Scissor Lifts and Other Access Solutions for the Railways

Scissor Lifts and Other Access Solutions for the Railways

If you are looking for Scissor Lifts for carriage roof access or a side access platform so you can work on the carriage sides, there is a vast range to choose from. While you will know which part of the train you need to access, you may not know which is the most suitable access platform for the job. This is a brief guide to some of the options available.

Carriage Roof Access

One of the most popular carriage roof access systems is the folding roof guardrail system. This provides a safe enclosed working area on the carriage roof. The gap between the access tower and the roof is filled by drawbridge platforms. They are easy to assemble and operate by two people, and provide an inexpensive access solution. Alternative methods of access are dependant on the configuration of your depot. These alternatives include a suspended walkway, mast boom or scissor lift with a modified slide out deck to allow access to the carriage roof.

]]>

Carriage Side Access

At its most basic carriage side access platforms are a simple castor-mounted aluminium construction, but there is a surprisingly wide variety of options and choices to modify these platforms to suit your requirements. You can have single or double access stairways, with platforms of varying height, size and materials. They often include additional equipment such as tool storage boxes, electrical plug and socket connectors at base or platform level, or even pneumatic airlines.

Windscreen Access

The windscreen area is the site for a wide range of activities both in the manufacture and the maintenance of a train. Whether it’s replacing the full windscreen panel or just the wipers and regular headlight maintenance, this is an access solution you will find yourself using a lot. The platforms can be floor or rail-mounted, and ideally should feature profiled decking to suit the shape of the car. You need to look for something that has been purposely constructed to be robust enough to cope in the railway environment.

Pit Boards

Pit boards allow you to service the area underneath the train. You can choose from side pit boards or centre pit boards, depending on your needs. To make it easier to move around the area, they can be mounted on rails, although you can also buy versions with tyres if rails are not appropriate for your depot.

For complete train maintenance you will likely need a selection of the powered access platforms listed here, and which type will best suit your needs will vary for each individual train care centre. While a folding roof guardrail system may be perfect for one depot, another may prefer a scissor lift with a modified slide out deck. The best way to work out what equipment is most suitable, is to talk to someone with experience in access platforms.