You don’t wait for your van to explode before getting an oil change. So why treat your access gear any differently? Whether it’s a boom, scissor lift, spider, or tracked platform – if it lifts people or materials off the ground, it needs looking after. Regularly.
It’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about keeping jobs on track, workers safe, and the machines doing what they’re paid to do: work.
Servicing Stops the Job From Stopping
Everyone’s had it happen. Gear that was working fine yesterday suddenly won’t start. Or worse – gets stuck halfway up during a job that needed finishing an hour ago. Breakdown hits, and suddenly you’re calling around for emergency repairs while the site sits idle.
Regular servicing catches issues before they catch you off guard. Loose fittings, worn seals, electrical gremlins – sorted quietly before they become a crisis. It means fewer hold-ups, smoother shifts, and fewer calls explaining why a deadline’s slipping again.
One option worth considering is this company which offers a range of access platform servicing options to UK customers.
It’s Cheaper Than Fixing a Problem That’s Already Happened
Some companies skip routine maintenance thinking they’re saving money. But that £100 seal you didn’t replace? It could cost you £1,000 when the hydraulics blow mid-job.
Fixing something before it breaks is always cheaper than dealing with full-blown failure. Plus, a well-serviced machine runs longer. Fewer parts need replacing, fewer breakdowns to manage, and you get more years of use before it needs swapping out. That’s real return on investment – not just short-term savings.
Breakdowns Don’t Just Cost Time – They Add Legal Risk
A lift that isn’t serviced properly is a liability. If it fails and someone gets hurt, it’s not just a repair job – it’s an incident. And in the UK, laws like PUWER and LOLER make it clear: if your lifting gear isn’t safe to use, you’re in breach. That can mean shutdowns, fines, or worse.
A proper maintenance routine shows you’re doing things by the book. It protects your team, your company, and your reputation. And when something goes wrong (because sometimes it will), having the records to prove you took care of the kit can be the difference between a slap on the wrist and a court date.
Operators Trust Machines That Work Right
People work better when they’re not second-guessing the tools in front of them. A lift that stutters, groans, or feels shaky doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Regularly maintained equipment moves smoother, holds steadier, and reacts the way it should. That keeps the focus on the task – not on whether the controls are about to fail. It’s better for morale, better for safety, and better for speed.
Paperwork That Actually Helps You Out
Every time a machine gets serviced, there’s a record of it. That’s more than just admin – it’s proof. It shows you’re staying compliant. It can lower your insurance premiums. And if you’re hiring out machines or planning to sell later, a well-documented service history makes your gear a safer bet (and a more valuable one).
Some insurers even ask for up-to-date servicing logs. If you’ve got them on hand, great. If you don’t – expect questions when it matters most.
The Right People Make All the Difference
Not all servicing is equal. You want a provider who knows this kit inside out – someone who’s seen the insides of a hundred different machines and can spot a problem before it ruins your week.
A good service company will remind you when checks are due, come out quickly when things go wrong, and help you stay on the right side of safety regs. They don’t just fix problems – they help you avoid them altogether.
Bottom Line
Looking after your access equipment isn’t about being cautious – it’s about being smart. A well-maintained machine works longer, runs safer, breaks down less, and saves you more than it ever costs to service.
If you’re running a tight site, trying to meet deadlines, and working with limited crew, you can’t afford to let gear fall apart. Make the time for maintenance, or be prepared to make time for delays.
And if you’re not handling it in-house, find a servicing partner who actually understands the job – not just the machines.
