposure to rain, dust, or extreme temperatures can cause corrosion or damage to components, leading to premature breakdowns. Proper storage not only preserves the equipment’s condition but also prevents rust, electrical faults, and unnecessary wear. By ensuring proper storage, you extend the life of your platform equipment and reduce the need for emergency repairs.
Train Operators Correctly
Improper use of platform equipment is a common cause of breakdowns, so it is vital to ensure that all operators are trained and follow correct procedures when using the machinery to reduce the risk of damage due to mishandling. Well trained operators know how to handle equipment safely, avoid overloading, and recognise early signs of trouble. By investing in thorough training, you can prevent accidents, reduce wear and tear, and minimise the chance of costly breakdowns due to operator errors.
Inspect Tyres and Tracks
For platform equipment that relies on tyres or tracks, regular inspections are essential. Worn tyres or damaged tracks can affect the stability and operation of your machinery, increasing the chances of a breakdown occurring. Checking for proper inflation, tread wear, or damage can help you to catch issues early on before they escalate. Maintaining tyres or tracks ensures platform equipment remains stable and functional, preventing dangerous situations and the need for costly repairs.
Monitor Warning Lights and Alerts
You also need to pay close attention to any warning lights or system alerts that may appear during operation of your platform machinery. These indicators are there to alert you to potential issues, and ignoring these warnings can result in major malfunctions or breakdowns, as the problem could worsen over time. By addressing warnings as soon as they arise, you can prevent small issues from escalating and keep your equipment running smoothly without the need for emergency repairs.
Does your Platform Equipment Require Emergency Repairs?
If you’re experiencing issues with your platform equipment and require emergency repairs, welcome to Elite Access Repairs. We understand how crucial it is to address equipment problems quickly in an emergency, as downtime can disrupt your operations and workflow. We offer efficient emergency repair services; whether it’s a vertical mast, boom lift, cherry picker, MEWP, scissor lift, or order picker, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle all types of equipement repairs. To learn more about our platform machinery emergency repairs at Elite Access Repairs, contact our team and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
