Advance Lifts Dock Lifts Pit Mounted Manual

							 
ADVANCE LIFTS PIT DIAGRAM (K’s, T’s, 2000, 3000, & 4000 SERIES)    
                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*When mounting a “T-Series” lift on a pad it is necessary to supply a cutout in the concrete to allow passage of the hose under the 
base frame. T-Series lifts have no clearance between the platform and ground, any hose run through or over the base frame will be 
damaged when the platform is lowered. 
 
Installation Bill of Material* 
1.  One (1) Advance Lift Model Number __________. 
2.  3” x 3” x ¼” curb angle as required. 
3.  One (1) 3” conduit from power unit location to pit for hydraulic hose. 
4.  One (1) electric disconnect switch for 5 HP or 7.5 HP motor. 
5.  5 gallons of Chevron Rykon ISO 46 hydraulic fluid for T’s & K’s, 10 gallons for 2000 & 3000 
series and 15 gallons for series 4000 units. 
6.  One (1) ½” SAE 100R2 hydraulic hose from the power unit location to the lift base with ½” 
female JIC threads on both ends. (4000 series lifts require two (2) hoses). 
7.  Concrete anchor bolts and material for shimming and/or grouting. 
*Seller furnishes Advance dock lift only unless otherwise agreed to in writing 
Notes: 
A.  Reinforce concrete to suit local soil conditions. 
B.  All pit work and materials shown are the responsibility of the owner or his agent (by pit 
contractor) 
C.  Installer to run ½” diameter hose(s) through the 3” conduit from the power unit to the lift base. 
D.  Dimension tolerances are plus ¼”, minus 0” (+1/4” – 0). 
E.  180º steel hinge bridges require a bridge recess length equal to bridge length minus 2-3/4”. 
F.  180º aluminum hinge bridges require a bridge recess length equal to bridge length minus 3-3/4” 
and a pit length equal to platform length plus 7-1/2”. 
G.  Consult factory for bridges longer than 30”. (18” on 4000 series). 
                    
            P 4-6 
 
16” PLATFORM LENGTH +2”=  
BRIDGE LENGTH MINUS 3-3/4”= 
BRIDGE WIDTH + 2” 
USE 32” LONG 2X4 LUMBER TO FORM 
HOSE RECESS (FOR T-SERIES ONLY) 
PIT DRAIN  
                  PLATFORM WIDTH +2”=       
PLATFORM LENGTH + 6-1/2”= 
(If no bridge, platform length + 2”)  
 
PIT FLOOR MUST BE LEVEL  
FOR CASES WHERE 
BRIDGE AND PLATFORM 
ARE THE SAME WIDTH  
50” 
PIT CUTOUT 
FOR OPTIONAL 
WHEEL CHOCK 
¾” DEEP BRIDGE 
RECESS  T-SERIES HOSE 
RECESS  PIT DRAIN  LIFT LOWERED 
HEIGHT + ¼”  3” CONDUIT WITH 
MINIMUM 14-1/2” 
RADIUS BEND  
						

							 
SECTION 5:  OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 
  
Hydraulic scissors lifts have an excellent safety record overall, but as with all moving 
equipment they can be dangerous.  Operators must use common sense and take 
responsibility for the safety of everyone near the lift.  They must use the devices 
provided and be careful not to surprise anyone in the area with the movement of the lift. 
 
The most common accidents that occur are people walking off the end of the lift and 
people tripping over the hinged bridge or knocking the bridge over onto someone’s foot.  
These are prevented by simply using guardrails and safety chains, and by being aware 
of the bridge position and size. Be alert! 
 
Pre-operational checks:  
1.  Check all electrical wiring and connections to be sure that they are completed 
properly and are operational. 
 
2.  Check for the proper operating condition of all safety devices such as guardrails, 
safety chains, and optional equipment such as electric toe guards, warning bells, or 
automatic chocks. 
 
