Liftkar PTR User manual

LIFTKAR PTR
POWERED TRACKED STAIRCLIMBER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
English

Liftkar PTR I 2
INTRODUCTION 3 .....................................................................................................................................................................
1 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES 4 ........................................................................................................................................
2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 8 ...................................................................................................................................................
2.1 Controls - Handle Unit 8 .................................................................................................................................................
2.2 Controls - Base Unit 9 ....................................................................................................................................................
2.3 LIFTKAR PTR – INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS 9 ...................................................................................................................
2.4 TECHNICAL DATA 9 ........................................................................................................................................................
2.5 Indicators and Controls 10 .............................................................................................................................................
2.6 Main Dimensions 11 .......................................................................................................................................................
3 START-UP 12 .........................................................................................................................................................................
First Steps 12 .......................................................................................................................................................................
3.1 Charge Battery 12 ..........................................................................................................................................................
3.2 Inserting / Locking the Handle Unit to the Base Unit 12 .................................................................................................
3.3 Locking the Handle Unit 12 ............................................................................................................................................
3.4 Detaching the Handle Unit 13 ........................................................................................................................................
3.5 Removing the Handle Unit 13 ........................................................................................................................................
4 OPERATION 14 ......................................................................................................................................................................
4.1 Attaching the Wheel Chair 14 ........................................................................................................................................
4.2 Operation on the Stairs 15 .............................................................................................................................................
4.3 Removing the Wheel Chair 16 ........................................................................................................................................
4.4 Using the Tracked Stairclimber on Level Surfaces 17 ....................................................................................................
4.5 Tilting Angle Sensor 18 ..................................................................................................................................................
4.6 Battery Status Warning 18 .............................................................................................................................................
4.7 Recommendation for Charging the Battery Pack 18 ......................................................................................................
4.8 Safety Release System 19 ..............................................................................................................................................
5 CLEANING AND DISPOSAL 19 .............................................................................................................................................
5.1 Cleaning and Disinfection 19 .........................................................................................................................................
5.2 Disposal 20 ....................................................................................................................................................................
5.3 Re-Use / Second-Hand Use 20 ........................................................................................................................................
5.4 Fire-Fighting Measures 20 ..............................................................................................................................................
5.5 Safety Check 20 .............................................................................................................................................................
5.6 Recalls and corrective actions 21 ...................................................................................................................................
6 WARRANTY AND COSTUMER SERVICE 22 .........................................................................................................................
6.1 Modification of the Tracked Stairclimber 22 ...................................................................................................................
7 WARRANTY AND LIABILITY 23 ............................................................................................................................................
7.1 Warranty 23 ...................................................................................................................................................................
7.2 Liability 23 .....................................................................................................................................................................
8 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 24 ...................................................................................................................................
NOTES 25 ..................................................................................................................................................................................
CONTACT 27 ..............................................................................................................................................................................

Liftkar PTR I 3
INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS!
WITH LIFTKAR PTR YOU RECEIVE A SAFE TRACKED STAIRCLIMBER. THE PURPOSE IS THAT IT HELPS
YOU SAFELY CONVEY WHEELCHAIR USERS UP AND DOWN STAIRS.
The LIFTKAR PTR is a mobile unit that has been especially developed for operating on straight steps. Wheelchair
users can now move around more freely and helpers no longer need to strain their backs on the stairs.
The LIFTKAR PTR can quickly be dismantled into two handy parts by shifting two levers: the base unit including
rechargeable battery weighs approx. 28 kg, the handle unit approx. 11 kg. The LIFTKAR PTR ensures safe
handling on the stairs. Regardless of whether you operate a professional mobility service or are a friend,
relation or partner, we wish you much satisfaction in using this unit. This instruction manual is designed to help
you learn how to use the LIFTKAR PTR.
In order to update you about product news as well as technical changes (e.g. options, accessories) we ask you
to register your product online.
https://www.sano-stairclimbers.com/product-registration
THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL DOES NOT REPLACE THE OBLIGATORY TRAINING PROVIDED BY AN
AUTHORISED SPECIALIST.
LIFTKAR® PTR (incl. options headrest, backrest cushion and foldable wheelchair
brackets)

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For wheelchairs with brake levers at the push handles it is obligatory to use mini ramps.
1 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
NOTE
Information from the manufacturer
󰿉CAUTION - IMMINENT DANGER OR HARMFUL SITUATION POSSIBLE
If not avoided, physical injury or damage to property will result.
󰿉WARNING - IMMINENT DANGER POSSIBLE
If not avoided, death or severe physical injury can result.
󰿉DANGER - IMMINENT DANGER
If not avoided, death and severe physical injury will result.

