Lehner Lifttechnik Stairmax User manual
STAIRMAX User Manual
Edition Jul 2006
Stairmax –mobile stair lift Page 1 out of 18
Table of contents:
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................2
2. Preconditions for the safe use of Stairmax ................................................................................3
3. Restrictions for the use of the Stairmax .....................................................................................3
4. Adaptation of the wheelchair for the Stairmax..........................................................................3
5. Operation .....................................................................................................................................4
Main control functions................................................................................................................................ 5
Checking of stair slope ................................................................................................................................ 6
Connecting the wheelchair to the Stairmax............................................................................................... 6
Position 1: Horizontal driving .................................................................................................................... 9
Position 2: Driving on Stairs..................................................................................................................... 10
6. Width of landings ......................................................................................................................13
7. Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................14
Batteries...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Use of the charger...................................................................................................................................... 14
Prolonging the battery life-time ............................................................................................................... 14
Storage of batteries.................................................................................................................................... 15
Rubber crawler.......................................................................................................................................... 15
Parking and transporting the Stairmax................................................................................................... 16
8. Technical details........................................................................................................................17
9. Error-check table.......................................................................................................................18
10. Warranty ................................................................................................................................18
STAIRMAX User Manual
Edition Jul 2006
Stairmax –mobile stair lift Page 2 out of 18
Congratulations to your acquisition of the Stairmax mobile stair lift. The Stairmax is a
further development of the well proven Stair-Aid to an innovating “do-it-yourself”
stairclimber. In many cases, the Stairmax can act as a satisfactory alternative to an
expensive platform stairlift.
This mobile stairlift is a cost-saving and unique stair aid, which enables active wheelchair
drivers to drive up and down straight stairs with landings in their own wheelchair.
For every active wheelchair user, the Stairmax will represent a helpful and reliable partner
for the future, provided a proper adapted wheelchair and the compliance with the
subsequent instructions is given.
Mobility, independence, simple handling and robustness are the key features of the
Stairmax. The technical assembly of the lift is simple and safety concerns were given
highest regard in the development.
To guarantee your satisfaction with the Stairmax for a long time period please read this
user manual carefully. Apart from use instructions you will find important security advices.
Please keep this manual for future use.
For accidents, that result as a consequence of the disregard of this manual Lehner
Lifttechnik GmbH disclaims any liability.
We wish you great pleasure with your Stairmax!
1. Introduction
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Edition Jul 2006
Stairmax –mobile stair lift Page 3 out of 18
Good arm and finger functionality of the user
Mental capability, e.g. : such as is necessary to obtain a car drivers licence
A thorough training of the wheelchair driver which should be done by the delivery
company or the rehabilitation centre
Only stable wheelchairs (active-wheelchairs) are to be used. The adaptation has to
comply with the adaptation instructions as shown in this manual.
Stairs where the Stairmax is used need to have at least one stable handrail
The maximal loading capacity is 130 kg (wheelchair driver plus wheelchair) and must
not be exceeded
It is not allowed to drive on:
Spiral Staircases
Stairs with gradients greater than 35 °
Landings that are less than 1100 mm wide
Stairs that are not non-slip (e.g. wet or icy stairs)
The adaptation of the wheelchair has to be done by a competent person. The installation of
the 2 adaptation pipes delivered together with the Stairmax, which are to be mounted on
the wheelchair is the most important aspect of the adaptation work. Depending on the
constructive characteristics of the wheelchair the adaptation has to fulfil the safety and
technical standards. The stability of the wheelchair may not be impaired.
2. Preconditions for the safe use of Stairmax
3. Restrictions for the use of the Stairmax
4. Adaptation of the wheelchair for the Stairmax
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The subsequent instructions, together with the photos and illustrations, should help to
explain the important aspects of the Stairmax operation. Below the diagram gives an
overview of the main Stairmax functions.