3.  Check for obstructions or debris that may interfere with the safe operation of the lift. 
Caution!  Obstructions and debris in the pit can cause the lift to remain partially raised 
above the surrounding surface causing a trip hazard. 
 
4.  Be sure that all personnel in the area are a safe distance away from the lift and 
aware that you are about to move it. 
 
5.  Know the capacity of the lift to be sure not to overload it.  
Test operate the equipment: 
 
1.  Station yourself so that you always see the equipment and surrounding area when it 
is in operation.  Never operate the equipment in the blind. 
 
2.  Raise the equipment and note that the pushbutton is a constant pressure, “dead-
man” type.  When you release the up or down button, the unit should stop moving 
immediately and maintain its elevation.  If it does not, notify your maintenance 
personnel immediately. 
 
 
3.  Cycle the equipment several times to be sure that it is operating smoothly with no 
jerking or sudden movement.  On initial start up there may be some air in the lines or 
the cylinders may be dry due to storage so it may take several cycles to smooth out 
the operation.  If the operation is not smooth after several cycles, contact your 
maintenance personnel.  If there is any evidence of binding or scraping in the 
operation you should immediately stop using the lift.
 
 
4.   Check all safety devices for proper operation. 
 
5.   If you elect to test load the equipment be sure that you do not exceed the capacities 
shown on the nameplate.  Overloading may cause structural stresses that may not 
show up for some time, but will diminish the life and capacity of the unit.  If you have 
any questions about testing the unit, call the engineering department at the factory at 
1-800-843-3625. 
 
 
P 5-1 
                
						

							 
 
COMPATIBLE LOADING EQUIPMENT GUIDE: 
 
Each Advance lift is designed with a weight capacity and platform design for specific 
types of loading equipment.  Using the wrong type of loading equipment on a given 
series of lifts will invite unintentional overloading.  For safe operation, follow these 
guidelines and be careful to never exceed the nameplate. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
          
                             
Calculate the weight of the heaviest types of loads you expect to handle to be sure that 
they are within the rated capacity.  Beware of surprisingly heavy materials such as 
liquids, grains, powder, and paper; all of which can weigh much more than you suspect 
because of their density.  
 
A little effort to determine the true weight of your heaviest loads before you start to use 
your equipment can save damage to your equipment and possible injury to your 
personnel.  If you discover that some loads will exceed the capacity of the unit, make 
arrangements to have the loads split.  All operating personnel should be warned about 
heavy loads, warning signs should be placed in the dock lift area as a reminder. 
 
Daily operation: 
 
1.  All personnel should be required to read the entire operating instruction section of 
this manual prior to operating the lift. 
 
2.  Operators must know the capacity of the unit and be aware of any loads that may 
exceed capacity. 
 
3.  Operators must be alert to all personnel in the vicinity of the lift and avoid any 
surprises to these personnel in regard to movement of or the position of the lift at 
any time.  Never operate the unit if you can not see it and the personnel around it. 
 
4.  On the first use of the lift each day, each operator should check to see that the lift is 
operating properly and smoothly. All safety devices should be in place and operating 
properly and the hinged bridge should be swung through its full arc of movement. 
The bridge stops should prevent the bridge from drooping more than 45 degrees 
below the horizontal in the forward position and the bridge should swing back 20 
degrees beyond vertical toward the platform in the upright position.  Any problems 
should be immediately reported to the maintenance personnel.  
 
 
 
P 5-2
                                                               
All of the above and small powered 
pallet jacks.
 
2000 SERIES, T & K SERIES            
3000 SERIES  All of the above & straddle stackers, 
small stand-up & sit-down rider fork 
trucks.
 
All of the above & medium fork 
trucks.
 
4000 SERIES 
UNIT TYPE OF LOADING EQUIPMENT   
						

							 
 
 
 
Daily Operation (Continued) 
 
5.  If the unit has a traveling electrical cord, the operator must insure that it is kept away 
from the lift as it rises and lowers. 
 
