Scissor lift hire in Melbourne has become increasingly popular for its ability to help workers safely reach certain heights without the need for complicated scaffolding. The platform enables multiple workers and their tools to be raised and lowered simultaneously, which makes them a great (and safer) alternative to ladders, scaffolding, and towers. But how do you move the lift between sites? As it’s not legal to drive this equipment on the road, this is where purpose-built galvanised trailers come in handy.
Benefits of Purpose-Built Scissor Lift Trailers
When it comes to transporting a lift, safety – of the equipment, the driver, and of other road users – should be your top priority. Nothing will assure safety better than purpose-built galvanised trailers. Some of the benefits of using such a trailer include:
- Ease of Loading - These trailers feature built-in ramps to make loading and unloading the lift as easy as possible. The tray is also generally lower to the ground, which makes the process of getting the lift on and off even easier.
- Tough & Durable - Trailers are built using a corrosion resistant galvanised steel chassis, slipper suspension, heavy-duty fold-down ramps, and solid steel axles to ensure that it’s as strong and durable as possible.
- Safe Transport - Trailers also generally feature stop bar, allowing you to park the lift in the optimal position for even weight distribution across the tray. The included tie-down points allow you to secure the lift in place during transit.
How to Transport a Scissor Lift
Compared to other types of equipment, these lifts are fairly easy to move. That said, it’s important that you’ve properly prepared for the journey to ensure that everything – and everyone – arrives in one piece.
- Check Equipment - Whether you’ve opted for scissor lift hire or you own the equipment outright, it’s important that you carefully inspect it prior to transportation. Perform a general inspection (specifically looking for signs of corrosion and structural damage), an operational check (are all controls and switches functioning correctly, as a malfunction could be disastrous), inspect the safety systems (including the safety trip bar and maintenance support bar), and check out the tires and mobility.
- Lock Platform & Secure Parts - To prevent the scissor lift from unfolding during transit, which could lead to damage or a serious accident, it must be secured. Ensure that the platform is fully retracted and that the locking mechanism is engaged, check that all bolts and screws are tightened, then retract and lock any extendable parts of the equipment. Finally, ensure that you’ve secured any accessories or attachments that may go with the lift, preferably in a locked box for maximum safety.
- Disconnect the Battery - Once the lift has been parked in position on the galvanised trailer, you should disconnect the battery. This will prevent accidental operation during transit, ensure the safety of the driver and other road users, and will also help to preserve the life of the battery. The battery compartment can usually be located under the main body of the lift and a wrench can be used to loosen the terminals. The disconnected cables should be secured to prevent them from touching each other or a metal surface.
- Check for Loose Items - It’s important that you perform a final check to ensure that all parts of the lift have been secured – if anything were to come loose during transport, it could create a number of hazards for both the driver and other road users. If you find anything loose, it can be secured using cable ties, bungee cords, or even removed and placed in a storage box. It’s a good idea to document any parts that are removed so that you can be sure everything is returned at the other end.
Can You Transport a Scissor Lift When It’s Extended?
No! These lifts are designed to only be transported in the retracted position. Trying to transport them while extended poses a serious safety risk, not only to the driver but also to other road users. This is because the lift will have a higher centre of gravity, which increases the likelihood of it tipping over, plus it presents clearance problems – the extended platform may collide with obstructions (like branches and overhead bridges).
While there are certainly some intricacies involved with transportation, when you choose us for scissor lift hire in Melbourne, it can be done safely if you know what you’re doing.With our expertise, worry-free transportation is at your fingertips – rest assured that you have access to all our knowledge and advice. Plus, we have galvanised trailers available for hire, too. Have the peace of mind that your equipment will arrive in one piece and ready to be deployed at the new site.
