Altec Aerial Platform Inspection – To Repair or Replace?

Improper platform inspection and maintenance can put you and your crew at risk and could lead to serious injury. Inspecting the platform for wear and damage is an important step in the pre-operational check, which should be completed every shift. Here is a checklist of several items to pay attention to during inspection.

Surface Irregularities
Inspect the components for cleanliness and any visible damage such as scratched, cracked or chipped gelcoat. Surface irregularities may trap dirt and contaminants, which over time may reduce the dielectric properties of the fiberglass. Trapped contaminants such as dust particles and water can cause tracking, providing a path to the ground or possible dielectric failure.

Fasteners
Check accessible fasteners to ensure no signs of frictional wear or looseness. Fasteners should fit securely and show minimal signs of rusting.


Fiberglass
If the color at the bottom of the scratch is dark and there is no visible damage to the layers of fiberglass cloth, call 1-877 GO ALTEC and select option 1 to order the Altec White Gelcoat Kit (PN# 00419000).The gelcoat repair instructions can be found in your maintenance manual.

Any further damage to the fiberglass structure can be more serious and should be carefully evaluated before attempting to repair the platform. Structural components of the platform include the rim, mounting ribs, platform sides and the bottom.

Altec platforms are constructed similar to a basketball hoop and net. The rim supports the sides in the same way a basketball hoop supports a net. The structural integrity of the platform rim is critical in determining whether the platform can be successfully repaired. The picture on the left shows a proper, structurally-sound rim compared to the damaged-beyond-repair rim in the picture on the right.

Altec recommends replacing platforms with the following damage:

  • Cracks through the fiberglass of the mounting ribs
  • Cracks through the fiberglass of the rim
  • A hole through the floor or mounting rib side of the platform

Note: Altec recommends speaking to one of our experienced Service or Parts Representatives before making any repairs to your truck. Call 1-877 GO ALTEC and select Option 4 for technical support and troubleshooting in the field.

Altec only assumes responsibility for platform repair performed by Altec personnel.