Por: Nicole George - Director of Global Strategy Genie
Aerial work platforms are common equipment on a variety of different job sites. But before you can start working with one, you must bring it to the job site. To do this safely and efficiently, there are some important considerations.
The most important thing to do while preparing your Genie for transport is to consult your owner's manual, which includes a step-by-step guide to preparing your platform for transport, as well as any specific problems you may encounter. Before you begin the important steps of lashing down the platform, you'll want to make sure that the platform is loaded correctly and that you're using the proper equipment to transport it. When properly positioned on a haul trailer, the floor of the bed should be level with the bed of the haul trailer. If that cannot be accomplished due to the length of the equipment or trailer, consult your owner's manual for further guidance.
Once the equipment is loaded, check the entire machine for loose or unsecured items. Always use a turret rotation lock pin, verifying that the key switch is in the "off" position, and then remove the key before beginning transport.
Next, it's time to secure the platform. It must be in the stowed position before securing it to the trailer. Nylon straps should be run parallel to the machine's strap guides, being careful not to use too much downward force to secure them. Place some type of force-absorbing material, such as foam, rubber, or wood, in front of the nylon strap to reduce any movement of the straps during shipping.
The equipment chassis must also be secured to the transport platform using a minimum of six chains. Make sure chains have ample load capacity and adjust hoist to prevent damage to chains or hoist.
After the equipment arrives at the job site, you'll want to think about how to unload it safely. If you are unloading the platform onto a public road, additional precautions must be taken, such as the use of warning cones, danger tape, signs, and flag personnel. Any of these options can help you safely unload your haul trailer and prevent injury to jobsite personnel as well as drivers on the road.
By following these recommendations, you improve the safety of your equipment and your workers, maintaining the useful life of the machines for longer.