Regular MEWP maintenance helps keep powered access equipment in good working order and can help identify potential issues before they become more serious problems. Rapid Platforms can support businesses with servicing, inspections, repairs and ongoing maintenance requirements for access equipment.
Maintaining a MEWP involves more than responding when a machine develops a fault. Planned servicing, thorough examinations, pre-delivery inspections and appropriate repairs can all form part of an effective maintenance programme.
Each machine's maintenance requirements depend on its type, manufacturer, age, condition, and usage. Equipment should always be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable safety requirements.
Regular servicing provides an opportunity to assess a machine's condition and operation and identify components that may require attention. Planned maintenance can also help reduce unexpected downtime and keep equipment available for future projects.
Servicing requirements can vary between scissor lifts, boom lifts, spider platforms, truck-mounted machines and other MEWPs. The service programme should therefore suit the equipment and its operating conditions.
Where parts or consumables require replacement, use suitable components according to the machine manufacturer's requirements.
A MEWP service and maintenance agreement can provide a structured approach to looking after access equipment over an agreed period.
Maintenance arrangements may be tailored around the equipment and the level of support required. Depending on the agreement, services can include scheduled servicing, inspections, breakdown support and other maintenance requirements.
A planned agreement can be particularly useful for businesses operating their own fleet, where maintaining equipment availability and managing servicing requirements are important considerations.
MEWPs are subject to LOLER thorough examination requirements. A thorough examination is a detailed inspection carried out by a competent person to establish whether lifting equipment is safe to use.
The examination is separate from routine servicing or maintenance. Completing a service does not replace the requirement for the appropriate thorough examination.
Retain relevant examination records and certificates, and make them available as required. Address any defects identified during an examination before using equipment where the defect affects safe operation.
An annual service provides an opportunity to inspect the machine's condition and assess components that may require maintenance or replacement.
During servicing, attention can be given to the equipment's operating systems and other components according to the manufacturer's requirements. Identifying developing issues during planned maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of unexpected machine downtime.
The exact servicing requirements depend on the machine model, manufacturer recommendations, operating hours and working conditions.
Even with planned maintenance, access equipment can occasionally experience faults or breakdowns. Appropriate technical support can help establish the cause of an issue and determine the required repair.
Minor operating problems may sometimes be resolved through technical guidance, while more complex faults can require an engineer or workshop repair.
Where a machine requires replacement parts or more substantial work, suitably competent personnel should carry out the repair using appropriate components and procedures.
Mobile engineers can provide servicing and repair support at suitable locations, helping to reduce the need to transport equipment unnecessarily.
On-site servicing can be useful for businesses operating equipment across different projects or locations. The engineer can assess the machine and perform appropriate maintenance or repairs based on the issue.
The availability and suitability of on-site support will depend on the machine, fault and work required.
Access equipment sometimes requires replacement parts as part of routine servicing or repair. Components may include items that require replacement due to normal wear, damage or maintenance requirements.
Identify the correct parts according to the manufacturer, machine model, and component specification. Using suitable parts is important when maintaining the equipment's operating performance and safety systems.
Parts requirements can be assessed as part of a servicing or repair process.
Some machines may require more extensive work than can reasonably be completed during routine servicing. Major repairs and refurbishment can involve assessing and repairing significant machine components.
Refurbishment requirements vary depending on the equipment's condition and intended future use. Each machine should be assessed individually to establish what work is appropriate.
Where necessary, repair work can help restore equipment to a suitable condition for continued operation, subject to the required inspections and safety checks.
Access equipment may also require cosmetic refurbishment alongside mechanical or electrical repair work. Paint and repair services can help restore the appearance of machines and, where required, support company branding requirements.
The extent of refurbishment depends on the machine's condition and the work requested. Mechanical and safety-related requirements should remain the priority when assessing any equipment that requires refurbishment.
A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) provides an opportunity to check equipment before it is supplied for use. The inspection can identify visible damage, operational issues and other matters requiring attention before the machine is delivered.
PDI requirements can vary according to the machine and its intended use. Complete and retain relevant inspection information as part of the equipment's records.
Different access platforms have different maintenance requirements. A scissor lift, for example, has different components and operating characteristics from an articulating boom lift or telescopic boom lift.
Tracked spider platforms, truck-mounted machines and other specialist access equipment also require maintenance appropriate to their individual design.
For this reason, maintenance should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the machine's specific requirements.
Well-planned maintenance can help businesses manage their access equipment more effectively. Regular servicing helps identify and address potential issues as part of planned work, rather than relying entirely on reactive repairs.
Keep maintenance records, inspection information, and service history up to date so you can properly monitor each machine's condition and maintenance requirements.
A suitable maintenance programme should take account of machine usage, manufacturer recommendations and the conditions in which the equipment operates.
Rapid Platforms can support businesses with powered access servicing, maintenance, inspections and repair requirements.
Whether equipment requires routine servicing, a LOLER thorough examination, breakdown assistance, replacement parts, or more extensive repair work, the appropriate service should be established based on the machine and its condition.
The aim is to help businesses maintain their access equipment properly while supporting safe and reliable operation across different applications.
What does MEWP maintenance include?
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How often should a MEWP be serviced?
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Is a LOLER examination the same as servicing?
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Can MEWP maintenance be carried out on site?
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What happens if a MEWP develops a fault?
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Why is planned servicing important?
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What is a Pre-Delivery Inspection?
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Do different MEWPs need different maintenance?
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Can replacement parts be supplied for access equipment?
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Can older access equipment be refurbished?
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What is included in a service and maintenance agreement?
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Equipment can still require inspection and maintenance even when usage is limited. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable inspection requirements rather than relying only on operating hours.
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