Truck lifts are also known as loading platforms. They are commonly used lifting devices that are fitted to vans and trucks. Truck lifts are metal platforms that allow goods to be unloaded and loaded. Often, the objects they carry are of considerable weight and size. They are usually made of robust metal alloys. This makes them resistant to potential mechanical damage. They usually have a hydraulic drive that is fitted to the vehicle.
Car lifts are equipment subject to technical supervision. Exceptions are those used to transport goods with a load capacity of less than 250 kg. A simplified form of supervision is applied to them. They do not have to be registered with the Office of Technical Inspection. However, they must be maintained by suitably qualified persons.
Most frequent faults
Some of the most common loading lift faults include:
- Damage to the electrical system;
- Hydraulic system leak;
- Damage to the controls.
These faults can be avoided by regular maintenance and servicing of the equipment.
Periodic inspections of vehicle lifts
Although vehicle lifts are designed for heavy-duty freight handling, there are times when they break down. In this case, a suitably qualified service should be called in.
If we want to avoid potential breakdowns, regular periodic maintenance of the equipment should be carried out. This will help us to avoid costly repairs and downtime in the work in progress.
The periodic inspection of vehicle lifts is carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Amongst others, the following shall be checked in detail:
- Documentation and signage;
- Platforms;
- Control devices;
- Electrical installations;
- Hydraulic cylinders;
- Hydraulic lines.
The inspection concludes with practical tests and lubrication.
Technical inspection of car lifts
Car lifts with a load capacity of up to 250 kg, which are used to move people, are already subject to full technical supervision.
The technical inspection of car lifts starts with the declaration of the equipment to the local UDT unit for the registration of the equipment. After this, it is necessary to carry out regular inspections of the equipment. Loading platforms are subject to inspections:
- periodic;
- ad hoc operational;
- post-accident and post-failure emergency maintenance - with the exception of lifts subject to simplified maintenance.
Periodic maintenance must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. They are required to be performed at least once a year. In order to minimise ad hoc maintenance, the condition of the equipment should be monitored and maintenance and servicing activities should be carried out. This will reduce repair costs and those that would result from not being able to use the car lift. It will also allow us to reduce the risk and occurrence of breakdowns.
Servicing car lifts is not just about maintaining and repairing them. It is also assistance in registering the equipment with the Office of Technical Inspection and carrying out technical inspections and upgrades of car lifts.
Why should you have your car lifts serviced by a professional company?
Comprehensive repair and servicing of vehicle lifts minimises the risk of unexpected breakdowns or faults. These can take the equipment out of service, which in turn can involve expensive repairs and stagnant work.
Car lifts should be fully serviced. As part of this, service companies should take care of regular inspections and necessary maintenance activities. In this way, we can keep the lifts as accessible as possible and reduce operating costs.