5. Operation
Drive switch
Adaptation profiles
with adaptation pipes
Levers for locking
brackets
Key switch
External drive control
Battery gauge
Lifting switch
Red control lever
Head rest
Locking brackets
Battery
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Edition Jul 2006
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Main control functions
The lifting and drive rocker switches can be
operated on both sides of the vehicle.
Emergency Stop buttons are also located
on both sides behind the rocker switches.
When pushed, they disconnect the
electricity supply to the motor.
Key switch for ON/OFF and external drive
control allow external operation
The red control lever has to be in closed
position to lock the locking brackets and
activate the drive switch
Lifting switch
Drive switch
Emergency Stop
button
Red control lever open
Red control lever locked
Key switch
External drive
control
Battery gauge
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Checking of stair slope
Before a stair is driven upon, the respective gradient has to be checked and may not
exceed 35°. When measuring the gradient with the special measuring tool delivered along
with the Stairmax, the indicator has to remain within the green coloured area of the
display. Steeper stairs (indicator is in yellow or red area) are not safe to be driven upon
and the Stairmax may not be used in these cases.
Connecting the wheelchair to the Stairmax
In order to be able to connect the wheelchair to the Stairmax the adapter must be in the
upper position and the red control lever must not be in closed position. This unlocks the
locking brackets for the wheelchair backrest and the adapter holder profiles are in the right
position to connect to the adaptation pipes of the wheelchair. Only in this position it is
possible to attach the wheelchair.
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The wheelchair driver has to drive backwards over the Stairmax so that the adaptation
profiles enter the adaptation pipes till the mechanical stop. Now the wheelchair driver has
to reach back with his arms to reach the levers for the locking brackets of the backrest.
The wheelchair now needs to be tilted backwards and the locking brackets have to be
opened by using the levers to allow the wheelchair backrest to lean against the Stairmax.
Now the locking brackets have to be closed again so that they lock the wheelchair
backrest. The tilting backwards has to be done by the use of manual force. Good arm
functions are necessary to perform this action.
When attaching the wheelchair to the Stairmax the adaptation pipes have to run over the
adaptation holder profiles. Now the wheelchair can be tilted backwards. When tilting
backwards, the Stairmax is automatically attached to the wheelchair by locking of the
adaptation hooks.
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After tilting backwards and fixing of the
wheelchair with the locking brackets the
wheelchair driver always has to make sure
that both sides of the wheelchair backrest
are securely clutched by both locking
brackets (on both sides).
In order to secure the locking brackets the
red control lever, as shown in the section
“Main control functions”, has to be brought
into closed position. This locks the locking
brackets and activates the drive switch.
Basically, after connecting the wheelchair to the Stairmax the vehicle is now ready to drive
when the red control lever is in drive position (the locking brackets are locked).
Nevertheless, it might be necessary to bring the Stairmax in the right drive position at the
start of the stairs by using the horizontal drive position.
After careful adaptation of the wheelchair to the Stairmax and the examination of the stair
gradient, the mobile stair lift can now be used. In general, after connecting the wheelchair
to the Stairmax adapter the wheelchair driver has to understand 2 basic adapter positions
to use the device safe and without problems.
Position 1: The Stairmax is carried by the wheelchair, the adapter is lowered –this
allows faster horizontal driving and turning on landings, using the manual force of
the wheelchair driver. To get into position 1 the lifting switch has to be pushed to lift
the Stairmax until it stops.
Position 2: The wheelchair is carried by the Stairmax, the adapter is lifted –this
allows the climbing and descending of stairs, as well as horizontal driving, using the
Stairmax drive. To get into position 2 the lifting switch has to be pushed to lower the
Stairmax until it stops.
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Position 1: Horizontal driving
By pressing of the vertical lifting switch the Stairmax is lifted approximately 30 mm over
the floor level. The Stairmax is carried by the wheelchair. In this position the Stairmax is
attached to the wheelchair by the locking brackets and the adaptation hooks. Furthermore
the switches for activating the drive are blocked so that only the wheelchair can move the
Stairmax.Always make sure that the red control lever is in locked position so the locking
brackets are secured.
