[SML] A question about scissor lift hour meters

[Dave Tosti-Lane]

Also, remember to include the annual inspection cost as part of your
expense planning (when comparing against rental). In the Seattle area,
this generally cost us around $600 per year per lift (these were
scissors lifts, with the inspection performed on-site). You will need
to do the annual inspection, and with a used lift I would work on the
assumption you'll be spending a minimum of $600 per year on repairs in
addition to the inspection.

Dave Tosti-Lane

On Sun, Dec 6, 2015 at 7:39 AM, Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center via
Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> On 12/6/2015 6:41 AM, Dale Farmer via Stagecraft wrote:
>>
>> On 12/6/2015 2:15 AM, Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center via Stagecraft
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> We are in the preliminary stages of looking for a used scissor lift in
>>> the 20' platform height variety and electric powered.
>>>
>>> There are several in area auctions coming up in the next several of
>>> weeks and we don't really need one until February.
>>>
>>> The auction listings have hour meter readings on 10-year old units in
>>> the 200-400 hour range.
>>>
>>> That doesn't seem like a lot of hours but the units, from the auction
>>> catalog photos, have obviously seen a fair amount of use.
>>>
>>> What is the hour meter measuring? Hours the pump is pumping, or hours
>>> the lift is switched on and powered, or something else?
>>>
>>> We figure we may be able to purchase a used unit for about what a 60-90
>>> day rental would cost but if not then renting makes more sense. It's an
>>> item that would be 'nice to have available' but we've gotten along
>>> swimmingly so far without actually owning one.
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>
>>> Carla
>>>
>>> Fred's Bifurcate Law of Economic Independence: If you can't pay for it,
>>> don't buy it; and if you don't need it, don't buy it. Fred Reed - Fred
>>> on Everything
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>> http://theatrical.net/mailman/listinfo/stagecraft_theatrical.net
>>>
>> I only ever seriously looked at one several years ago, and the hours
>> meter was connected to the hydraulic pump.  But the hours meter is only
>> one part of the story.
>>
>> Scissor lifts are hydraulic machines, so the pump and valve manifold are
>> the main wear items.  Their driving speed is slow and most of their
>> motion is up and down.  The battery bank gets lots of use, and is
>> probably the main maintenance item.  Their usage at construction sites
>> is generally pretty hard, and maintenance is mostly just fix it when
>> it's broke, so there probably are no maintenance records to look at.
>> There should be some records of annual inspections by a recognized
>> service company.  If this is from a construction equipment rental house
>> then their in-house shop can be doing this.  Do they still have the
>> manuals?  Read them.
>>
>> So, assume the battery bank is mostly used up, and plan on replacing it
>> in a fairly short time.  Depending on your usage of the thing, a mostly
>> worn down battery bank may be perfectly fine for your needs.  Battery
>> bank is pretty expensive, and depending on the model you have, may be
>> ridiculously expensive.  Prices of lead acid batteries have more of less
>> doubled in the last ten years, now that lead mines are unprofitable in
>> countries with environmental and worker safety laws.
>>
>> Check the hydraulic system.  Ideally by someone who has worked on them.
>>   You are looking for leaks and signs of old leaks.  Check the fluid
>> itself, and how much crap is in the filter and settled on the bottom of
>> the tank. Also water contamination.  Fire up the pump and listen for
>> abnormal sounds. Look at every flexible hose for cracks, chafing and
>> leaks.  Carefully look at all the pistons at maximum extension.  Look
>> for anything that is not clean bright smooth metal, and leaks at gaskets.
>>
>> Check the electrical system.  Look for obvious problems, burn marks,
>> damaged wires, etc.  Test the battery charger.  Make sure the service
>> power outlet up on the platform still actually works when it is powered
>> from the ground, all the way up and down.   Look at all flexible cables
>> for cracks, crushes, chafing, any other damage.
>>
>> Look at the structure.  Cracks, corrosion, bent metal, peeling paint are
>> all bad signs.  Look at everything that has a grease fitting.  Does it
>> look like the thing has been getting regular greasing? Any play in those
>> joints? rust and wear?  Safety railings?  Push hard on them to find any
>> inadequacies.   Fall arrest clip on points if any.  If there is a
>> extending platform, can one person of normal strength operate it?
>>
>> Wheels and tires.  Anything more than normal wear and tear?   Some
>> models have outriggers that automatically deploy when the platform
>> elevates.  Make sure they still work, this is a safety feature that is
>> often disabled by workers so they can drive around while elevated.
>>
>> Take the thing for a test drive, make sure that it will go up and down
>> all the way.  Turns and drives correctly.  forward and reverse.  Test
>> every control button while wiggling the cable on the control pendant.
>> The cable of the control pendant is also a common failure point,
>> intermittent opens a couple inches back from the control head usually.
>> Drive it around for at least ten minutes, you are exercising the machine
>> and also looking for a totally worn out battery bank.   Don't forget to
>> test the second control point down at the bottom.  This may be anything
>> from a full duplicate to just the emergency lowering valve.  Verify
>> emergency stop button functionality.  When you have it at maximum
>> altitude, start rocking the thing to see if it rattles or rocks
>> excessively.
>>
>> As soon as you have finished the test drive, recheck the hydraulic
>> system for leaks and check the pump for hot spots.  It should be warm to
>> the touch only.  If it is uncomfortably warm or hot enough to burn your
>> fingers, then there is something wrong there that needs work.   If you
>> have a thermal imaging camera, this is a good time to use it.  Also test
>> the battery bank for hot spots, this could be a bad battery or
>> electrical connection.
>>
>>    As part of your purchase process, take it to whomever is going to be
>> your usual factory authorized repair shop for full inspection and
>> re-certification.  Make the purchase contingent on the thing passing
>> this.  Even if the repair shop is the people you are buying it from. Get
>> this in writing.
>>
>> Good luck.
>>
>> Dale
>>
>
> Dale,
>
> Thank you for an excellent tutorial - I shall do as much of what you
> recommend as is possible and modulate our bids/offers proportionally.
>
> Some of the machines we are looking at are offered at auction and
> pre-testing and inspection will be rather limited - but we do have lots of
> time to make a deal on other machines - or just bag it and rent from a
> trusted supplier.
>
> Thanks again,
>
>
> Carla
>
>
>
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