Easy Guidelines Related To Maintaining Minivator Stairlifts

Image source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/inclinators/

Regardless of the type, a lift will always be a reliable and helpful installation in your home or any other residential or commercial building. These machines require timely maintenance and look after to perform flawlessly for years, and this applies to minivator stairlifts as well. Experts recommend preventive maintenance as the most beneficial step to prolong the lifespan of these stairlifts and keep them functional for a long time. Some straightforward steps are involved in their maintenance, and we have reviewed some here in this post.

As a general rule, whenever possible, your product should be:

• Serviced and safety checked annually

• Only lubricated if needed by a qualified engineer

• Cleaned down weekly

• Paying particular attention to the rail

• Getting maintenance and repair done by qualified engineers

CLEANING MINIVATOR STAIRLIFTS

It is essential to clean minivator stairlifts and all other residential lifts once every week. This simple step will influence their life and performance significantly. 

You can do this easily through DIY, and some black marks will surely be visible on the rails, but you need not worry. These marks on minivator stairlifts result from dust and pet hairs and can be wiped away easily. You can clean them to ensure that your residential lifts work to their peak forever.

WHY REGULAR CLEANING IS IMPORTANT?

Ignoring timely cleaning and maintenance means allowing dirt, dust and debris to clog up the carriage and become a reason behind a sudden breakdown. Here are some common steps to clean the minivator stairlift regularly.

• Use an anti-static foaming cleanser or a rag to wipe down the lift

• You can also clean the charge strips of your rails very gently if they are too dusty

• Clean the chair and outside of the carriage carefully if some visible dust is present on minivator stairlifts.

WHETHER TO LUBRICATE THE MINIVATOR STAIRLIFT OR NOT?

The fact about residential lifts and minivator stairlifts is that it is impossible to lubricate all the parts, and you must refrain from attempting them. Remember, residential lifts prices are high, and no one would like to damage any part, as the repair charges can also be very high. The best step is to leave it to the maintenance team and rely upon them for annual inspections and services. Any maintenance, inspection, servicing, or repair work should be done by an expert engineer with sufficient tools and adequate experience to do this job successfully.

STAIRLIFT SERVICING

This annual servicing of minivator stairlifts is essential from the safety point of view to prevent you from any penalty or fine for not following the rules and regulations related to lift upkeep and maintenance. The professionals will check the safety circuits, batteries, and other parts for perfection. More than 25 parts need inspection and minor repair work if any normal wear and tear is detected.

Learn About the Safety Features of Wheelchair Platform Lifts

People with limited mobility and elderly people often find it troublesome to access the porch or a raised deck. In these situations, wheelchair platform lifts can be beneficial, as they improve access to multi-level residential and commercial buildings and smaller heights like those mentioned above. These elevators and lifts are designed to take a wheelchair user up and down the different levels and provide easy access to raised spaces. They have so many benefits to offer, and one of them is top-level safety, i.e. there, due to the safety features installed in these elevators. Let us review some top safety features quickly integrated into these elevators and lifts.

Image Source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/limited-mobility/

CONSTANT PRESSURE CONTROL

This safety feature ensures that the wheelchair platform lift stops when pressure on the switches is released.

OVER SPEED GOVERNOR

This safety feature is there to monitor the speed of the lift, and as it goes beyond the specific speed level, the feature will get activated and apply brakes to control the speed.

EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON

You will find this button located on the side wall of wheelchair platform lifts as well as inclined lifts. It is used to stop the platform lift in case of an emergency or if an obstruction occurs. When this button is pressed, an alarm will sound that some emergency is there.

AUTO FOLDING RAMP

Here is another safety feature that allows the lift to be folded when not in use. This ensures that the stairways are entirely free and spacious for others to access.

NON-SKID PLATFORM

These wheelchair platform lifts have a non-skid platform fitted to prevent the wheelchair from sliding forward and backward when the lift is in motion.

BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEM

This feature ensures that the lift will function normally even in a power outage. In these situations, the user will not have to worry about returning to the floor.

SELF-LOWERING RAMP

This particular safety feature allows the user to move effectively from the platform to the entryway and vice versa.

BOTTOM PLATFORM SAFETY PANEL

This safety feature comes into play in case; there is an obstruction under the lift. It will ensure that the passenger does not face any risky situation caused by the obstruction.

