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Scissor Lift Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Template Name: Scissor Lift PM (Default)
Total Items: 74
Sections: 10

This document contains the complete scissor lift preventative maintenance checklist with all sections, items, and descriptions.


1. Visual Inspection

Item 1: General Condition and Leaks

Description: Walk around the scissor lift and inspect for any obvious damage or deformities in the structure. Look underneath for any oil or hydraulic fluid leaks on the ground or dripping from the machine (hydraulic hoses, motors, or cylinder areas). Ensure the machine is relatively clean so that components are visible.

Item 2: Decals and Operational Labels

Description: Verify that all safety decals, warning labels, and operational instruction placards (including capacity charts) are present and legible. Replace any missing or illegible decals to maintain safety information on the lift.

Item 3: Guardrails and Structure

Description: Check that all guardrails are in place, properly secured with pins or fasteners, and not bent or damaged. Ensure the scissor stack (lifting arms) is straight and free of obvious cracks or excessive wear at pivot points. Inspect the base frame for any cracks, particularly near welds or high-stress areas.

Item 4: Battery and Fluid Trays

Description: If the unit is battery powered, open the battery compartment tray and ensure there are no spilled electrolytes or corrosion buildup outside the batteries. If engine-powered, inspect the engine tray or compartment for accumulated debris, oil, or fuel residue.

Item 5: Wheels and Casters (Initial Check)

Description: Visually inspect the wheels and tires for any cuts, chunks missing, or signs of flat spots. Ensure that all wheel nuts are present. Note if tires are pneumatic (check for proper inflation later) or solid rubber; they should not be excessively worn or damaged.

Item 6: Outriggers or Pothole Protection (if equipped)

Description: If the lift has outriggers or stabilizers, ensure they are properly stowed and not damaged. For slab scissors with automatic pothole protection bars, make sure these bars are retracted (flush with chassis) when the machine is lowered and not bent or obstructed.


2. Battery & Charger

Item 1: Battery Electrolyte Level and Condition

Description: (Electric models) Open the battery compartment and check each battery cell’s electrolyte level (if flooded lead-acid batteries). It should cover the plates adequately. Top up with distilled water as needed. Skip if batteries are AGM/maintenance-free.

Item 2: Battery Terminals and Cables

Description: Inspect all battery terminals for corrosion and tight connections. Clean any corrosion found. Ensure cable lugs are secure and wires undamaged.

Item 3: Battery Restraints and Case

Description: Ensure batteries are properly secured with hold-downs. Check cases for cracks or swelling.

Item 4: Charger Operation and Cords

Description: Plug in the charger and confirm indicators illuminate. Check AC cord for damage and verify charger fan (if equipped) operates.

Item 5: Charger Output and Indicators

Description: Verify charger is delivering power by monitoring voltage increase or indicator behavior. Ensure all charge stages function as designed.

Item 6: Battery Disconnect Switch

Description: Test battery master disconnect or emergency power cutoff. Ensure proper labeling and reliable operation.


3. Engine & Fuel System (if equipped)

Item 1: Engine Oil Level

Description: Check oil via dipstick before starting. Fill as necessary and change oil/filter if due.

Item 2: Fuel Level and Quality

Description: Ensure adequate fuel. Inspect for contamination and drain water separator if present.

Item 3: Fuel Filter and Carburetor/Injection

Description: Inspect and replace fuel filter if needed. For carbureted engines, verify choke/throttle linkage movement. For diesel, check injector area for leaks.

Item 4: Engine Coolant and Radiator

Description: Verify coolant level and inspect hoses for cracks or leaks. Clean radiator fins if blocked.

Item 5: Air Filter and Spark Arrestor

Description: Inspect and clean/replace air filter. Check spark arrestor for carbon buildup and clean if needed.

Item 6: Belts and Engine Wiring

Description: Inspect belts for wear and tension. Inspect wiring for fraying or loose connections.

Item 7: Engine Start and Idle (Pre-test)

Description: Start engine briefly to verify easy starting and smooth idle. Shut down to proceed with inspection.

Item 8: Fuel System Leaks

Description: While engine is running, inspect lines for leaks. Address any leaks immediately.


4. Electrical System

Item 1: Control Wiring and Harnesses

Description: Inspect wiring from platform and ground control boxes. Look for abrasion, pinched sections, and loose plugs.

Item 2: Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Description: Check all fuses and breakers. Verify none are blown or sticking.

Item 3: Lights and Alarms

Description: Test beacon, work lights, motion alarm, and descent alarm.

Item 4: Horn and Warning Buzzer

Description: Verify horn works and test any overload or tilt warning buzzers if available.

Item 5: Battery Indicator and Gauges

Description: Power system on and check battery indicators, engine gauges, and service lights.

Item 6: Ground Control Panel Function

Description: Test ground-level lift and engine controls. Confirm key switch transfers control between stations.


5. Hydraulic System

Item 1: Hydraulic Oil Level

Description: Check sight glass or dipstick with lift fully lowered. Fill as necessary.

Item 2: Hydraulic Oil Condition

Description: Inspect oil condition for cloudiness, contamination, or burnt odor.

Item 3: Hydraulic Pump and Motor

Description: Inspect pump/motor for leaks or unusual noises. Ensure secure mounting.

