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replacing steel cable on a platform lift??
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Hello Everyone
This post is on behalf of my father who suffers with MS. Long story short he has a platform stair lift, which is ideal as it accommodates his indoor wheelchair. The steel cable that controls the lift is becoming frayed, and as such SS have condemned the lift (it still works fine btw). SS have said they will not service the lift and instead have suggested that he purchases a through ceiling lift, which is not an option as the house is quite small.
My question therefore is…..surely there are companies out there that are able to replace steel cables in order to keep the lift functioning. It seems a bizarre waste otherwise. I should point out that the original company that installed the lift were taken over by a larger company that no longer service this type of lift.
I would be hugely grateful (as would my father) for any advice on finding a company that could help.
Thank you
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Hello Simonsimon
Firstly I would like to say if the lift has been condemned it is for a reason. You say the lift is working fine, do you know if the lift is fitted with an overpeed governor and safety gear? Think what would happen if these are not fitted and the rope completely failed? The suspension rope is breaking away, the splinters are the strands of the rope as they break. Splintered ropes are also dangerous when cleaning, I can vouch that they hurt! This is not a scare tactic but reality as i am also sympathising with your predicament.
Ropes are available and can be custom made, however they must have a test certificate supplied and in the case of some models of lift, the ropes may need to be manufactured by the original manufacturer whom will have the design drawings in case of Curved inclined stairlifts.
A through the floor lift is a safer option, a down side of inclined platform lifts in narrow stairwells is that the stairwell can become effectively blocked should they break down, creating what could be likened to a diving board whilst blocking access to the upper floor.
We are based in Ormskirk, but if Social Services have condemned, it is likely a “Thorough Inspection” has been conducted under “LOLER” by an approved insurance company. Should your lift be contracted by Social Services, it is unlikely they will approve A N Other to repair. I am assuming they have also considered age, reliability & obsolescence.
#platformlift #lift #loler #thoroughinspection #socialservices #totalliftcare
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What does the maker of the lift have to say on its condition and usability? They are the best people to advise you. As for a tfl I have seen them installed in some small cottages but it limits you to hydrolic units only.
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Thank you for the responses so far. I will call my father later today to get more details over the SS visit and the level of inspection that took place. The original manufacturer were acquired, with the new owner no longer providing or servicing this type of lift. Unfortunately due to space (and my parents will not to put a big hole in the ceiling) a TFL is not an option. I am just looking to find a company that can replace the cable on a privately funded basis. By the way, he lift does not curve, its just straight.
Many thanks – i will return as soon as i have ‘grilled’ my father
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@NSL – as long as servicing is completed in accordance with manufactures instruction, by a competent person…..
without completing a survey of a small cottage, the headroom will not be known, so possiblity could also exist for a traction model. other platform lifts may still be possible also, eg screw and nut… -
quote /robbrownstairlift/:@NSL – as long as servicing is completed in accordance with manufactures instruction, by a competent person…..
without completing a survey of a small cottage, the headroom will not be known, so possiblity could also exist for a traction model. other platform lifts may still be possible also, eg screw and nut…Is the replacement of the cable/general service something your company would be willing to undertake?
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In my experience when social service write off a lift it is sometime worth getting the manufacture in to take a look. I have known them to write off stairlifts cause they cant buy the parts ( including a micro switch). I know there different lifts but the sentiment is the same. Your right you don’t know what is possible without looking, I was just trying to say that things some are possible.
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Hi everyone. The make and model of the stairlift is: GIMSON MkIII and the serial number Is GCL 13992.
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quote Nsl:In my experience when social service write off a lift it is sometime worth getting the manufacture in to take a look. I have known them to write off stairlifts cause they cant buy the parts ( including a micro switch). I know there different lifts but the sentiment is the same. Your right you don’t know what is possible without looking, I was just trying to say that things some are possible.
Hi NSL. The original manufacturer was acquired by a larger company i believe and as such will not support this lift?
Thanks
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This is a Ball & Rope Drive lift, replacements were made by the manufacturer who retained the original drawings of design and length required for the rope.
Looks like this lift is now obsolete and requiring renewal as the existing rope is splintered with drawings and design unavailable. You would also need a pickup brush and insulator kit when replacing the rope……#platformlift
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Hello. Forgive me if i come across as ‘rude’ but most of the replies so far just seem to be telling me what i have already stated in my original post!. My question again is does anyone know of a company that would be willing to replace the cable of the existing stairlift?
Fingers Crossed
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quote /robbrownstairlift/:This is a Ball & Rope Drive lift, replacements were made by the manufacturer who retained the original drawings of design and length required for the rope.
Looks like this lift is now obsolete and requiring renewal as the existing rope is splintered with drawings and design unavailable. You would also need a pickup brush and insulator kit when replacing the rope……#platformlift
Are you able to help?
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You are unlikely to get anyone with a good reputation undertaking this work. The lift is obsolete and wont comply with current safety spec. The last person to work on your lift could be held accountable for any accident caused by faulty/obsolete/dangerous equipment hence the appointed SS engineers condemning the lift. If we condem a lift we switch it off to disable further use. These measures are not taken to sell new lifts but to ensure the well being of the user.
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We are not trying to be rude or ignorant simonsimon, you state the lift was “condemned”. The community has advised you need the original manufacturers specification to have any replacement parts manufactured along with a relevant test certificate in order for safety and compliance to be met.
We can help provide a safe solution as informed by social services, please note parts are not available for this lift to ensure the correct & continued safety of the equipment and/or user/s…..
If you went mountain climbing and you were told your rope had frayed, would you continue to use it? This is similar to the condition of how this lift is being used. As I asked, has this lift been fitted with an overspeed governor?, probably not, does the safety gear work?, when was the last LG1 completed?
Continued use is not advised when a competent person has informed the unit should not be in service…
My message may seem harsh and hard, but please think about the dangers you are choosing to ignore. -
Instead of a through floor lift. Have you checked to see if it is possible to replace for something similar but new?
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