Now that the color of green has replaced the profit color of white, it’s time to take that color green seriously and “go” on Lift Maintenance—just so you won’t see red next winter. To perform a complete summer maintenance program for area lifts the first step is to plan that program. Certain things must come first, many items should not be overlooked.
Special Projects
For the first step—planning—it is suggested that this start in an easy chair with a pad of paper, your lift log-books, and memories of the season just past. Check over any occurrences of the past season that require special consideration. Any shutdowns of a repeated nature? Any lift components that gave unreasonably short life? These should be given priority as far as the planning goes. If the answer to any of these problems isn’t apparent and positive, consult the life manufacturer and obtain his recommendations. Often these “special problems” call for just a bit more than routine maintenance—and require several weeks of correspondence and investigation before the detailed planning can be made. So don’t procrastinate on this phase—start now.
Wire Rope Inspection
Next, while still in the “planning chair,” place wire rope inspection high on your list. October or November is no time to find that your cable must be respliced or replaced. Plan on obtaining a competent wire rope inspector for this task—and insist on a written report from the inspector. No simple rules or short cuts can be listed for this inspection. It takes an experienced “wire rope man” to determine the true condition of the “heart” of your lift. Try to get this inspection scheduled for early in the “green” season. Don’t lubricate your cable heavily prior to this inspection; give the inspector a chance to see the true condition of each individual wire. If wire rope inspection cannot be scheduled early, lubricate your cable lightly. Prior to the arrival of the inspector, assemble all of the data on the cables for his inspection and reference (i.e. date installed, specifications, splicer, repairs, previous inspection reports, etc.).
General Clearance, Footings, and Paint
Plan for an early general inspection of the entire lift. Look for the following:
- Clearance from overhanging tree limbs, possible dead timber, brush, etc. Note what should be cleared from the lift lines to assure adequate clearance for next winter. Clear dead timber that could fall across the lift line. Consider planting of trees in areas that act as “wind tunnels” across sections of the lift line.
- Condition of the concrete footings. Inspect for wash-outs around footings, slides and filling over of low footings, and note the condition of anchor bolts, base plates and lower sections of towers. Plan what to do to correct any maintenance required in this area. Don’t make it a job that must be repeated after each spring thaw or heavy downpour.
- Note the general condition of the paint. Don’t allow structural steel to get to a condition requiring wire brushing to remove rust. Keep an adequate paint protection on all structural steel. If some steel has rusted, plan on a preliminary program of wire brushing and prime coating these spots, to be followed by a complete final coat. And remember—no painting when the steel is at all damp. You’re wasting your time—this job is for dry weather.
- Check on your lift signs. Are these signs still clear and legible? Are there sufficient signs to properly instruct next winter’s skiers? Which signs require painting? Although the need for this work is not urgent, do it as soon as possible and store the signs until fall. No need to expose them to a summer’s sun just for the porcupines’ information.
General Overhead Line Inspection
Here is a project that will require several days, but when atop of a tower making this inspection, compare to the same position in winter when making a repair or replacement. On each tower top check every line sheave. Jack the cable free from each sheave and check the sheave for free and true rotation. Listen for any signs of “clicking”—this could be a faulty bearing, or interference of the sheave flanges and other structure. Check the rope wear pattern in the groove of the sheaves. Misalignment of the sheaves is shown by such a pattern. Here is a good place to recheck your log book. Has a certain sheave (or group of sheaves) required replacement rather frequently? If the wear pattern is not centered, the correct alignment may be the solution to excessive wear. (See Re-Alignment Chart.)
Check the entire electrical and communication details located on each tower. Insulators secure? Wires properly attached? Any signs of wear or deterioration on the insulated wires? Could snow build up and short out any of these systems? Look this phase over with a skeptical eye—it’s your life-line next winter.
Finally, check all structural and mechanical connections. Don’t just look at bolts and nuts—put a wrench to them and make sure that they are secure. Look for missing grease fittings. This can not only prevent the regular lubrication of a part, it can also be a funnel for dust, dirt, and water.
Tension Terminal
The general overhead line inspection applies to the tension terminal, and in addition the operation of the entire tensioning system should be checked. Jack the counterweight and observe the motion of the tension carriage, counterweight sheaves, etc. Often a trolley or counterweight sheave will be in an awkward position for lubrication throughout the winter, and as a result will not get any lubrication. Now is the time to check these grease points. Check the bull-wheel liners for wear. If they require replacement, be sure that you have a spare set of linings on hand after the worn ones have been replaced. Look carefully at the section of counterweight rope that was wrapped about the sheaves—this is a point for rust to collect. Check all rope connection points. On wire rope clips make sure that an adequate number are in place and are tight. Finally, check the position of the counterweight. It’s easier to adjust this in the summer and allow for plenty of motion than to be faced with the same job on a Friday night in December.
Drive Terminal
The same general overhead line inspection that was described for the line towers applies to the drive terminal. In addition to this, a complete electrical and mechanical inspection of the drive should be made.
The electrical phase of the inspection should be carried out by a competent electrician. Be sure to check that adequate spare electrical parts and fuses are on hand. It takes but a few moments to replace a blown fuse—if you have a spare on hand.
The mechanical checks should start at the bull-wheel. Check the bull-wheel liners. Replace if worn to the point where you may not get a full season from the present liners. Check your spare liners—do you have enough for an emergency relining next winter? Next comes the ring gear and pinion. How are the teeth aligning and wearing? Are the bearings secure and grease seals in good condition? Continue this check right to the main drive motor or engine. Don’t ignore flexible couplings—they will only tolerate slight misalignment, and will give longer life with good alignment. The braking systems require a careful and thorough check. Start with the brake linings, end with the operator’s lever and check all components. Clean up excessive lubricant, and check your supplies of lubricants.
Carriers
Here is a job to set aside for rainy days. Store the carriers (chairs, towing outfits, etc.) in a clean dry place for the off-season.
Carefully inspect the rope grips for signs of wear or defects. Each customer’s life is literally suspended from these grips. Inspect them with this thought in mind.
The lift manufacturer usually prescribes the correct summer care for towing outfits. Check each towing outfit carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Chairs should be inspected for any signs of possible fatigue, the correct operation of the safety bar and footrest, and the soundness and finish of the slats. Nothing is more apparent to your customers than the condition of the carriers. Keep them attractive with paint and with varnish.
Safety and Communications Systems
While your electrician is making an electrical check of the drive terminal, have him check out the entire safety and communications systems. Check with your loading attendants and see if there are improvements in the system that might provide a greater degree of safe operation next season. Often an additional or relocated “stop” switch can mean the difference between a normal emergency stop and an accident.
Check with all operating personnel as to possible general improvements. Discuss the emergency evacuation procedures that you plan to use in case of an unforeseen lift stoppage. Remember, half of this problem is keeping the passengers calm and informed.
Lift Maintenance Check List
Spring and Early Summer
- Special Projects Planning & Scheduling
- Wire Rope Inspection
- General Clearance, Footings
Mid-Summer
- General Overhead Line Inspection
- Paint—Structural Steel
- Terminal Inspections and Clean-up
- Safety and Communication Inspection
Rainy Days
- Grip and Carrier Maintenance
Fall
- Complete Operation Tests
- Installation of Signs and Guide Fencing