Item 4: Valves and Manifolds

Description: Inspect valve block and solenoids for leaks or loose connectors.

Item 5: Hydraulic Cylinders

Description: Inspect lift cylinders for rod pitting, scratches, or seal leakage.

Item 6: Hoses and Fittings

Description: Inspect all hoses for cracks, abrasion, and leaks. Check fitting tightness.

Item 7: Auxiliary Hydraulics (if applicable)

Description: Inspect additional hydraulic functions or cylinders.

Item 8: Drip Pans and Containment

Description: Clean any accumulated fluid in belly pans or trays.


6. Lift Mechanism (Scissor Assembly)

Item 1: Scissor Pins and Bushings

Description: Check for excessive movement, metal dust, or missing retainers.

Item 2: Scissor Arms and Welds

Description: Inspect arms and welds for cracks or distortion.

Item 3: Slide Blocks/Wear Pads

Description: Inspect wear pads for cracks or thinning. Replace if worn to metal.

Item 4: Lift Cylinder Mounts

Description: Inspect cylinder mount pins and surrounding metal for cracks.

Item 5: Limit Switches or Sensors

Description: Verify function and mounting of height limit switches.

Item 6: Maintenance Prop Rod

Description: Inspect maintenance prop for bending and verify proper deployment.

Item 7: Lubrication of Pivot Points

Description: Grease all scissor pivot points and linkage zerks.


7. Platform & Safety Systems

Item 1: Platform Entry Gate/Chain

Description: Ensure gate or chain closes securely and operates smoothly.

Item 2: Guardrails and Toe Boards

Description: Inspect for damage and ensure all fasteners are tight.

Item 3: Lanyard Anchor Points

Description: Verify proper labeling and secure mounting of anchor points.

Item 4: Platform Floor and Extension

Description: Clean platform surface. Inspect sliding deck for smooth travel and secure locking.

Item 5: Load Sensing System (if applicable)

Description: Inspect overload sensor pads or pressure sensors for damage.

Item 6: Descent Alarm and Tilt Sensor

Description: Test descent alarm and tilt sensor operation.

Item 7: Fire Extinguisher (if required)

Description: Ensure extinguisher is present, charged, and secured.


8. Controls & Indicators

Item 1: Ground Control Station

Description: Test all switches, including emergency stop and key operations.

Item 2: Platform Control Console

Description: Inspect controller mounting and labeling. Test emergency stop.

Item 3: Function Controls Operation

Description: Test lift, drive, and other hydraulic functions for solenoid activation and proper interlock behavior.

Item 4: Steering and Drive Controls

Description: Test steering cylinder movement and drive motor response.

Item 5: Control Interlocks

Description: Verify all safety interlocks prevent movement when expected (e.g., drive disabled when elevated).

Item 6: Indicator Lights and Displays

Description: Confirm proper function of battery gauge, tilt warning, and other indicators.

Item 7: Backup/Travel Alarm

Description: Test travel alarm once machine is in motion.

Item 8: Communication Devices (if any)

Description: Test optional alarm or communication equipment.


9. Drive & Steering

Item 1: Tire Pressure and Condition

Description: Check inflation for pneumatic tires or inspect solid tires for wear/damage.

Item 2: Wheel Lug Nuts

Description: Check lug nuts for proper torque.

Item 3: Wheel Bearings and Hubs

Description: Spin wheels to check for bearing noise; inspect for play.

Item 4: Drive Motors/Transaxle

Description: Inspect hydraulic or electric drive motors for leaks or loose fasteners.

Item 5: Service and Parking Brakes

Description: Test braking function and verify parking brake or automatic brake operation.

Item 6: Steering Cylinder and Linkages

Description: Inspect cylinder and linkage joints for wear or leaks.

Item 7: Alignment and Toe (Observation)

Description: Inspect visually for misalignment or uneven tire wear.

Item 8: Caster Wheels (if applicable)

Description: Inspect casters for free spinning and secure mounting.


10. Final Inspection

Item 1: Raising and Lowering Test

Description: Fully raise platform, observing lift speed and listening for abnormal noises. Lower smoothly; verify descent alarm works.

Item 2: Emergency Lowering Function

Description: Test ground-level emergency lowering valve for smooth operation.

Item 3: Drive Function and Braking Test

Description: Test drive forward/reverse and braking in an open area.

Item 4: Steering Function Test

Description: Test steering under low-speed movement.

Item 5: Elevated Drive Cutout Test

Description: Verify machine limits drive speed or disables drive when elevated.

Item 6: Tilt Sensor Activation

Description: Simulate slight tilt to verify alarm and lift-disable function.

Item 7: Engine Performance under Load (Engine models)

Description: Observe engine behavior during lifting/driving; verify no stalling or surging.

Item 8: Post-Operation Leak Inspection

Description: Inspect hydraulic and engine components for new leaks after operation.

Item 9: Secure and Stow

Description: Power down machine, close gate/chain, secure accessories, and plug into charger if electric.

Item 10: Documentation and PM Sticker

Description: Record PM, update service sticker, and note any follow-up repairs.


Notes

  • All items are marked required
  • Condition ratings set during PM
  • Items can be expanded or modified as needed for specific equipment requirements

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