Aerial Lift Repair and Maintenance in Chicago

Whether you’re washing windows, constructing a building or moving products in a warehouse, you rely heavily on your rig’s performance.

One way to ensure your lift continues to work as hard as you do and prevent unproductive downtime is to closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on routine maintenance and repair. Doing so keeps you and your employees safe and in compliance with industry standards and government regulations.

ANSI, CSA and OSHA Requirements

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets recommendations on manufacturing, operating and inspecting heavy machinery. Following the guidance of ANSI is voluntary, but it’s a wise practice to keep your operations moving and your employees healthy. ANSI prescribes review on both quarterly and annual schedules by a certified and trained technician.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is our northern neighbor’s ANSI equivalent. The inspection guidelines are similar, especially surrounding pre-usage evaluations by employees before working with the machinery.

Our Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses the standards from ANSI to develop its regulations. Choosing not to comply with OSHA requirements is not an option, and costly penalties result from infractions. OSHA also mandates inspections prior to use and on a frequent and annual basis.

Aerial Lift Maintenance Checklist

You’ve invested a significant amount of money into your elevating work platform and appreciate its ability to get the job done safely and efficiently. To keep it working at its best, follow a regular maintenance routine designed to prevent minor issues from becoming more complicated and costly.

Generally speaking, distinct lift styles and propulsion modes have different maintenance requirements. Most often, you will find these recommendations in the manufacturer’s operating manual. Some maintenance requirements you can expect include:

• Engine service: Service your rig’s engine at the prescribed intervals, such as after every 150, 1,000 or 2,000 hours of work.
• Test and replace oils and filters: Prevent premature damage to your lift’s hydraulics and drive hub by sampling oil quality and changing out oil and air filters as necessary.
• Check axles and wear pads: Examine wear pads on axles and booms. Grease axles and wheel bearings when recommended or needed.
• Examine freewheel configuration: Rotate each steering wheel by hand to ensure easy movement and correct arrangement.
• Inspect boom cables: Remove and examine the lines for defects that can create a hazard.
• Test the battery: Check voltage levels and ensure cable connections are free of dust or corrosion.
• Check tires, wheels and lug nuts: Ensure steady and smooth operation by examining for defects, wear or loose parts.
• Evaluate forks, fork level and hoses: Inspect for damage, proper balance and leakage of lubricating fluid.

Common Repairs and Equipment Types

Because each style of elevating work platform relies on different engineering, common repairs differ, but hoses tend to be the main culprit behind many types of issues.

Scissor lifts depend upon a well-designed hydraulic system, which means even minor fluid leaks will cause performance challenges until the lift eventually stops working.

Similarly, hose leaks account for many telehandler repairs, whether in the hydraulics, cooling or steering configurations. The constant pressure in a hydraulic system puts continuous strain on those hoses and causes wear and tear over time.

Boom lifts use hydraulic power for their movement as well, subjecting them to the same vulnerability. Another common repair is a faulty valve in the boom swing that can create unexpected (and dangerous) lurching.

The Wellbuilt Difference

Wellbuilt Equipment has been serving the greater Chicago area since 1987, and we are proud to be the region’s leading provider for aerial lift repair and maintenance. Our certified technicians boast over 100 years of combined repair experience, and our customer service is second to none. Whether you need hydraulic hose replacements or Genie® lift repair, Wellbuilt Equipment’s local, Chicago-based team has you covered. We service over 24 brands of aerial lifts and carry an extensive inventory of in-stock parts to prevent downtime.

When working with Wellbuilt, expect straightforward pricing because we don’t believe in hidden fees or surcharges. Our free on-site estimates mean you know what you can expect to pay before any repair work begins.

Contact Us to Learn More!

We know machines inside and out, and when you reach out to Wellbuilt, you will get one of our knowledgeable teammates on the phone instead of a robot. When you need an aerial lift repair company in Chicago, call us with questions or schedule an appointment for a free estimate.