CALL SEND STATIONS

This safety feature allows the lift to be brought down to the user at the top or the bottom of the stair if it was left on the other side.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL INTERLOCK

This locking feature is essential, as it prevents accidental opening of the platform gate when the lift is stationary or moving.

Apart from these safety features, wheelchair platform lifts come with all-weather-protected controls and switches. Particularly when used for outdoor applications, it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to fit all weather-protected controls and switches along with weather-resistant finishes.

IMPORTANT PROBLEMS TACKLED THROUGH LIFT MAINTENANCE

With timely maintenance of the lift or elevator, there comes an assurance that the machine would continue to perform like new for a long time.

There are a number of steps to take as far as lift maintenance or lift modernisation is concerned.

Elevator or lift maintenance technician will clean, adjust and replace worn parts, inspect, test and fine tune ride quality.

This PowerPoint presentation has focused entirely on what steps can be taken by lift maintenance companies as a part of standard procedure.

Power Failure:

• Power failure can be very distressing and can bring the machine to a standstill
• Any issue with power supply can result into flickering lights to a complete breakdown of the unit
• Power failure can be down to a city-wide outage or it could also the most common issue related to the motor
• As a part of lift maintenance, the team will first conduct a power quality supply
• They will also test for ‘clean’ electrical energy running through your system
• The team will also determine your lifts Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Worn Sheaves:

• Experts of lift modernisation or lift maintenance can also take care of worn sheaves
• A sheave is a pulley with a grooved wheel designed to hold a rope or belt
• Rubbing of ropes can start the wear and tear of the sheaves and it could become uneven
• The lift maintenance experts will fix by either regrooving or replacing the sheave
• They will also recommend you to check the sheaves on a regular basis to trace the issue in a timely manner

Contamination:

• Another problem tackled through the steps of lift maintenance is contamination because the components need to be well lubricated with clean oil
• This lubrication is even more important for hydraulic lifts, if they are used on a daily basis
• The lack of lubrication can cause wear and tear and can even break off tiny metallic particles
• To counteract this issue, lift maintenance experts will conduct an oil analysis
• They will also inspect oil samples used throughout the lift system

Types of Lifts/Elevators and Their Uses

In terms of getting residential lifts for houses, you would be surprised to see the options present in the markets. Yes, there is a huge range available that could confuse anyone looking to get them installed in a home or even a residential building. Here, in this post we have come up with the details of some kinds of lifts that can be used in a residential set-up.

Passenger Lifts

• According to the experts this happens to be the most common kind of elevator set-up used all over the globe and an interesting fact is that buildings that have more than 5 floors are ideal for this installation.
• This version comes in different sizes and designs and not to mention, in different load capacities as well and in general cases, it can lift up to 20 people at a time.
• The apartments and flats, lifts in shopping malls and other high rise buildings all use this kind.

Residential Lifts

• Residential lifts or lifts for houses, in other words, are used inside the home or property and they are generally smaller than general lifts that we see or use on a daily basis.
• They are used inside houses which can contain passengers of three and maximum to five and in most cases; it is recommended to get them installed around the stairs area.
• There are several designs that come with a remote control system to operate the machine.

Cargo Lifts

• This is a heavy-duty lift according to the suppliers of outdoor stair lifts and generally used for the purpose of shifting and carrying goods and cargo.
• They come with really high capacity as far as carrying loads in concerned and in general, they are used in restaurants, stores, companies, flats etc. to carry heavy loads.

Some other names that can be added in this Lift of kinds of Lifts or Elevators are –

• Double-Purpose Lifts For Both Passengers As Well As For Cargo Purpose
• Double Deck Lifts That Are Actually Meant For High Rise Buildings
• Service Lifts Used For Service Purpose In Buildings

Different Types of Stair Lifts and Their Features

The importance of indoor, as well as outdoor stair lifts, cannot be denied at all, especially after going through a survey held in the USA, where 80 percent senior citizens showed their interest in living independently. Manufacturers of lifts are fully aware of their wish and this is why you will find them offering different kinds of stair lifts. The notable fact is that all of them are different, have a different mechanism and used in different situations. For a better idea about these types, continue reading this post as we have come up with some descriptions about them.