The wheelchair driver can now move on horizontal areas, either for carrying the Stairmax
from one location to another (e.g.: from the car to the stairs or from the stairs to a parking
location) or to turn the Stairmax on landings between two stair flights.
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Position 2: Driving on Stairs
After the Stairmax has been brought into the right position at the start of the steps it has
now to be brought back into Position 2. Therefore the lifting switch has to be activated and
pressed until the adapter is lifted to its upper position. This lifts the wheelchair over ground
level, activates the drive switch and now allows to use the Stairmax drive.
Attention: Check locking brackets on both sides. Turn the red control lever till its
mechanical stop. This blocks the locking brackets from being opened and unlocks the drive
switches.
Driving upstairs
When approaching a stair it is essential that the Stairmax is positioned in line with the stair
flight. The crawler type undercarriage of the Stairmax should be place min. 20 mm in front
of the first step so as not to block the supporting roller when changing from position 1
(horizontal drive) to position 2 (driving on stairs). By activating the drive switch the
wheelchair driver can now drive up the strairs.
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When reaching the end of the stair, the
Stairmax has to change back from being
inclined in line with the stairs into a
horizontal position. This requires to find the
right moment of tilting the Stairmax. For
each wheelchair driver this point is different,
depending on the body weight of the driver
and the construction type of the wheelchair
used.
The wheelchair driver has to establish his
individual tilting point by slowly approaching
the first upper step. In general the tilting
point is reached when the wheelchair axis
passed the edge of the upper step. Here the
Stairmax should be stopped and then it has
to be tilted by holding on to the handrail and
pushing the Stairmax back.
After the tilting backwards the Stairmax
should be driven at least 200 mm
backwards before it can be switched again
to Position 1 (Horizontal drive or turning on
landings).
After reaching the landing
between two flights the
Stairmax has to be changed
from Position 2 to Position 1 to
allow for horizontal driving. To
facilitate the turning on landings
between stair flights the
Stairmax should drive upstairs
on the inside of the stair as far
as possible.
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Stairmax –mobile stair lift Page 12 out of 18
The wheelchair driver has to establish
his individual tilting point by slowly
approaching the first upper step. In
general the tilting point is reached when
the wheelchair axis passed the edge of
the first step. Here the Stairmax should
be stopped and then it should be tilted by
shortly holding on to the handrail and
pushing the Stairmax forward.
Driving downstairs
Similar to driving upstairs, when driving downstairs it is most important to find the right
moment of tilting the whole Stairmax at the upper end of the stair.
Axis
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The landings between flights must be at least 110 cm wide. If the stair landing is less than
110 cm wide, a structural adjustment as shown on the sketch below makes the use of the
Stairmax possible.
6. Width of landings
New step
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Batteries
The Stairmax is powered by two 6 Volt batteries which are maintenance-free and
rechargeable. The batteries capacity allow to drive about 650 steps upstairs or for
approximately 30 minutes when fully loaded. The charge state of the batteries is shown by
indicator lamps located on the Stairmax drive which have to be checked before each
operation. The recharge time varies according to the battery status but should not exceed
the maximum of 8 hours.
The battery charger uses your AC power to reload the batteries. A 12 Volt charger is
supplied with the batteries. An overloading of the batteries is not possible as the charger
switches off when fully loaded. For more information please check the user manual of the
charger.
Attention: The use of a non-adequate charger can damage the batteries. If an alternative
charger is used please check if its compatible and don’t use an acid battery charger.
Use of the charger
1. Disconnect the Stairmax cable from the battery box.
2. Connect the recharge cable with the battery box.
3. Connect the charger to a 220 V power socket.
4. The indicator lamps show that the batteries are loaded. When fully loaded the
charger switches off.
Prolonging the battery life-time
The life-time of the battery can be prolonged by on-time recharging. If the battery is totally
empty the recharge cycle can only be repeated approximately 180 times before the battery
get unusable. But if the battery is reloaded when not totally empty the cycle can be
repeated around 1200 times thus increasing the lifetime by the factor of 6.