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NOTE
Please read this instruction manual carefully. Follow all instructions in this manual and take
notice of the warning signs and pictograms on the unit. Climbing stairs presents a risk in itself
and not complying with these instructions could cause accidents.
The tracked stairclimber may only be used for the purpose for which it has been designed –
transporting people on straight stairs.
The LIFTKAR-PTR must be operated by people who
have proof of having been trained in how to operate the tracked stairclimber
can walk upstairs backwards
are both physically and mentally sound
are able to maintain balance without great physical strain.
The LIFTKAR PTR must NOT be operated by the following people:
People under the age of 16
People under the influence of medication, drugs or alcohol
Pregnant people
Children are not permitted to use the tracked stairclimber.
If an accident should occur with the stairclimber, this must be reported to your specialist dealer
immediately (vigilance!).
The wheelchair must be in technically trouble-free condition (no damage to the frame etc., no
missing or loose fittings, no modifications, tires and brakes in good condition). If in doubt,
contact your specialist dealer before using
The LIFTKAR PTR is not designed for travelling extended distances over horizontal surfaces.
Do not use the LIFTKAR with a passenger until you have practiced operating it perfectly without
a payload. Next, try operating it again with somebody as lightweight as possible who is not
disabled. The test passenger should hold onto a handrail or a second person during the climb.
Use on wet, slippery surfaces is not recommended.

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CAUTION
Do not use the LIFTKAR with a passenger until you have practiced operating it perfectly without
a payload. Next, try operating it again with somebody as lightweight as possible who is not
disabled. The test passenger should hold onto a handrail or a second person during the climb.
Never reach into the stairclimber tracks (risk of trapping/squashing)!
To transport the device itself, we recommend dismantling the LIFTKAR PTR.
The LIFTKAR PTR has a powerful 12Ah/24Volt rechargeable battery that should always be fully-
charged before using the tracked stairclimber. If, for whatever reason, the battery pack should
run out of power while in operation on stairs, immediately move the stairclimber down the
stairs and fully recharge the battery. It is always possible to move down at least one flight of
stairs, even with a rechargeable battery that is almost empty. The first sign of the battery pack
running out is indicated by the stairclimber's performance. The LIFTKAR PTR becomes slower
and appears to be struggling. Inexperienced operators are warned by the LED display: if the
battery pack needs to be recharged the LED display starts flashing, alternating
between red and green and there is an intermittent acoustic warning signal.
The following rules apply regarding ambient conditions for storing and operating the LIFTKAR
tracked stairclimber: avoid exposing the tracked stairclimber to high temperatures (above
40°C) such as direct sunlight or high air humidity (above 70%) as a consequence of using in a
sauna area or in the rain, or similar, due to the risk of damaging the stairclimber as a result of
overheating. Likewise, avoid exposing the tracked stairclimber to very low temperatures below
5°C. Do not use in the vicinity of sensitive medical equipment.