Straight Stair Lift

• Those who manufacture lift for houses say that this is one of the simplest forms of outdoor stair lifts and because it is simple, it is inexpensive too.
• This version can be installed directly along the side of a completely straight staircase and with this, numerous benefits can be achieved.
• The most common benefit of this version is that it has the ability to be installed on either side of a staircase.
• There would be a retractable rail and seat, and footrest and armrests that fold up when not in use.
• In most cases, they will come with the option of a power swivel to move the user easily and securely to the landing at the top.

Curved Stair Lifts

• Regarding this version, the first thing that you will hear from the manufacturers is that they can customise this version to meet the specific needs of different users.
• This version is installed along with the unique curve of the staircase and the manufacturers will be able to create them in such a way that the curve of your stair case is covered.
• One of the top features of this version is that it can conform to a myriad of specific requirements, such as staircases.
• This means that it can be used for multiple floors, staircases with a landing between floors and even complex spiral staircases.

Outdoor Stair Lifts

• This version can be straight or curved depending upon the requirement and this again means that the manufacturers of lift for houses can customise this version as per your needs.
• This version has unique properties that made it robust enough to resist adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• This version is transportation to and from a porch, deck, driveway or detached garage or shed.

Three Popular Kinds of Commercial Lifts and Their Attributes

As far as commercial lifts are concerned, they are several in number and all of them are used in different scenarios and for different purposes. This means to get the most effective one installed for your reasons, it is important to know about all of them and this is what has been done in this post.

Traction lifts

• Traction lifts are categorised as commercial lifts and they are generally used for the transferring of passengers and thus, designed as “easy to install” and “reliable”.
• According to the dealers, they are one of the most popular types of lifts using considerably less power than hydraulic systems that achieving high speeds.
• There is a wide range present in the markets and they can be used for carrying loads from 250 kg and using an up to 3000 kg (about 20 persons).

Goods Lifts

• This version of commercial lifts is designed to deliver optimal and safe usage in a variety of work environments and still delivering the anticipated performance.
• They can be used in areas including restaurant, commercial kitchens, retail environments, offices, etc. and they are designed to be entirely safe for the kids.
• At the same time, you will find that the mechanism uses very less power for the perfect operations for businesses.

Low Pit lifts

• This version of commercial lifts has the same characteristics as of the general passenger lift, but there is one difference that it has one-touch controls and sliding doors.
• This version is immensely popular as a matter of fact that it can be used in a wide range of environments including public access areas, offices, schools and retail stores.
• The only limitation of this type of lift is the speed, which limited to mainly 0.15m per second, but still they are tagged as cost-effective lifts, hard-working good lifts for businesses.

Why Require Experts For Outdoor Stair Lift Installation?

Getting a new lift installed is not an easy thing and this project requires careful planning and implementation of all the strategies developed. But right in the beginning, you will require a highly experienced as well as a reputed installation team. You need to search for the one and if you think that any company could do this for you, here are some reasons why you need to rely only upon the most experienced campaigners.

Requirements of a Good Provider

• When you are thinking about getting lifts for houses, the first requirement is of a company that has been in the industry for a long time and understands the requirements completely.
• They should reflect their commitment and moreover, they should always be ready to help you by supplying the highest quality raw material as well as services related to the installation of outdoor stair lifts.
• It should be a company with an established culture in which the mission and vision are clearly put in place and the view of both employees and all potential customers.
• Moreover, it is extremely important that the company chosen by you values teamwork and orientation towards the client as the most important thing.

Elevator

• In terms of construction, the company should be ready and equipped to deliver any service for lifts for houses.
• The staff should be fully updated with the latest happenings of the industry and should be really quick decision makers.
• One more interesting point to take note is that the company should give a deadline and make sure that it is not missed at all.
• Another important requirement to look for is the guarantee offered by the provider of elevators or lifts for houses and for this; they should be ready to apply strict codes of controls and quality compliance.

Legislation

• Most importantly, the company chosen by you will be ready to help you in matching all the legislation, rules, laws and conditions related to outdoor stair lifts installation.
• At the same time, the company chosen by you would ensure that they follow these regulations and meet and exceed all its processes.

Types of Commercial Lifts and Their Uses

Lifts and elevators have become a very important part of our lives and the current situation is that they are found in almost every building that you pass through. At homes, the residential lifts are used and in commercial spaces, commercial lifts are used that are somewhat different from what we use in our homes. Here in this post, we take a look at some top kinds of commercial lifts and their features, uses, etc.

