FAQ

Yes.  All our stairclimbers have simple, intuitive controls. Most people feel confident with a machine in a matter of minutes. As a rule of thumb the climbing action is quicker to pick up as descending requires an understanding of the step edge detection. (All our machines have step edge detection to ensure the load cannot run away with you).

All stairclimbers are intended to be balanced. There should be little to no effort required as the machine does the lifting for you. In fact the lazier you try to be, the easier the climb is as the machine should be doing all the work. The operator’s only job is to maintain balance.

Each stairclimber varies however the weight should not be confused with effort to operate. Stairclimbing is a technique, not a strenuous act.

This varies but generally the heavier the load, the slower you want to go.

As an example speeds range from 48 steps / min (110 kg SAL Lite models) to 10 steps / min (540 kg Staircat models)

All the stairclimbers can be used outside.  However you run the risk of picking up debris that can transfer onto the stairs. It is recommended that the various trolleys and big wheel accessories are used in this instance.

All the machines have safety measures built in.   However is should be noted any manual handing on staircases has inherent risk that should be calculated and avoided.

Generally a track style crawler will have a higher lifting capacity where a walking style stepped climber will be more compact and lighter. Tracked stairclimbers are more stable whereas a conventional hand truck stair climber requires the load to be balanced, however this makes them extremely good in tight spaces. What you need to move usually dictates the style of machine required.

Yes. All models have the ability to climb and descend under full control. All our stairclimbers have automatic edge detection (brakes) to ensure the load cannot run away with you. Some machines can be ordered without brakes so please discuss with our sales representative which stairclimber is best for you.

No! If you choose the Domino, Skipper or Pianoplan there is no need to keep the load balanced, since, thanks to the crawler tracks, the weight is distributed over several steps.

If you choose Buddy Lift, SAL or Staircat, you will have to keep the load balanced on the stairs. However the design is such that the balance point does not change through its climbing motion.

The Staircat stairclimber balance is the same on the stairway as it is on the ground! On a full stairway with the Staircat the operator has plenty of room to stand in a comfortable position. The weight on the Staircat is distributed perfectly. The balance point goes directly through the centre of the load with the fulcrum point down at the lifting feet. On a short heavy load like the safe you can achieve the same perfect balance by raising the load up on the forks. Again your centre of gravity goes directly through the load with your fulcrum point down at the lifting feet.

Yes, our stair climbers enable you to transport goods on pallets. Among other things, we produce customised bases to meet all requirements.

The Staircat Stairclimbing Forklifts are incredibly versatile.You can climb up and down steps, roll on rough terrain, unload semi-trailers, load and unload pickups and vans, stack pallets and manoeuvre in tight quarters.

Yes you can.!

All our stair climbers can be used on any kind of stairs and steps;  carpeted, tiled, marble, timber, parquet or glass stairs; metal, paved, concrete or timber steps.

Not only can they handle all types of stairs, the stairclimbers are equipped with non-marking and non-slipping wheels or tracks. Delicate flooring, stairs and steps will not be damaged.

The track style crawlers (such as the PS Track, Domino and Pianoplan) handle uneven surfaces with ease. Some models are equipped with an electric lifting base that allows the load to be lifted to gain even more space on the stairs and to turn around also on very narrow landings.

Yes we have many models that handle spiral staircases. The lift feet style stair walkers are more suited for this.

Yes!  Depending on the model, each stairclimber has its own minimum requirements as well as accessories to help ‘cheat’ the space available.

The DOMINO stair climbing trolley, in particular, thanks to its two independent crawler tracks, allows 360° rotation of the load, which allows for manoeuvres in very narrow spaces.

Providing the step complies to building code yes. Spiral, Indoor, Outdoor, closed and open back stairs.

The stairclimbing mechanism on the Staircat Stairclimber, for example, automatically adjusts for different heights of steps . You can climb all the way up to a 250mm high curb or all the way down to a 6mm high threshold. The operator doesn’t have to make this adjustment. It is interesting to note that the Staircat Stairclimber climbs a tall step at the same speed that it climbs a short step making control constant.

No they will not! They are suitable for all types of stairs, including carpet, marble and wood.  Delicate flooring, stairs and steps will not be damaged. Both step walkers and crawler tracks are designed of non-marking materials.

For example everything that touches the steps with the Staircat stairclimber is soft rubber.

Battery life varies depending on model and the load being moved. All our Stairclimbers are designed to give a useful days work. A close estimation is listed for each model.

The autonomy depends on the weight carried. Our trolleys are fitted with special batteries without memory effect. 

Batteries do not leak out any liquids and can be easily recharged even without using up all the charge. 

Moreover, the battery charger provided is fully automatic and switches itself off as soon as it reads the battery charge status, so there is absolutely no danger of overloading the batteries. Battery power is indicated by a LED light on the control unit.

Battery life is heavily dependent on how well it is looked after. If you avoid a complete discharge and keep your battery full (the battery charger automatically trickle charges to ensure this) we expect batteries to last 3 years / 1000 charges or more.

Typically 3.5 hours.  However we do not recommend fully discharging the battery. If required a second battery should be purchased to avoid this.

Yes.  In-transit chargers are available for this purpose.