6.  When raising or lowering the lift, the load should be centered on the platform (that is, 
the load should be evenly distributed and its center of gravity should be at the center 
of the platform). 
 
7.  If a unit is equipped with both a hinged bridge and a hinged ramp, be sure that the 
operators know the difference and never use the ramp for load transfer in the raised 
position.  The ramps are usually much longer than the bridges which means they 
can work as a long lever creating severe eccentric loads and they are often 
positioned on the weakest side of the lift for load movement in the fully lowered 
position only. Use ramps in the fully lowered position only! 
 
8.  Do not allow bridges or ramps to “free fall” from near vertical positions to the position 
against their hinge stops.  This type of abuse will definitely cause damage to the 
stops, hinges, and platform edges, eventually rendering the unit unsafe.  Lower 
ramps by hand and lower bridges to the down stop position with the restraining 
chains. 
 
Efficient lift usage:  
The following procedures will help you maximize the efficient use of your lift in your 
loading and unloading operations. 
 
1.  First it should be noted that there is a long restraining chain on each lift that is 
designed to run from the hinged bridge to the guardrail post farthest away from the 
bridge.  The purpose of this chain is to allow an operator to pull the hinged bridge 
back from anywhere on the platform with minimal movement, once the bridge is 
raised to the near vertical position by the truck bed as the lift is lowered. 
 
2.  This means that the hinged bridge only has to be manually lifted once in a loading or 
unloading sequence.  It should be raised to the vertical standing position before the 
lift is raised to truck height.  Once the top of the bridge is just above the truck bed 
height, the bridge can be pushed against the truck and allowed to cam into truck.  
Then when you lower the unit, the bridge is allowed to cam up on the truck bed to 
the near vertical position and then pulled back to a safe resting position with the 
chain.  There is a second snap on the chain that allows you to lock the bridge in the 
raised position whenever the load or guardrails prevents the bridge from swinging 
back at least 20º beyond vertical. (See illustration at end of section.) 
 
3.  If your unit is equipped with an approach ramp, do not raise the ramp on each cycle.  
In fact, the ramp is to be raised only when the lift is being moved to a new location.  
Many of the ramps are designed with built in wheel chocks which help prevent a 
wheeled vehicle from rolling off the platform and only work properly when the ramp 
is lowered. 
  
 
 
 
P 5-3 
  
						

							P 5-4
 
Placing Bridge in Truck 
With bridge folded back toward platform raise the dock lift 
until the top the bridge is just above the opening of the 
truck, push the bridge against the truck with your foot while 
controlling the fall with the safety chains. As the dock lift is 
raised, the bridge will cam over onto the truck bed and lay 
flat for loading and unloading.  
 
 
Removing Bridge from Truck and Securing Begin to lower the dock lift until the bridge starts to cam up 
over the end of the truck bed. With foot, chain, or hand, flip 
bridge back toward platform. Once bridge is folded back 
toward platform attach safety hook (A) to secure the bridge 
in place and continue lowering the unit. 
 
Bridge starts to cam up over 
end of truck bed as the dock 
lift raises or lowers. 
DANGER! Do not remove bridge stops or allow bridge to hang vertically.  
						

							 
 
SECTION 6:  MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 
 
The routine maintenance of this equipment is minor and consists of periodic checks. 
 
Weekly: Once a week, or after repetitive operation, the lift should be raised to its full 
height.  This will get rid of cylinder oil seepage build-up and lubricate the upper cylinder 
barrel. 
 
Monthly: Check that the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir is 1” to 2” from the top of 
the tank, depending on model, with the unit fully lowered. It is strongly urged that a 
maintenance log be maintained with the dates of monthly inspections, the name of the 
inspector and results of the inspection. 
 
CAUTION: 
 
Be sure the maintenance device is properly engaged before performing maintenance 
checks 2 through 6 or reaching beneath a raised lift.  (Read all of section 6 for proper 
maintenance safety leg procedures). 
 