Traction Lifts

• The first thing is that it is designed to be easy for installation and reliable as well as for this, they include some highly advanced and the most modern types of equipment.
• This happens to be one of the most popular versions present in the markets and an important feature is that it uses very less power.
• As far as the capacity is concerned, this version can be used for carrying loads from 250 kg and using up to 3000kg (about 20 persons).

Goods Lifts

• The next version of commercial lifts is given the name of goods lifts and they are generally designed to deliver optimal ease of use in a variety of working environments.
• You can find this version being used in various commercial establishments like restaurants, commercial kitchens, retail environments, offices, etc. and they are indeed better than hydraulic lifts.

Low Pit Lifts

• According to the experts, the first feature is that it has all the characteristics of a residential lift found at our homes and there are some dissimilarities as well.
• The topmost point that differentiates low pit commercial lifts and residential lifts is that this version has one-touch controls and sliding doors.
• Because of these features, they can be used in a wide range of environments which including public access areas, offices, schools, and retail stores.
• The only limitation of this type of lift is the speed, which limited to mainly 0.15m per second.

Features To Look For In Commercial Lifts Towers

If you have decided to get commercial lifts installed, the first thing you need to make sure is that whatever you get is compliant to Australian standards, i.e. Australian Standard 1735. This means that you need to look for the suppliers who are ready to offer this installation in compliance with the standard mentioned here. Based on that, you will be able to choose from different options and one of them has been discussed here in this post.

Lift Tower

• This version of commercial lifts is generally installed in towers that are free-standing, self-supporting and they can weigh about 650 kgs.
• In most cases, you will find that the lift tower is fabricated from aluminium and includes the doors, door jambs, flashings, wiring and hydraulic cylinders.
• This version of commercial lifts will also require a shaft and it can be actually set-up depending upon the space and architectural direction.
• It is after the setting up of this shaft that the installation team will think about installing cladding directly into its framework.
• The best feature is that the lift tower can be easily positioned either externally or internally in new or existing building premises, depending upon the requirements arising there.

Lift Car

As far as the lift car of this version is concerned, remember that the features would differ based on different models. But here is a detailed list of the standard features that you will get in lift cars.

• Stainless Steel Handrail
• Non–Slip Floor Covering Indoor/Outdoor Carpet
• Recessed Emergency Telephone
• 4 Recessed Down Lights (Model Dependent)
• Lift Rays Across The Door Entrance
• Dual Controls
• Landing Doors

In most cases, they will be fitted with the swing action door an also mechanical lock.

Other than these, there would also be an adjustable automatic door closer and electrical interlock, the whole assembly is part of the lift shaft.

Door styles offered in this version of commercial lifts include –

• Redcoat flush door with optional glass view panel
• Patterned door
• Metal door with optional glass view panel
• Glass door

Different Lift Configurations you can choose from are –

The lift car is available in two main types of configuration:

• Single entry, with entry and exit on the same side of the lift.
• Dual entry, with entry at the front of the lift and exit at the rear.

Maintenance Related Tips for Hydraulic Lifts

Hydraulic lifts can be one of the most versatile machines that we humans could ever use. However, to make sure that they keep performing as per our expectations, it is very important that they are maintained as per the specifications and guidelines given by the manufacturer or the installation team. This is really important because these lifts are totally different from others and deserves a different kind of attention and care and this is what we have discussed here in this post.

Knowing How It Works Helps to Know What to Watch

• According to the experts, the first step of maintaining these machines is knowing how the work or what their mechanism is.
• This way, it would become very easy for you to take proper care of the machine because, you would be thoroughly aware of all the parts as well as the problems that they could face.

In this regards, vendors of hydraulic lift cars say that hydraulic mechanism is not the only thing in this machine that needs attention. There are several others that are equally important and can be decisive in the operation of this machine.

Caster Maintenance

• According to the experts, proper greasing and lubrication of all parts that need them, should be given.
• This way, it would be assured that they will continue to work freely without facing any kind of wear and tear or premature damage.

Damage or Wear

• However, a fact that we all are aware of is that the parts of hydraulic lifts and hydraulic lifts carts are not indestructible and will wear away in due time.
• Regarding this, lift installation experts say that you need to be very attentive regarding the damages and make sure that they are not getting serious and if they are, necessary action of repair and replacement is taken.