Bronto Skylift is global supplier of truck-mounted aerial platforms, offering equipment suited for industrial access, firefighting and rescue operations. To get the most out of your Bronto and ensure its long-lasting performance, regular maintenance is crucial.
As the UK’s exclusive service partner for Bronto Skylift, CPSLift.com’s experts share their insights into some simple steps you can take yourself to help prolong the life of your equipment. See below for a breakdown of our essential maintenance tips, designed to help keep your platform running smoothly.
1. Regular Inspections Are Key
Before every use, conduct a thorough visual inspection of your Bronto Skylift. Check for any visible damage, wear, or abnormalities. Particular areas to focus on include the following:
- Hydraulic lines and connections should be regularly checked for any leaks.
- Structural components like outriggers, booms, and the basket should be visually inspected for any damage.
- Operational controls and safety devices should be tested to ensure they work correctly.
2. Check Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulics are the lifeblood of your Bronto Skylift. As mentioned above, you should always check that your hydraulic lines and connections do not have any leaks prior to use. In addition to this, there are some routine maintenance items to be aware of.
You should regularly check that hydraulic fluid levels are optimal and if they need to be topped up, only use the recommended hydraulic fluid as specified in the Bronto Service Manual, provided with a new machine.
Hydraulic filters should also be replaced as per the schedule detailed in the maintenance manual for your Bronto Skylift. Before and after swapping any filters, be sure to check for any leaks that may not have been spotted before.
3. Lubricate Moving Parts
Friction is an enemy to any machinery. Regular lubrication helps to reduce this friction and prolong the life of your equipment, helping to protect your investment.
You should always check your owner’s manual for a full list of any parts that may require regular lubrication, but here is a list of the common items that may require your attention:
- Boom sections
- Pins
- Outriggers
- Turntable bearing (slew ring)
Using the right lubricant and adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended frequency can significantly prolong the life of these components, helping to reduce the potential for costly repairs at a later date.
4. Ensure Electrical Systems Are In Top Shape
From controls to sensors, the electrical systems in a Bronto Skylift play a vital role in its operation. There are several areas you should pay attention to when it comes to these systems, and you should always ensure the following:
- All wires and connections are secure and undamaged.
- Battery terminals are clean and tightly connected.
- Safety systems and alarms are fully functional.
5. Monitor Tyre Health
Tyre integrity is crucial, especially for a machine that’s as heavy as a Bronto Skylift. You should therefore regularly check the tyres across all axels for signs of wear, cuts, or punctures. Ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure and rotate tyres periodically to ensure even wear.
6. Clean After Use
Dust, debris, chemicals, and other particulates can accumulate and cause wear over time. After each use of your Bronto, you should clean any areas that require attention. This may include the following:
- Basket area.
- Hydraulic system and controls.
- Boom section and any other paintwork.
- Wheel arches and undercarriage.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down sensitive areas such as the control system, ensuring no water ingress into the electrics.
7. Store Your Bronto Properly
How you store your equipment can have an impact on its reliability. When not in use, you should store your Skylift in a covered area to help protect it from harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow and ice. If storing for prolonged periods, you should isolate the battery to prevent draining it.
8. Adhere To Scheduled Servicing
Just like any vehicle, your Bronto Skylift has specific service intervals. Ensure that you stick to these intervals and use only genuine Bronto parts, or those parts recommended by Bronto during servicing. You should also keep a detailed service log that can be referenced in future.
A Bronto Periodical Service Schedule can be found in the Bronto Operational Manual. The checks are broken down into categories to follow, for example, daily or pre-use checks; 50 hour or weekly checks; 250 hours or quarterly; 1000 hours or yearly.
Like most manufacturers, Bronto Skylift also recommends a periodic major inspection. In accordance with the Bronto Skylift maintenance manual, this should be done every ten years and carried out directly by Bronto or one of their authorized service providers.
9. Stay Compliant With LOLER Testing
Here in the UK, any form of access equipment including Bronto Skylift must undergo a thorough examination at least every six months. This should be carried out by a competent person who will provide a LOLER certificate on completion of the thorough examination.
About CPSLift.com
Here at CPSLift.com, as the UK Bronto Service Provider, we offer a comprehensive range of Bronto Skylift support services to help keep your equipment in top shape. We not only offer parts and servicing but can also undertake large or small repairs of all Bronto Skylift equipment in the UK.
We also offer a LOLER testing service (thorough examinations, or LOLER Inspections) to help keep your operations compliant. Should anyone in your team be new to Bronto equipment or require a refresher course for the continued safe and efficient use of the platforms, then our familiarisation service might also be beneficial.
Choosing a Bronto service provider to carry out servicing comes with many advantages. They will have access to the latest software updates, fault diagnosis/calibration equipment and genuine Bronto parts. They will even have fully qualified engineers trained directly by Bronto in Finland. As with a car, genuine service history can add significant value and authenticity when it comes to selling or trading in equipment.
Conclusion
The Bronto Skylift, with its impressive capabilities, is an investment worth protecting. With regular maintenance, you not only ensure the safety of your operations but also the longevity of your equipment.
Always refer to your Bronto manual for specific guidelines and recommendations when it comes to the servicing, repair and general inspection of your equipment.
If you are a Bronto Skylift owner in the UK and are looking for servicing or repairs from an authorised Bronto service partner, why not get in touch and speak to one of our experts today?
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