MLC RENTAL shares about the control functions of the scissor lift for you to understand clearly. We hope you follow the operating procedures correctly to ensure efficiency in work while also ensuring absolute safety for workers.
Control Functions of the Scissor Lift
To ensure occupational safety and optimize work performance, mastering the control functions of the scissor lift is a mandatory requirement for all technicians. For aerial work platforms in general and scissor lifts in particular, the control system is divided into two main parts: the lower control panel and the upper control panel on the platform.
Below is a detailed guide on the function buttons and standard operating procedures.
Lower Control Panel
This control panel is usually located on the side of the vehicle body, used for technical checks before working or operating the vehicle in emergency situations from the ground.
Key Switch
This is the “brain” that determines the power control position of the vehicle. The key has 3 positions corresponding to 3 modes:
- Platform position: Grants control to the person standing on the working platform
- Ground position: Only allows operation at the lower control panel of the vehicle body.
- Position O: Disconnects the entire control system. The vehicle will not operate in either position.
Note: When not in use, the key should be set to position 0 to ensure safety.
Emergency Stop
This button has a distinctive design: red, large size, and mushroom shape for easy identification.
- Function: Immediately cuts off all control power when pressed down
- Operation: Press firmly to stop the vehicle. Rotate or pull the button out to restore power before operating.
Toggle Switch
At the lower control panel, the operator can only perform the lift/lower function in a vertical direction (without moving the vehicle)
- Lift: Press and hold the up arrow. When the platform reaches the desired height, release to automatically stop at the desired position.
- Lower: Press and hold the down arrow. Release to lower to a position you desire.
Control Panel Above the Work Platform
This is the main control panel that helps the operator move and operate while working at height.
Emergency Stop Button
Similar to the control panel below, the Emergency Stop button on the platform also functions to cut off power to the entire system.
- Safety Rule: For the vehicle to operate, both emergency stop buttons (on the platform and on the ground) must be in the open position (pulled out).
Operation Mode Selection Buttons
On the control box, there will be buttons to switch functions for the joystick:
- Lifting and Lowering Mode: Press the sharp button for lifting mode. Then push the joystick forward to lift up, pull back to lower down.
- Movement Mode: Press the movement mode selection button. Push the joystick forward to move the vehicle forward, pull back to reverse the vehicle.
Speed Select Button
Used to adjust the vehicle’s movement speed according to the working environment:
- Turtle Mode (Slow): Slow speed, high torque, used when climbing slopes or moving in tight spaces.
- Rabbit Mode (Fast): Fast speed, used when moving on flat, open ground.
Joystick
This is the component that integrates the most complex functions:
- Safety Trigger (Enable Trigger): Located at the front of the handle. The operator must squeeze and hold this trigger for other operations (lifting, lowering, moving, steering) to take effect.
- Variable Speed Control: The speed of the vehicle is proportional to the deviation of the joystick. Pushing/pulling further from the center position makes the vehicle move/lift faster. When releasing the joystick back to the center position, the vehicle will stop.
- Steering: At the top of the joystick, there are 2 buttons used to steer the wheels left or right.
Emergency Troubleshooting Features in Scissor Lifts
During the process of operating the aerial lift, technical issues are undesirable but it is necessary to know how to handle them.
Emergency Down Button
In case the vehicle is at height but encounters engine failure or power loss, and cannot be lowered using the control panel:
Solution: Use the emergency down button (usually a pull cord valve or a rotary knob) located at the base of the vehicle.
Principle: This mechanism helps to release hydraulic oil in the lift cylinder, utilizing gravity to lower the work platform to the ground slowly and safely. Release the brake to push the vehicle
In the event that the vehicle is malfunctioning and cannot perform any other functions while blocking the passage in the construction site or factory, measures must be taken to move the vehicle out of the way.
At this point, it is necessary to disable the brake function by applying hydraulic pressure to counteract the brake force that is pressing against the wheels. This way, the vehicle can be pushed easily.
Procedure:
Step 1: Press the brake release pin (usually black) inward.
Step 2: Continuously pump the handle (usually red) for about 1 minute. This creates forced hydraulic oil pressure to open the brake clamp, separating the brake pads from the wheel.
Important warning: Absolutely do not release the brake when the vehicle is parked on a slope or incline, as the vehicle may roll freely, posing serious danger.
Reference: Training session for operating aerial work platforms