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You Were Brought Here By Aerial Lift Platform

Here Are The Essentials On Lift Truck Bucket Reconditioning/Replacement And Accessory Selection As A Companion To Aerial Lift Platform

While we certainly respect the fact that you are spending your time on the internet (and possibly other places), with a clear focus of attention at this time on Aerial Lift Platform, this subject of thought may come up as well:

While a non-certified or specifically-experienced body shop or a custom molder of fiberglass parts could certainly have the skills inventory make a repair look legitimate in some circles, they will likely not have people with the specific, detailed knowledge needed to make aerial lift components truly safe. Nor will they likely have the economic and risk management resources that are needed by most reputable operators like product liability insurance.

Aerial Lift Platform


[Added note: For those searching for Aerial Lift Platform, please do tell the right people.]

It is apparent, this is not something that can be put in the category of basic mechanical repair or restoration. It is incumbent upon any operator to approach this situation with more than simple production goals. So, some of the special considerations involved in fiberglass repairs and rebuilds of aerial manlift components include:

  • What the official specifications are for making sure the upper boom is dielectrically separated from the lower boom, and how this separation can be compromised.
  • The structural strength requirements for fiberglass upper booms and lower boom insulators .
  • Sometimes the final line of defense in preventing electrocution is the bucket itself. And, this critical, baseline ability must be checked during any refurbishment.
  • A certain component for preservation of human life is the safe physical connection between the bucket and the boom.


  • More Than Aerial Lift Platform: The Critical Assessment Of The Abilities Of A Repair Facility For The Most Important Fixup You'll Ever Do


    So, here is a potentially life-saving checklist on aerial lift overhaul:
  • If they do have some type of formal risk underwriting carrier or company, have they adequately informed and regularly update their carrier on their activities in connection with their repair or replacement work on aerial manlift components?
  • Have the workers been adequately trained and experienced for this type of work, with a bonified record of testing and/or credentials such as those offered by the ACMA?

    Also to be evaluated:
  • Is the company familiar with the special needs of fiberglass components in aerial man lift units?
  • In addition to maintaining physical integrity, after a repair has been made, a final electrical insulation test should be performed to ensure that the refurbishment process has not also created a literal and figurative potential for dangerous circuit completion that could effect the operator. (For situations relating specifically to Aerial Lift Platform, a consultation with those in your organization who purchased your aerial lift products are a good idea to gain their perspective.)


  • Further Than Aerial Lift Platform: Repair Scenarios And The Right Way To Deal With Them


    Look here to see how this might play out.

    Sometimes You Have To Look A Bit Deeper Because On The Surface, There Is Often Not Much That Is Apparent


    Here we find that a boom section shows up to do a general check-over and servicing. A lower end repair shop may do a basic visual inspection . However, one that is familiar with the gravity of the need would do more, including the following items:
  • Communication with - and gaining permission - prior to any charges being incurred.
  • A thorough cleaning inside and outside, followed by a visual inspection into the inner cavity of the boom itself.
  • Initial dielectric testing to determine unwanted continuity for any potential grounding that may otherwise occur because of damage.
  • Load or stress testing (the manufacturer specifications should be consulted prior to the test).
  • Resurfacing.
  • Final electrical testing.
  • Documentations and certifications of all tests and servicing done.
  • Highly protective packaging and attachment of certifications prior to shipping.





  • The top most section of a telescoping lift arm that has clearly sustained some damage is delivered for evaluation.
    1. The cracks should be reviewed using the repair manual guidelines of the manufacturer. If the cracks are judged to be repairable, the repairer should estimate it .

    2. Once the go ahead to do the work is received, the repair company should complete the structural repairs, then do a structural test on the boom.

    3. If the repairs are acceptable, the boom should then be cosmetically refinished and dielectrically tested and returned to the owner.




    Using An Instructive Example To Illustrate The Dangers Of Proceeding With Improper Repair And Returning A Component To Full Field Use


    There are not a lot of backup systems with a bucket style lift mechanism, especially when it concerns the attachment of the boom to the bucket itself. In this case:
  • The main attachment was accomplished through threaded rods that are in effect integrated into the side of the bucket.
  • From a visual inspection, it was clear that there were fissures in the actual fiberglass that supported these mounting rods.
  • Without even checking further it is apparent that no amount of reinforcement would make for a safe operating position.
  • A Similar Problem, But This One Involves The Fiberglass Mounting Holes Themselves

    Another situation is when the enclosed platform that holds the operator is formed into reinforced arches that in turn are used to connect the boom arm. When damage has occurred, it can compromise the actual boom mounting assembly. If this is the case, it is more than a concern for the safety conscious operator. While there are repair techniques that can be used, the recommendation to the owner would be for replacement rather than remanufacture.

    Where It Looks Worse Than It Is, But It Really May Not Be That Bad

    Now, a more normal state is when field use has not yet pushed the item out of its service range. It is very likely that this apparatus can be returned to many years of active service- depending of course upon the loading and general treatment of the restraint in the field. Communication with whomever sent the device in is appropriate . In this case, providing levels of pricing for each approach action, structural only or structural plus cosmetic, is the appropriate response.

    Tags: Aerial Lift Platform