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WARNING
For transporting people using LIFTKAR PTR tracked stairclimbers, only use wheelchairs fitted
with a safety belt or other personnel retention system.
It is essential that passengers who are not able to sit independently are strapped in.
Do not use the tracked stairclimber if unusual noises and/or vibrations occur while the LIFTKAR
stairclimber is in operation. Withdraw the stairclimber from use and have it inspected by an
authorized specialist.
Never use the LIFTKAR PTR on stairs at an inclination of more than 35°.
Make sure that the stairs to be climbed are designed to bear the combined load of tracked
stairclimber + wheelchair + weight of persons.
Never operate the stairclimber on heavily damaged stairs (e.g. if the edges of the steps are
worn away).
It is not possible to use the tracked stairclimber on spiral staircases or stairs with tight corners.
To prevent yourself from slipping off steps, make sure you are wearing non-slip footwear.
To avoid accidents, do not use the stairclimber on wet, slippery or waxed stairs. Carpet
coverings must also be non-slip.
The person being transported must not hang their arms to the side or move their arms
suddenly. Instead, their arms should rest on the armrests or their thighs.
DANGER
Never operate the LIFTKAR PTR on surfaces that are wet, slippery, polished or waxed, smooth,
icy or generally do not give the operator sufficient stability, and impair the adhesion of the
stairclimber tracks. Rugs and carpets can also present a risk.
Under no circumstances may you let go of the handle while operating the stairclimber on the
stairs. Always operate the stairclimber with both hands (Danger of falling).
Make sure that nobody is below the unit while in operation on stairs (Danger of collision).
Make sure you always wear closed, non-slip shoes when operating the LIFTKAR
(Danger of falling).
Without exception, the stair climber must not be used in explosion-proof areas.
Never overload the device. The maximum load capacity (model-dependent) of the LIFTKAR PTR
is 130 kg or 160 kg (weight of person + weight of wheelchair). Make sure that your wheelchair
(!) is designed to bear the weight of the person to be transported.

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2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Headrest *1.
Wheel Chair Retention Clip2.
Handle Unit3.
Base Unit4.
Controls - Handle Unit5.
* optional
Backrest Cushion *6.
Retention Bolt7.
Retention Lever8.
Controls - Base Unit9.
Foldable Wheel Chair Brackets *10.
Controls - Handle Unit Controls - Base Unit
2.1 CONTROLS - HANDLE UNIT
ON/OFF - UP/DOWN
If the LIFTKAR PTR is switched off, switch it on by pressing this button. The LIFTKAR PTR automatically
switches on in UP mode.
The LED illuminates green.
Press this button to switch to DOWN mode. LED flashes green.
Press this button longer (approx. 2 seconds) to switch off the LIFTKAR PTR. After approx. 5 minutes of
inactivity, the unit switches off automatically to save battery power.
LED
Illuminates green in UP mode.
Flashes green in DOWN mode.
Changes to red if the stairs are too steep (36° - 40°). The speed of the LIFTKAR PTR is reduced
automatically.
A red light and an acoustic warning go on when the unit is overloaded, or the stairs are too steep. PTR
stops.
Flashing red and green and an acoustic warning go on if battery power is low.
EMERGENCY STOP
Stops the LIFTKAR PTR tracked stairclimber.
Reset the Emergency STOP by pulling or rotating the switch.

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2.2 CONTROLS - BASE UNIT
KEY
The key protects the LIFTKAR PTR against
unauthorised use.
ON/OFF
Same function as on handle unit. WARNING
Use only for loading purposes (e.g.
stowing in car).
DRIVE
Starts the drive chain in the chosen climbing mode.
SPEED
Preselect switch for stair climbing speed
Speed I ..................... 5,5m/min
Speed II ................... 6,5m/min
Speed III ................... 7,5m/min
2.3 LIFTKAR PTR – INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS
LIFTKAR PTR – COMPONENTS (SCOPE OF DELIVERY)
2.4 TECHNICAL DATA
Maximum load
(incl. wheel chair) 130 kg / 160 kg
Minimum wheel chair width
(frame inside) 420 mm
Max. inclination 35°
Total weight 39 kg
Weight of base unit
(incl. batteries) 28 kg
Range up to 1000 steps *
Minimum landing space 970 x 970 mm
Sound pressure level below 80dB
* depending on overall weight to be transported
1

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2.5 INDICATORS AND CONTROLS
BASE UNIT
Key switch
ON/OFF - UP/DOWN switch
Speed selector switch I / II / III
DC charging socket
Main fuse
HANDLE UNIT
ON/OFF - UP/DOWN switch
Multi-function LED – battery status and inclination
angle
EMERGENCY STOP
Activation button

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2.6 MAIN DIMENSIONS
SIDE VIEW
FRONT VIEW

