Scissor lifts are essential tools for many industries, providing safe, elevated access to difficult-to-reach areas. To ensure these machines perform reliably and have a long service life, regular maintenance and care are key. Proper upkeep not only maximizes the lifespan of your scissor lift but also ensures the safety of operators.
In this blog, we’ll outline the essential steps for maintaining your scissor lift and keeping it in optimal working condition.
1. Perform Daily Inspections
One of the easiest yet most important steps in maintaining a scissor lift is conducting daily inspections. Before every use, operators should check the following:
- Fluid levels (hydraulic oil, fuel, and battery water)
- Tires for proper inflation and damage
- Control systems to ensure all functions operate smoothly
- Safety features like emergency stop buttons and guardrails
- Hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks or damage
- Decals and warning labels to make sure they’re visible and legible
A quick daily inspection can help identify minor issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive repairs.
2. Keep the Lift Clean
Keeping your scissor lift clean is essential for preventing debris, dust, and dirt from damaging mechanical and electrical components. Pay particular attention to:
- Platform and controls: Wipe down surfaces to remove dirt, oil, or grease that could cause slipping or affect operator control.
- Hydraulic systems: Regularly clean hydraulic parts and components to prevent the build-up of dust and grime, which can lead to blockages or inefficient operation.
- Undercarriage: Remove debris like mud, rocks, or loose materials that can get caught in the lift mechanism or damage the tires.
A regular cleaning routine will help preserve your scissor lift’s functionality and appearance.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubrication is critical for the smooth operation of the scissor lift’s moving parts. Regularly apply lubricant to the following areas:
- Scissor arm hinges and pins
- Hydraulic cylinder joints
- Bearings and wheel axles
Check your owner’s manual for recommended lubricants and intervals for applying them. Well-lubricated parts help reduce wear and tear, extending the overall lifespan of your equipment.
4. Check Battery Health
If your scissor lift is electric, maintaining the battery is essential to keeping it running efficiently. Follow these steps:
- Charge the battery after every use: Avoid letting the battery fully drain, as this can shorten its lifespan.
- Check the battery’s water level: Use distilled water to top it off when necessary.
- Clean battery terminals: Prevent corrosion by regularly cleaning the battery terminals and applying a corrosion inhibitor.
Regular battery maintenance ensures your scissor lift operates for longer periods between charges, saving you time on the job.
5. Monitor Hydraulic Systems
The hydraulic system is at the heart of the scissor lift’s operation. To maintain it properly:
- Check hydraulic fluid levels regularly: Low fluid can cause poor lift performance or damage to hydraulic components.
- Inspect hydraulic hoses and seals: Look for signs of wear, cracking, or leaks. Replace worn parts immediately to prevent system failure.
Proper hydraulic maintenance ensures that your scissor lift operates smoothly and safely at all times.
6. Inspect Tires and Wheels
Whether your lift has solid or pneumatic tires, regular tire maintenance is essential for mobility and safety:
- Inspect for damage: Look for any cracks, gouges, or other signs of wear. Replace tires that show significant damage.
- Check wheel alignment: Misaligned wheels can cause the lift to veer or move unevenly, making operation more difficult and unsafe.
Good tire maintenance helps extend the life of your scissor lift and ensures safe, reliable operation on different job sites.
7. Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule
In addition to daily and routine inspections, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. This typically includes more in-depth inspections and servicing, such as:
- Replacing hydraulic fluid and filters
- Checking motor brushes (for electric lifts)
- Tightening bolts and fasteners
- Calibrating control systems
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures that the lift is maintained in line with its specific needs, keeping it in peak operating condition.
8. Store Properly When Not in Use
How you store your scissor lift when it’s not in use also plays a role in its longevity:
- Keep it in a dry, covered location: Protect the lift from the elements, such as rain, snow, and direct sunlight, which can damage the paint, electronics, and hydraulic systems.
- Engage the brakes: When parking, ensure the brakes are engaged to prevent accidental rolling.
- Raise the platform slightly: If possible, raise the lift platform just off the ground to relieve pressure on the hydraulic system and tires.
Proper storage minimizes wear and tear during downtime and ensures your lift is ready to go when needed. Our sister company, Covermore Shelters, has a variety of PVC fabric buildings and shelters that can help keep your equipment out from the elements. Check out their website here:
Conclusion
Maintaining your scissor lift is essential to ensure safe and reliable operation over the long term. By following these simple care and maintenance steps, you can extend the life of your equipment, prevent costly repairs, and, most importantly, keep your job sites safe.
At The Lift Bros, we not only sell quality used scissor lifts, but we also provide maintenance services to help keep your machines in top working order. Contact us today for more information! See our product samples here: Product Samples – The Lift Bros Inc.