Is your vertical platform lift not working? We’ve narrowed the most common causes down to three main problems: batteries, emergency stop switches, and debris under safety pans.
Common Problem: Batteries
Most VPLs run on battery. This fact might surprise you because your VPL is plugged into a 110 outlet. The outlet is likely powering an internal charger that is continuously recharging your VPL’s batteries. Battery-powered VPLs are the most common and the most safe because they still run in the event your power is out and you need to get out of your home.
But like any battery, VPL batteries have a lifespan. In fact, most manufacturers only warranty the batteries for 1 year. So if you find your vertical platform lift not working, dead batteries could be the culprit.
How to fix: Call your VPL dealer
Common Problem: Emergency Stop Button
All VPLs have an emergency stop button. It’s usually big and red. When the button is pushed, the VPL will stop immediately, and it will not work again until the button has been pulled back out or turned – usually this is notated on the button itself.
Sometimes this button gets bumped accidentally and isn’t noticed by the owner until the next time they try to use it. Although we try our best to catch this over the phone, we’ve had service calls that resulted in an unnecessary charge and sometimes an embarrassed VPL owner.
How to fix: Pull out or turn the button to reset
Common Problem: Debris Under Safety Pan
Will your VPL go up but not down? There’s a good chance there is debris or an object under your safety pan.
A safety pan’s job is to detect objects under the lift to avoid crushing an object, person, or animal. Sometimes debris, such as leaves or grass, build up under the safety pan to the point it triggers the safety switch. When this happens the lift will only go up and not down.
How to fix: Use a leaf blower under the VPL to clear out debris.
To Wrap It All Up
The three most common VPL problems are bad batteries, the emergency stop button, and debris under the safety pan. The good news is all of these can be remedied fairly easily. If your VPL still doesn’t work after trying these fixes, we’d be happy to help you get it running again. Give us a call or complete the form below!
