Avoiding Wheelchair Lift Problems

Reason Number 1: Operator Error

Many wheelchair lift issues are caused by the user hurrying, not taking the proper precautions, or simply attempting to operate the lift in a situation it is not designed for. 

We all know the obvious things an operator can do wrong. Lowering a lift onto extremely uneven ground or folding a platform into a van door that is not fully opened, if you have manual doors are two common mistakes made with wheelchair lifts. The things that you need to be aware of are the pitfalls that aren't as obvious but can still cause product damage. Ensuring the platform fully folds when you are stowing the lift. Often people tend to release the fold switch too soon because the lift makes a loud noise when it cinches tight. Far from being a problem, that noise is a good thing! What you're hearing is the electric actuator "ratcheting," which tells you that the lift is fully stowed and will not rattle as much while you're driving. A tightly stowed platform will prevent certain lift components from wearing out prematurely, so be sure to keep the fold button pressed!

Another not-so-obvious issue is to make sure the outer roll stop deploys fully before you exit the platform. Think about it. If you are in a hurry and the roll stop is not completely down on the ground, your weight when rolling off of it is going to put excessive stress on those parts and you could cause a wheelchair lift problem that is easily avoidable. Even if the tip of the roll stop is up just a little bit, take the time to lower it completely before you exit the platform.