Speed-Lift® Dock Systems

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Parts – Service

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Parts – Service

Troubleshooting Questions

My lift won't stop running.

Turn off the ECS bypass switch, located on the electric control box.

Speed-Lift motor runs but platform does not rise when control handle is moved to raise platform.

3 phase motor is turning backward. Unplug power cord and switch any two hot leads in the power cord or control box. Make certain the green ground wire is attached to the “L” shaped plug prong.

Motor runs but Speed-Lift will not lift heavy loads.

Load is beyond rated capacity for Speed-Lift or Overload Protection Bypass Valve is improperly adjusted. Check weight of load compared with capacity of lift. If load is less than the Speed-Lift’s capacity, then contact Superior Handling Equipment regarding Bypass Valve adjustment.

Hydraulic fluid flows from reservoir breather pipe occasionally.

Oil reservoir is overfilled above 1-1/2” from top of reservoir with platform down or the Speed-Lift is on a slope towards the breather pipe.

Platform moves erratically in jerks as it is raised to higher levels.

Too little oil in reservoir. Fill reservoir to proper level, 1-1/2” from top with Dexron III or a quality multi-purpose automatic transmission fluid.

Oil leakage from hydraulic hoses, lines, or fittings.

Loose connections, cut or damaged hoses. Tighten fitting connections. Replace damaged hoses and fittings.

Remote control handle does not operate.

Remote control cable is binding or is kinked. Replace cable to remote control handle.

Control valve handle does not return to Off position after raising platform.

Handle is binding. Oil all joints of control handles. Check for over-tightened bolts and nuts at pivot points, including tightness of bolt in center of remote control handle. Attach cable with 2 or more Adel clamps to railing. Replace defective cable.

Raising or lowering Speed-Lift platform causes noticeable squealing sounds.

Ball bushings on lifting arms and/or pivot points need grease. Grease thoroughly according to lubrication charts provided in Appendix E – Figures E.8 & E.9. using a grease meeting or exceeding the requirements of Mobil XHP 462 (red or blue)

Bridge does not open automatically onto truck floor as platform is being raised.

Adjustable Height Bridge Wheel is not adjusted properly. Remove the quick release pin/wing bolt on the Adjustable Bridge Wheel and raise the wheel channel so that it gently guides the Truck Bridge open as the platform is raised. A properly adjusted Bridge Wheel should not touch the underside of the opened Truck Bridge after it is level with the truck floor because the Bridge Wheel is not designed to support loads. It simply guides the bridge gently above truck floor or dock height.

Bridge folding into and out of truck squeaks.

Bridge hinge pins and/or bridge wheels need grease.Grease hinge pins and bridge wheels liberally, using a grease meeting or exceeding the requirements of Mobil XHP 462 (red or blue

What hydraulic fluid is used in the Speed-Lift?

The working fluid used in the Speed-Lift is Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid. Dextron ATF has proven to be a reliable working fluid and has been used in Superior Handling products since 1977. While many Speed-Lifts have never had their oil changed and are still operating satisfactorily, we recommend that the oil be changed at least every 10 years to flush out any contaminates and ensure many more years of trouble-free operation. If equipped, change the canister filter at least every 10 years, more often in high use applications.

Lift rocks back and forth during operation.

Stabilization jacks are not down.Lower the stabilization jacks onto hard, level surface such as concrete. If operating in a sandy environment, place metal plates between the stabilization jacks and the ground.

Stabilization jacks do not operate easily.

Jacks need greasing or are damaged.Grease both on the jack threads and directly into the grease fitting using a grease meeting or exceeding the requirements of Mobil XHP 462 (red or blue) and replace bent or damaged parts.

NEW INSTALL - Lift stops at about 6" from the ground.

The SHIPPING BLOCKS are likely still installed above each cylinder.  Remove these.  "Remove before operation" is written on the label.

Rolling resistance of Speed-Lift wheels makes movement increasingly difficult.

Swivel wheels need greasing or replacement if damaged. Rigid Wheels have been damaged. Grease or replace wheels. Rebuild ground surface with smooth level concrete, and/or use Speed-Lift multiple vehicle special running gear options. For larger models (SL-8000 and up), use an optional tow bar and tugger.

Platform slowly sinks down.
The expected drop of the platform is less than 1% over a 15-min period. Over 8-hr, for example, a 16-in drop would be normal.  If this exceeds 32-in, refer to this guide P-ENG-10016 - Troubleshooting Platforms that Leak Down .