Your business might own one elevated work platform, or you could have a fleet of them that you hire out or use for your own jobs at height. Either way, you want to maximise your return on investment in your travel tower gear – you want their useful lifespan to be extended as long as possible.
So how do you extend your EWP fleet lifespan? You have got to give them proper care and regular attention, just like any hard-working piece of equipment.
Let’s take a look at what that means for EWP owners.
Buy Quality Machines
EWP’s come in all shapes and sizes, and with this variety comes differences in quality. Don’t be sucked in by low prices – if you’re buying second hand gear make sure it has a full service history. Get it checked over by a qualified EWP mechanic before you buy it too.
If you have the budget, you won’t regret buying a brand-new, high-quality elevated work platform from an official EWP distributor. You’ll get warranties for peace of mind, and service support in the future to keep your machine running efficiently and effectively.
Strict Maintenance Routine
Routine maintenance is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of your EWPs. It’s not just about ticking boxes or being compliant with regulations around EWP servicing. It’s about protecting your investment and making sure your gear is safe and reliable on every job.
Check the basics regularly yourself, such as the hydraulics, electrics, tyres, batteries, oil levels, and safety controls. Keep your machines clean and free of debris. Follow the manufacturers’ and regulatory guidelines for professional servicing, especially the compulsory 10-year major service.
A qualified technician can pick up early signs of wear or damage that might otherwise go unnoticed. At Altequip, we perform full EWP servicing and inspections in line with Australian safety standards. We’ll identify any issues early and stop them from escalating into downtime-causing dramas.
Keep a service log for each unit in your fleet. Knowing the full maintenance history helps with scheduling and resale value, and makes it easier to catch patterns before they become headaches.
Train Your Operators Properly
How your EWPs are driven, lifted, and handled day in and day out has a massive impact on their lifespan. Untrained or careless use is one of the quickest ways to wear out components, damage parts, and reduce overall reliability.
Make sure every operator knows the ins and outs of your equipment. That includes safe operating limits, proper loading procedures, startup and shutdown sequences, and how to recognise early warning signs of a fault.
Refresher training now and then doesn’t hurt either. It helps reinforce good habits and keeps safety front of mind.
Store Your Machines the Right Way
Storage is often overlooked, but it makes a big difference.
Leaving EWPs exposed to the weather can accelerate rust, wear, and electrical issues. Store your equipment under cover or in a dry, secure area where possible. If you’re working in extreme heat or wet conditions they’ll need a proper inspection at the end of the day.
Pay extra attention to battery-powered models. Keep batteries charged correctly and stored in suitable temperatures. Flat or overcharged batteries can shorten the life of your unit fast.
Use the Right Parts and Fluids
You might be tempted by cheaper parts or generic hydraulic fluids. They may not be the best option for the longevity of your machine. Using genuine parts and recommended lubricants keeps everything running as it should. They’re designed for your EWP and help avoid compatibility issues that can cause wear and tear over time.
Shortcuts here tend to cost more in the long run.
Monitor Usage and Keep Track of Performance
Keep an eye on how each EWP in your fleet is being used. Are some machines doing all the heavy lifting while others sit idle? Are operators reporting any performance issues? Are you pushing machines beyond their limits?
You’ll develop a familiarity with your elevated work platforms that will help you balance usage, schedule maintenance more accurately and plan ahead for parts or servicing.
Contact Altequip with Your EWP Questions
Taking care of your EWP fleet isn’t rocket science. It just takes a bit of consistency, a good maintenance schedule, well-trained operators and a team like Altequip in your corner.
As official distributors and service agents for the premium Italian brand of EWPs, Socage, we supply quality machines that will serve your business well for years to come. We’ll be there for you along the way too, with our experienced and qualified technicians enjoying direct support from the Socage factory.
Need a hand with inspections, servicing, or fleet support? Our EWP servicing department takes care of all brands and types of elevated work platforms. Bring in your cherry lifts, boom lifts or truck-mounted EWPs and we’ll look after them for you.
Get in touch today and let’s get your gear working for the long haul.