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3 START-UP
FIRST STEPS
3.1 CHARGE BATTERY
Fully charge the 24V/12Ah battery pack installed in the base unit. This
can take up to 6 hours depending on the residual charge. The charging
socket is located on the back of the base unit (figure 1a).
Liftkar PTR is equipped with an inbuilt battery charger. During charging
process a LED (figure 1b) which you can find in the left side wall of the
device chassis indicates the charging level:
Orange: charging process running
Green: charging process terminated, fully charged batteries
3.2 INSERTING / LOCKING THE HANDLE UNIT TO THE BASE
UNIT
Place the U-shaped yoke on the underside of the handle unit on the
round support bar in the base unit (figure 2a).
Make sure that the yoke engages with the grooves of the support bar
(figure 2b). By pivoting the handle unit for- / backwards the engagement
is facilitated.
3.3 LOCKING THE HANDLE UNIT
Pivot the handle unit into the operating position. The spring-loaded
retention lever engages automatically. Additionally, the safety lug holds
the retention lever in position (figure 3).
WARNING
Before operating the tracked stairclimber always control
the position of the retention lever. The safety lug must be
engaged!

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3.4 DETACHING THE HANDLE UNIT
Press the safety lug forward (figure 4a), subsequently draw the retention
lever backwards into its lower limit position (figure 4b).
3.5 REMOVING THE HANDLE UNIT
Pivot the handle unit forward and pull slightly up- wards. Once the snap-
in position is reached the handle releases itself automatically.

Liftkar PTR I 14
4 OPERATION
4.1 ATTACHING THE WHEEL CHAIR
4.1.1 PLACE WHEEL CHAIR ON STAIRCLIMBER
Roll the wheelchair along the centreline of the base unit until the tyres of
the wheelchair wheels touch the wheelchair support.
4.1.2 PIVOT HANDLE UNIT TOWARDS WHEEL
CHAIR
Release handle unit and pivot it towards the wheelchair until the handle
unit is approximately vertical (parallel to the wheelchair backrest).
4.1.3 ADJUST POSITION OF WHEEL CHAIR
RETENTION BRACKETS
Position the wheelchair retention bracket directly underneath the bend in
the wheelchair handle.
By pulling on both locking pins you can adjust the vertical position of the
retention bracket to the height of the wheelchair.
4.1.4 SECURING THE WHEEL CHAIR
Adjust the position of the two slide blocks (to the left and right of the
bracket) and fix them in place by tightening the two hand bolts.
Adjust the headrest and pivot the handle unit back into the operating
position.
Keep both your hands on the handle unit while you do this. The spring-
loaded retention lever automatically moves into its front limit position.
1
2
3
4

Liftkar PTR I 15
NOTE
Make sure that the safety lug has
engaged properly.
Apply the brake on the wheel chair.
Make sure the power is switched off
before getting on or off the
stairclimber to make sure it does not
start up accidentally.
WARNING
Never leave the person to be conveyed
in this position unattended.
4.2 OPERATION ON THE STAIRS
4.2.1 SWITCHING ON
Switch on the tracked stairclimber using the key switch and the ON/OFF
button.
The tracked stairclimber is automatically set to move UP. The LED is
illuminated permanently green.
4.2.2 MOVING UP
Position the tracked stairclimber (figure 2a) so that it is at an angle of
90° to the stairs.
Always hold the handle unit securely with both hands. Use the direction
selector switch on the handle unit display to select “UP” (figure 2b). The
LED illuminates permanently green.
Stand behind the handle unit of the tracked stair- climber as instructed
during training by authorised personnel. Press the activation button on
the right handle (figure 2c).
1
2a
2b
2c

Liftkar PTR I 16
WARNING
Never move on stairs with an inclination of more than 35° and during operation the handle unit
must always be held with both hands.
Always move on stairs at an angle of 90° (length of tracked stairclimber to steps).
The integrated angle sensor (angle LED) is designed merely as an indicator and does represent
a safety feature.
4.2.3 REACHING THE TOP STEP
Stop the tracked stairclimber as soon as the „STOP“- marks on the side
have reached the edge of the top step (figure 3).
Now gradually tilt the tracked stairclimber back until the tracks rest on
the floor of the landing. Press the activation button again. The tracked
stairclimber then finishes moving onto the landing.
4.2.4 MOVING DOWN
Position the tracked stairclimber at an angle of 90° to the stairs so that
the passenger is facing the stairs. Use the direction selector switch on
the handle unit display to select “DOWN” (figure 4). LED flashes green.
Hold the handle unit securely with both hands and press the activation
button to move the tracked stairclimber towards the stairs until the
“STOP” mark on the side reaches the edge of the top step. Stop the
tracked stairclimber and, using both hands, tilt the handle unit forward
until the stairclimber tracks rest on the steps. Then press the activation
button to continue moving down the stairs.
WARNING
Before operating the tracked stairclimber it must be at an angle of 90° to the stairs.
4.2.5 SAFETY CHECK
Although the tracked stairclimber is equipped with an angle warning
LED, we recommend checking the precise inclination of the stairs before
climbing them for the first time.
4.3 REMOVING THE WHEEL CHAIR
3
4
5