If the battery is stored for a long time without being used it can be reactivated by using a
stronger charger (shock-recharge) for a brief time and then using the normal charger to
complete the recharge. In this case it is advisable to consult a expert company.
Please make sure that the emergency stop button is not switched because then there no
power connection is given.
7. Maintenance
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Stairmax –mobile stair lift Page 15 out of 18
Storage of batteries
If not in use, batteries should be reloaded at least every 3 month. A very long storage time
can cause that the batteries cannot be activated any more. This storage time varies
according to previous operation, the loading state and the storage conditions.
For these reason only fully recharged batteries should be stored. Storage should occur
distant to the charger and as cool and dry as possible.
Important: The electric discharge of the batteries increases significantly with higher
temperatures. E.g. at 38° the batteries are empty after 5 month while at 10° only 8 % of
the loading capacity would get lost. Batteries can be stored at temperatures down to -20°.
Rubber crawler
Parallelism
It is important that the lugs of the rubber crawlers are parallel to assure that they both
touch the steps simultaneously.
Attention: If they are not parallel the Stairmax may not climb the stairs in a straight way
and this can lead to a loss of balance. If the parallelism is not given please inform your
Stairmax supplier for adjustment of the rubber crawlers.
Cleaning of the rubber crawlers
To achieve a maximum of friction between the rubber crawlers and the steps it is important
that the rubbers crawlers (and the steps) are clean and free of oil or dirt. The rubber
crawlers can be cleaned with wet towels or mild cleaning agents. It has to be assured that
cleaning agents don’t damage the rubber. We advise, independently of the steps, to clean
the rubber crawlers at least 2 times a year. Please also thoroughly clean the stairs
regularly.
Use of new rubber crawlers:
The rubber crawlers contain steel-wires that impede the overstretching of the rubber.
These wires are covered by a thick rubber layer. The rubber crawlers are extremely
durable but should be exchanged if they have cracks or cuts or other signals of damage.
Exchange is also necessary if the rubber lugs are worn off and significantly smaller
compared to their initial state.
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Edition Jul 2006
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Ladder
Parking and transporting the Stairmax
The Stairmax can be brought into a space saving parking position by using a special
parking ladder which can be supplied together with the Stairmax.
The same ladder can be used to
move the Stairmax in and out of
a car and enables for the easy
transport from one location to
another.
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Loading capacity
130
kg
Energy capacity (fully loaded)
650
steps
Dimensions:
Length:
1473
mm
Width:
635
mm
Weight:
Drive unit
31
kg
Adapter
25
kg
Battery
8
kg
Total
64
kg
Batteries
2 X 6
V/20AH
Charging voltage
4
Amp.
Motor
12
VDC
Speed
upstairs
6.5
m/min
downstairs
7.7
m/min
Maximum stairs inclination
35
°
8. Technical details
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If the following error advises don’t help to solve the problem please contact your supplier
company.
Error
Possible reasons
Motor doesn’t work
Key switch is off
Battery is not connected
Battery is empty
Loose connection between battery and motor or the
battery cells
Emergency stop button is pressed
Charger doesn’t load battery
Loose connection between charger and battery
Charger damaged –please contact supplier company
Battery defect –please contact supplier company
Stairmax drives skewed
over stairs
Rubber crawlers are not parallel –please contact
supplier company
Stairmax slips on stairs
Rubber crawlers are not parallel –please contact
supplier company
Rubber crawlers are dirty
Warranty is 1 years from the date of delivery provided that a normal operation and care of
the Stairmax is given.
Warranty is not valid in the case of improper use or damage on purpose, nor in the case of
lost parts or damage through fire or water. Warranty is also not given in the case of
damage due to improper revision of the handbook, through the use of unauthorized people
or due to reparation through unauthorized people.
Warranty is limited to free of charge supply with repair parts, but does not account for
transport costs.
The Stairmax has to be serviced once a year. Please contact your supplier company.
9. Error-check table
10. Warranty
Table of contents
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