Give safety, and profits, a lift: proper maintenance of aerial lifts does both
Published in: Arbor Age
Date: 3/1/2006
By: Peterson, P.D.
WHETHER TRAILER-MOUNTED OR SELF-PROPELLED, THE AERIAL LIFT is an excellent tool for conquering even the most difficult trimming job, reducing the amount of time needed to complete the job significantly.
These machines, like other tools in your arsenal, require maintenance, and, as you literally place your life in the hands of this equipment, it pays to be sure it is in top operating condition.
Safety first
Safety, as they say, always comes first. To that end, you should inspect all safety systems on your lift at least daily.
Regardless of brand or type, all lifts are equipped with safety systems that prevent travel in unsafe situations, sound an alarm when the unit is out of level, or prevent its operation at an unsafe angle. Most boom lifts use an automatic leveling device to ensure the operator station stays level as it rises. The time to find out this is not working properly is not when you are 30 feet in the air. So always set up a lift and run it from the ground to make sure all is well before you get in the basket. This takes just a few minutes and can save a lot of trouble. Regardless of the type of system your lift has, make it your business to know how it works, and make sure it is working properly.
When renting a unit, do not assume that all is in working order when you receive the unit. Go through a pre-delivery check with the rental yard to make sure all is well. Renters have been known to disable safety devices so that they can use the lift where they want (even if that is not a good place to be). Naturally, being a professional, you aren’t going to try that, and your crew shouldn’t be placed at risk because someone else did. While rental yards are scrupulous about safety devices, it pays to be sure. Also, make sure you and anyone else who will be operating the lift is thoroughly familiar with all aspects of operation and safety before you leave with the machine.
In the case of your own equipment, be sure to keep a written record of daily safety inspections as well as maintenance records in case a problem arises later.
Safety doesn’t end with checking the safety devices on the lift. Make sure there are operator’s manuals on all lifts you own or use, and take the time to train all members of your crew on all aspects of the equipment.
Keep it lubricated
Regardless of whether you are the proud owner of a lift, or are renting it for a week or two, there are fittings that must be greased on a regular basis. The owner’s manual is the best source for information on the location of fittings as well as other maintenance information, but, as a rule, fittings should be greased at least once a week during regular use. Fittings that are greased regularly tend not to stop up, which saves time when you are doing maintenance, and can save you a lot of money in replacing gears and bushings due to lack of lubrication.
While you are lubricating the various fittings on your machine, don’t forget to check hydraulic fluid level and the condition of the fluid as well. If the hydraulic oil appears cloudy or contaminated, change the fluid and filter immediately. Rust can, and will, form in control valves and other inconvenient places if moisture is allowed to contaminate the system.
Trailer-mounted lifts ride on trailer tires, of course, which must be kept properly inflated and inspected for wear. Also, the wheel bearings should be checked and lubricated on a regular basis.
Self-propelled lifts might ride on tracks, which require tension adjustments from time to time, or tires that require proper inflation and care to perform properly. A lift is only as good as its platform, so be sure all the underpinnings of your lift are properly cared for.
Engine bay basics
All lifts are powered either by an engine of some kind or by batteries that must be recharged at regular intervals. Although battery-powered lifts may not be all the rage with owner/operators, there are a lot of them out there for rent, so you should know how to care for them. Batteries are straightforward devices that require distilled water in order to work properly. If you are using a battery-powered lift, check the battery water level at least once weekly, and also make sure all connections are clean and tight. Also, be sure when charging the batteries that you use a heavy enough cord–the larger the gauge the better–and make sure that you allow enough time for the batteries to recharge. A dead lift will not recharge in a few minutes–it generally takes several hours to fully charge a lift–so plan accordingly.
Those lifts that use engines are an eclectic lot; using everything from air-cooled, single-cylinder engines all the way to diesel engines with multiple cylinders. The maintenance requirements vary greatly, but one thing is constant–make sure the engine is full of oil and the cooling system is full (if it is a liquid-cooled engine).
Engines require periodic maintenance, and the best place to start is your operator’s manual; different engines require different care.
If the lift is a rental and you have it for more than a day, do not overlook the maintenance requirements of the engine. Most rental contracts hold the renter responsible for any damage and all maintenance once the machine leaves the rental yard.
With proper care and attention, the aerial lift is one of the most useful tools in an arborist’s arsenal. Making sure everyone is on board with safety and operation issues reduces your liability and increases profits; two things we are all in search of.
P.D. Peterson has been associated with the outdoor power industry for more than 15 years, as a technician, service manager and writer. He is an expert in the field of outdoor power equipment. He may be reached at fromtheworkbench@hotmail.com