1. Clean all debris from the pit or the vicinity of floor mounted units in order to avoid 
interference with the lift mechanism or rollers. 
 
2. Check for presence and proper seating of all snap rings and clips on all axles, 
cylinders, and rollers. 
 
3. Check rollers, pins and bushings for any signs of wear such as flat spots, missing 
fasteners, or dislodged bearing material. 
 
4. Check the hydraulic fittings for cracks or leaks and clean up any seepage on or 
beneath the cylinders. 
 
5. Check hoses and electrical lines for abrasions or other abuse and check for snug 
connections. 
 
6. Operate the unit and check for any abnormal noise or vibrations. 
 
7. Check all safety devices on the unit such as guardrails, safety chains, etc. including 
any options such as electric toe guards or chocks, for proper operation. 
 
8. Check the hinged bridge to insure that its stops are not damaged, allowing it to droop 
more than 45 degrees below horizontal, check the hinge spools for cracks and or 
broken welds, be sure the bridge leans back over the platform at least 20 degrees 
beyond vertical. 
 
Seasonal or semiannual maintenance: 
 
Change hydraulic fluid for ambient temperature changes if appropriate. Check the fluid 
reservoir to see if there is any evidence of accumulated condensation creating water 
contamination. The fluid will appear “milky” and light pink in color. Water accumulation 
will damage the hydraulic pump. 
 
 
 
P 6-1 
						

							 
 
 
SECTION 6: (CONTINUED) 
 
Maintenance Cautions: 
 
1.  Always remember that this is a piece of machinery with large moving parts that can 
seriously hurt you. 
 
2.  Read this manual in its entirety before attempting service work. 
 
3.  Always use the maintenance device if you are going to work on the unit in the 
elevated position or reach under the platform.  (See the illustrations at the end of this 
section for proper positioning and engagement of the maintenance supports.) 
 
4.  It may be necessary to bypass travel limit switches in order to properly position the 
maintenance support.  
 
5.  When using the maintenance support observe the following rules: 
 
A.  There shall be no load on the platform 
B.  The maintenance support shall be properly engaged. 
C.  Hold the down button an extra 10 seconds when lowering onto the maintenance 
support to be sure that all the weight of the lift is on the support. 
D.  Use shoring of blocking as a backup to the maintenance support. 
E.  Disconnect and tag the electricity to the unit to prevent accidental movement of 
the lift by other personnel. 
F.  Spend as little time as possible under the lift. 
 
6.  Use only replacement parts recommended by the manufacturer. 
 
7.  Do not let the equipment stay in disrepair; fix little problems while they are little 
problems or some of them may get severe very quickly. 
 
8.  Inspect the equipment on a regular schedule, preferably monthly. 
 
9.  Never work on the hydraulics or electrical systems unless the unit is fully lowered or 
properly sitting on a maintenance support. 
 
10. Never apply a load to the equipment unless the base is continuously supported and 
non-portable units are securely lagged to the ground. 
 
11.  Never expect to hold leg assemblies open by simply lifting one end of a platform. 
 
A.  The roller end of most lifts are not gibbed or captured in any way, so lifting on the 
roller end simply tilts the platform.  
B.  Even if you raise the clevis end of the platform, if the base frame is not firmly 
lagged to the ground or held down by some other means, the legs will come up 
with the platform in a spongy and unpredictable manner and could cause serious 
injury. 
C.  The only safe way to hold a lift’s legs open other than the factory designed 
maintenance support is to block between the clevis end of the platform and the 
base frame. 
 
 
 
P 6-2  
						

							 
Section 6: (Continued) 
Recommended Lift Blocking Procedures 
 
WARNING! 
 
Only authorized personnel should perform inspection or maintenance and 
service procedures.  Unauthorized personnel attempting these procedures do 
so at the risk of severe injury or death. 
 
