Features/Benefits Provided: Lift provides precise vertical control to prevent damage to aircraft. Lift uses ball transfers to allow easy movement of fuel tank into aircraft Lift uses shop air to power hydraulic pump for emission free operations.

Scissor Lifts Solution Meets Customer's Challenge

The number of miles an airliner can travel without a major re-design of the airframe was increased using an auxiliary fuel tank. This tank can be installed and removed as needed to increase the potential range of the aircraft by up to 500 nautical miles. The tooling engineer was able to complete the installation of the tank safely, easily and under budget. After reviewing options, a simplified version of the on-ramp, air-cargo scissors list was chosen for this project.

The tooling engineers worked in tandem with the design engineers to develop a loading system for the tank through the cargo door. The designers specified the capacity lowered height, vertical travel, and size of the platform. Because the list is used indoors when the optional fuel tank is installed, several unique design modifications became necessary. First, the tank must be easily moved in or out of position on its own wheels using only a forklift or towing tractor. The lift accomplishes this goal and can also be used to transport the tank from a receiving location up to two miles away.

Second, ball transfers all operators' precise control of lifting and lowering of the tank to prevent costly damage to the aircraft. Finally, the unit operates using the available shop air system to power the hydraulic pump for an emissions-free operation. Using the lift, this process is accomplished in 20 minutes rather than the originally projected 2 hours.

By using the custom-designed scissors lift, the customer's goals have been achieved with minimal disruption to the manufacturing process.

is a proud member of the Lift Manufacturers Association of Material Handling Industry of America

601 W. McKee Street
Greensburg, Indiana 47240
Toll Free: 800/477-5011
Phone: 812/663-4085   Fax: 812/663-6017
Email: sales@americanlifts.com     Website: www.americanlifts.com