Common Faults and Quick-Fix Checklist

Faults with MEWPs are unfortunately more common than we'd like. In the event your machine does have an issue, please look through our "Common Faults and Quick Fix Checklist" here, just in case it is a simple fix.

ELECTRIC SCISSORS COMMON FAULTS

No power

1) Check whether the emergency stop button is pushed in (top or bottom) and release

2) If the isolator is switched off (located on the chassis right hand side of step), switch it to on

3) Key switch is in the off position (located Left hand side of steps) and switch to on

4) Machine is on charge (unplug and wait 30 seconds before starting the machine back up)

No elevated drive

1) Pothole protectors need to be deployed correctly (regarding the position of the machine to make sure the ground is clear of debris)

2) If pothole protectors have deployed but the machine can not be elevated, check the mechanism on the side of the machine is clean if necessary

3) Check for screws and debris on the chassis of the machine as these occasionally seize up the mechanism of the MEWP.

Charger faults

1) If all 3 lights are flashing simultaneously and the charger is beeping (charger is defective call the Central Service Hub on 03301 340 209) this may be a charger fault

2) If no lights are lit on the charger, check that the power supply is connected and all leads and cables are in good condition and are no longer then 14m).

Also note: The machine will not operate when it is on charge.

Please refer to the operator's manual for a daily check list or familiarisation video where available.

If problems persist with your AFI Rentals hire please call the central service hub on 03301 340 209.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MEWP'S BATTERIES

Approximately 50% of all AFI breakdowns are down to battery issues, so we have put together our 4 top tips to help you improve the longevity of charge on machines and prevent a potentially call-outs!

1) Electric MEWPs typically take a minimum of 10 hours to charge from flat and is usually an overnight job. However, this does vary on the size of the transformer and the length of the lead.

You should make sure that your charge lead is no longer than 14 meters and a minimum of 2.5mm thick. This is because the longer a lead is, and the thinner it is, the more resistance it creates, and increases the charge time.

2) Ensure that your transformer is a minimum of 3 kilovolt ampere (kVA) for all standard electric scissor lifts. However, as this is the minimum, charging times will take longer for larger MEWPs.

3) For bigger scissor lifts, please use a 5kVA transformer.

Use one machine per transformer lead no longer than 14m. For example, Holland Lift HL165 scissor lifts require a 32-amp lead with a 5kVA transformer.

4) Avoid quick top-ups – unlike a mobile phone, the batteries required for scissor lifts are not designed for short charges and can be damaged. However, we understand that sometimes you may need to do a quick top-up to move the machine closer to the transformer, and as such, infrequent top-ups will be fine.

If you are ever unsure of battery health, please feel free to get in touch with the AFI Central Service hub on 03301 340 209, and they will be happy to advise you.

MAST BOOMS COMMON FAULTS

No Power

1) Check whether the emergency stops are pushed in (top or bottom)

2) Main isolator is pushed in - this is normally located on the from panel of the machine

3) The key switch located on the ground control panel is in the incorrect position

4) If the machine is on charge take this off charge and wait 30 seconds before operating.

Fault Codes for Mast Booms

If the machine is coming up with a fault code or is beeping continuously it is likely the incorrect start up procedure has been followed. Therefore we recommend the following actions:

1) Turn the key switch to the correct operating position

2) Activate the main isolator which is normally located on the front panel of the machine

3) Activate the ground control emergency stop (located on the ground control panel)

4) Get into the cage and activate the e-stop

5) If beeping or fault codes persist call the Central Service Hub on 03301 340 209.

Charging Issues (Electric MEWPs only)

1) You will need a minimum 5KVA transformer with a 16amp 110v output and an extension lead less than 14m long

2) If the machine is driveable but will not lift it is likely to require charging. Charge indicator is located on the front panel just below the main isolator.

Also note: The machine will not operate whilst on charge

Please refer to the operator's manual for a daily check list or familiarisation video where available.

If problems persist with your AFI Rentals hire please call the central service hub on 03301 340 209.

DIESEL SCISSORS

No Power

1) Emergency stops are depressed (top or bottom)

2) Isolators are switched off

3) Key switch is in the incorrect position (top or bottom Skyjack SJ9250/8831/8841)

4) Engine isolator is depressed (located behind the engine door on the front of the machine in between the scissor pack)

No Lift

1) Lift drive selector switch is in the wrong position (located on the top control box)

2) Jacklegs are not fully deployed (reset the legs and start again)

3) Machine lifts but doesn't go to full height - the machines have a safety cut out set at 8m please lower the machine, deploy the jack legs and try again (only applies to machine 8841 and above)

Please note: Engine has to be running to operate lift

No Drive

1) Lift drive selector switch is in the wrong position (located on the top control box)

2) Jack legs are not fully retracted.

Please refer to the operator’s manual for a daily check list or familiarisation video where available.

If problems persist with your AFI Rentals hire please call the central service hub on 03301 340 209.

DIESEL BOOMS COMMON FAULTS

No Power

1) Emergency stops are depressed (top or bottom)

2) Check whether the key switch is in the off position (located on the ground controls) and switch it to on

3) Battery isolator is switched (located underneath the engine canopy next to the battery only on skyjack booms).

No Lift

1) Machine is tilted (please reposition the machine and try again)

2) Machine is overloaded (please remove weight and try again)

No Drive

1) Machine is elevated and tilted, in which case lower the machine and re-position

2) Machine is slewed around to 45 degrees, please use the drive enable toggle switch (located on the top control box) to start the machine

For larger Boom lifts we recommend you to refer to the operator's manual for familiarisation or watch the relevant familiarisation video.

If any problems persist with your AFI Rentals hire please call the Central Service Hub on 03301 340 209.

For other FAQs on your MEWP hire refer to our helpful FAQs

Disclaimer

Powered access machines should only be operated by a trained individual. The details provided in this article are intended as a guide only, the hazards and procedures listed are not a comprehensive list. You must ensure that you carry out a full risk assessment to determine and control the significant hazards that will be present in your particular circumstance. All information and advice is given in good faith. We cannot accept any responsibility for yourself or employees Working at Height on our equipment. If errors persist or if in doubt please call the Central Service Hub on 03301 340 209 before operating the machine.

Report a Breakdown

If none of these work for you then please complete fill in the below form with as much detail as possible and our excellent Customer Services Hub will be ready to help you out.