DANGER! 
 
Failure to properly adhere to lift blocking procedures is to risk the sudden and 
uncontrolled descent of the lift during maintenance or inspection.  A falling lift 
can cause severe injury or death. 
 
This procedure describes the only factory-approved method of working under a lift.  
Follow these instructions EVERY time you plan to reach or crawl beneath the lift to 
perform service or maintenance – no matter how momentary that might be.   
 
If the factory-provided maintenance device is damaged or missing, stop immediately 
and consult the factory for assistance.  The manufacturer is not liable for your failure to 
use the approved maintenance device(s) and procedures that have been provided. 
 
1.  Any load must be removed from the lift prior to engaging the maintenance device(s).  
These devices are designed to support an unloaded lift only.  Failure to remove the 
load from the lift prior to blocking could cause the failure of the maintenance 
device(s) and allow the lift to fall unexpectedly.  This can result in personal injury or 
death, or permanent damage to the maintenance device(s) and/or the lift. 
 
2.  Raise the lift to its fully raised position.  If you do not, the maintenance device(s) may 
not be able to be placed properly in its/their designed blocking position. 
 
3.  Remove the maintenance device(s) from its/their storage location and place it/them 
into the engaged position as shown in Figures 1-5. Read and understand the 
specific instructions for your equipment before proceeding. 
 
4.  Lower the lift until it makes complete contact with the maintenance device(s).  Re-
check to ensure that all provided devices are fully and securely engaged.  If the 
device(s) is/are not fully engaged the lift could fall unexpectedly, resulting in 
permanent damage to the device(s) or the lift. 
 
 
 
 
 
P 6-3 
 
  
						

							 
 
 
Recommended Lift Blocking Procedures (continued)
 
 
 
DANGER! 
 
If for any reason you are unable to lower the lift completely onto the maintenance 
device(s), stop immediately and consult the factory.  Failure to properly use the 
factory approved maintenance device(s) could result in severe injury or death. 
 
5. Once the maintenance device(s) is/are properly and securely engaged, continue to 
press the down button, valve or switch for an additional 5-10 seconds to relieve all 
pressure in the operating system. 
 
 
 
WARNING! 
 
Failure to relieve operating system pressure could result in the sudden and 
unexpected release of high-pressure fluids (or air) during maintenance and/or 
repair of the lift and result in severe injury or death. 
 
 
6.  Follow OSHA electrical lock-out/tag-out procedures.  Disconnect and tag all 
electrical and/or other power sources to prevent an unplanned or unexpected 
actuation of the lift. 
 
7.  Once inspection or work is complete, reverse the performance of the steps above to 
raise the lift off the maintenance device(s) and place the device(s) back into its/their 
designated storage position(s). 
 
 
DANGER! 
 
HIGH VOLTAGE! – Disconnect and/or lock out the electrical supply to the power 
unit prior to any installation or maintenance being performed.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
P 6-4 
 
  
						

							 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fig. 1 
Fig. 2 
CAUTION! Read the entire lift blocking procedure and all warnings 
before attempting to use the 
maintenance bar. ALL MODELS  
Never use the maintenance device when the 
platform has a load. Remove the load first, 
then brace for service or maintenance. Check 
that the maintenance bar is well seated and 
remains so during heavy wrenching or 
maintenance operations. FOR SERIES 2000K  Place the maintenance bar near the center of 
the torque tube and against the base frame; 
be certain the bar is captured on the base 
frame angle, and then lower the equipment 
until it is totally supported by the bar. (Fig. 1) FOR SERIES 2000  Place the maintenance bar near the center of 
the torque tubes and then lower the 
equipment until it is totally supported by the 
bar. (Fig. 2) ALL MODELS Every unit of the above models is supplied 
with a maintenance device. It is the only 
factory-approved method of blocking the lift 
open. If the bar is missing contact your 
distributor for replacement. 
P 6-5