7 Winter Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Access Platform Running Smoothly

When the temperature drops, it’s important to prepare your access platform for the challenges of cold weather 🥶

Proper maintenance not only helps prevent breakdowns but ensures your safety and reliability throughout the winter season.

Here are 7 essential maintenance tips to keep your access platforms in top condition this winter.

Tip 1

Basket Control Cover: A Crucial Part…

One crucial action to prevent issues in cold weather is to use a basket control cover.

When the controls get wet, they then freeze when the temperature drops, stopping them from mechanically working. As a general rule of thumb, when you are not in the bucket using the controls, you should close the cover to prevent water and dirt from getting to them.

This can significantly contribute to the overall functionality and safety of your access platform, preventing your controls from becoming unusable, and potentially causing a breakdown.

A simple step that will help you avoid costly repairs and downtime!

Tip 2

Fluid Maintenance for Engine Reliability

To keep your access platform’s engine running smoothly in winter, it’s essential to regularly check and top up key fluids.

Regularly check and replenish fuel, screen wash, oil, and antifreeze in the coolant system.

This simple practice goes a long way in preventing unexpected breakdowns in chilly conditions.

Tip 3

Corrosion Prevention and Regular Maintenance

Winter weather means combating the corrosive effects of road salt and grime.

Keep your access platform clean by paying special attention to washing the legs and minimise corrosion on exposed parts of cylinders and bearings.

Avoid pressure washers, as they can strip grease from bearings and pivot points.

Clean the cage thoroughly, clear debris, and relubricate moving parts after cleaning to maintain optimal functionality.

Tip 4

Winter Service Check

Consider booking an extra Winter-Service between regular maintenance periods for your access platform.

This “Winter Check” will help ensure your platform is ready to withstand the harsh winter months, ensuring the robustness of the boom and capture any potential issues early on.

Tip 5

Safety and Comfort

When using your access platform in cold weather, it’s important to stay safe and warm.

Prioritise safety by ensuring your phone battery is fully charged for emergency contact.

Additionally, keep a blanket, coat, and warm clothing nearby, especially when working at height.

Being prepared for unexpected events can make all the difference – in the unlikely event of a fault, quick access to your recovery plan is crucial.

Tip 6

Extended Pre-Use Checks

During winter, allocate extra time for pre-use checks. Take a more thorough approach to inspecting your access platform, allowing for the identification of potential issues before they escalate.

Cold weather can affect various components of your platform, so being more diligent during your checks will help you identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Perk: Extended checks also help the oil warm up to operating temperature, contributing to smoother functionality throughout the day.

Tip 7

Preventing Condensation Buildup

Winter weather means short and frequent operating periods can lead to condensation buildup in the tank, similar to what happens in the engine.

To avoid this, let the oil reach full operating temperature (remember those longer pre-use checks!) and maintain this temperature throughout the day during use.

This practice ensures that seals and valves remain lubricated and operate correctly, enhancing the overall longevity of your access platform.

By following these 7 simple winter maintenance tips, you can keep your access platforms running at their best, ensuring both safety and efficiency during the colder months.

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