A large airport lift truck is one of the important equipment for ground support in airports, mainly used to assist staff in maintaining, inspecting, cleaning, and providing cabin services for aircraft. The following is a detailed introduction to it:
structural characteristics
- lifting mechanismIt often adopts a scissor type structure and is driven by a hydraulic system. The hydraulic pump pressurizes the hydraulic oil and delivers it to the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the extension and contraction of the scissor arm, thereby achieving the lifting and lowering of the platform. This structure has strong stability and high load-bearing capacity. In addition, some lift trucks adopt an arm frame structure, which changes the position and height of the platform through joint rotation and extension, providing higher flexibility and allowing access to some positions that are difficult to reach with scissors.
- work platform: It is an area where operators carry out operations, with a large area that can accommodate multiple workers and necessary tools and equipment. There are guardrails around the platform that meet safety standards and are equipped with openable doors or passages to facilitate the entry and exit of personnel and materials. Some platforms also have certain rotation or tilt functions to adapt to different job requirements.
- chassisUsually based on heavy-duty trucks or special vehicle chassis modifications, it has good driving performance and stability, and can operate in complex ground environments at airports, including runways, taxiways, aprons, etc. Some lift trucks are equipped with four-wheel drive, all wheel steering, and other functions to enhance the vehicle's maneuverability and passability.
- power systemCommon sources of power include diesel engines and electric drives. The diesel engine has strong power and is suitable for scenarios that require frequent movement and long operating times; Electric drive has the advantages of low noise and no pollution, making it suitable for use in indoor hangars and other areas with high environmental requirements.
working principle
Taking the hydraulic driven scissor lift truck as an example, when the operator issues a lifting command, the hydraulic pump starts, draws hydraulic oil from the oil tank and pressurizes it, and delivers high-pressure oil to the hydraulic cylinder through the hydraulic pipeline. The piston inside the hydraulic cylinder generates thrust under the action of high-pressure oil, pushing the scissor arm to gradually expand, thereby raising the working platform; When descending, control the hydraulic valve to allow the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic cylinder to flow back to the oil tank. Under the gravity of the platform and load, the scissor arm contracts and the platform descends. Operators can control the speed and height of lifting and lowering through the control buttons or levers on the control panel.
Application scenarios
- Aircraft maintenance and overhaulStaff use lift trucks to reach different parts of the aircraft, such as the fuselage, wings, tail wing, etc., for daily inspections, component replacements, and fault repairs. For example, checking the surface of the aircraft for damage, conducting engine maintenance, etc.
- Aircraft cleaningUsed for cleaning the exterior of aircraft, including removing dirt and dust from the surface of the fuselage, as well as cleaning aircraft windows, to maintain a clean appearance of the aircraft.
- cabin service After the plane stops, the elevator can serve as a passage for ground crew to transport food, luggage, and other supplies to the aircraft cabin, or assist passengers in boarding and disembarking (such as for special passengers).
advantage
- improve work efficiencyIt can quickly and conveniently deliver staff and materials to the designated location of the aircraft, reducing the time and manpower required for traditional methods such as scaffolding, greatly improving the efficiency of airport ground support work.
- Good safetyEquipped with comprehensive safety devices such as guardrails, limit switches, anti fall devices, overload protection, etc., it ensures the safety of operators during high-altitude operations.
- High flexibilityAbility to flexibly adjust the height and position of the platform according to different aircraft models and operational requirements, adapting to various work scenarios.
limitation
- relatively high costThe procurement cost of equipment is relatively high, and the maintenance and upkeep in the later stage also require technical personnel and equipment, involving the maintenance of hydraulic systems, electrical system testing, etc. The maintenance cost is also not low.
- High operational requirementsOperators need to undergo specialized training and be familiar with the operation methods and safety regulations of the lift truck, otherwise they may cause safety accidents due to improper operation. In addition, in places like airports that require high safety and order, the operation of elevators also needs to strictly comply with the relevant regulations and scheduling arrangements of the airport.