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4.3.1 RELEASING
Release the safety lug (figure 1a) and move the retention lever into the
rear position (figure 1b).
Pivot the handle unit carefully towards the wheelchair until the
wheelchair reaches the ground and the handle unit is in a vertical
position. Then undo the manual bolts and pull both retention blocks to
the side out of the wheelchair backrest.
NOTE
Perform this procedure only on horizontal ground, well
away from the stairs.
4.4 USING THE TRACKED STAIRCLIMBER ON LEVEL
SURFACES
4.4.1 MOVING ON LEVEL SURFACES
In order to move the wheelchair on the tracked stairclimber or to turn
the combination on landings, push the handle unit slightly downwards
(figure 1).
This raises the stairclimber tracks so that the tracked stairclimber can be
shifted on the rear left-hand and right-hand side wheel units.
4.4.2 BASE UNIT FUNCTIONS
The following controls are located on the rear side of the base unit:
Combined ON/OFF, UP/DOWN switch
Key switch
Speed selector switch
It is possible to operate the base unit without the handle unit. This mode of operation is provided exclusively for
loading the base unit and for service activities.
The base unit is operated using the ON/OFF button. After switching on, the base unit is automatically set to
Move UP mode. Pressing the ON/OFF button again switches the unit to the Move DOWN mode. Pressing the
ON/OFF button for a longer period switches the unit off.
Use the speed selector switch to choose between one of three speed settings.
1

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4.5 TILTING ANGLE SENSOR
Your LIFTKAR PTR is equipped with a tilting angle sensor, which detects the inclination of the LIFTKAR PTR on
stairs. In the case that the stair angle exceeds 35°, the device clearly reduces its driving speed and the LED on
the handle unit illuminates permanently red. In the event of an extreme stair angle, the unit stops climbing
upstairs. (A warning tone as well as the red illuminated LED signalizes this condition.)
It is still possible to move downstairs in creep speed in order to bring the PTR out of the danger zone onto the
next landing.
Never move on stairs with an inclination of more than 35°.
The integrated tilting sensor does not substitute a check of the stair angle by the operator before the first
movement.
4.6 BATTERY STATUS WARNING
In case of low battery level, the LED on the handle unit starts flashing red/ green, as well as an alternating
warning tone alerts the operator. It is still possible to drive 3-4 levels after the first alert.
4.7 RECOMMENDATION FOR CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
The lead gel cells inside the battery pack are maintenance-free, gas-tight and rechargeable. Their service life
depends largely on the number of charging/discharging cycles. For example, it is possible to partially discharge
lead batteries 1000 times, drawing more than 200 times the full capacity of the battery, providing the battery is
never fully discharged.
Avoid discharging the battery completely. Charge the battery pack as often as possible.
Lead batteries are susceptible to self-discharging. The battery pack also needs to be looked after in that it
must always be fully-charged. Completely discharging the battery will shorten its service life. Lead-gel cells
have a long service life if they are regularly fully charged as soon after use as possible. That is why the
battery pack should be connected up to the power connector cord after each use.
If the lead acid batteries have been damaged, they can be replaced at authorized SANO dealers. The old lead
batteries are fully recyclable and are not hazardous waste. If the batteries should become damaged it is
possible to have them replaced in a workshop of authorized SANO partners. The old lead batteries are fully
recyclable and are not to be disposed of.
The ideal temperature for charging is between 20 and 25° C. Temperatures that are too cold or too hot will
affect the battery's capacity.
NOTE
If the battery pack is not fully charged, or it loses its charge suddenly, not only will the speed of
the Liftkar PT be slower, but its capacity is reduced as well. This means that overload mode may
be reached even with a relatively light load.

Liftkar PTR I 19
4.8 SAFETY RELEASE SYSTEM
The safety release system is positioned on the left side of the base unit
(figure 1). In the event of an unpredictable machine break down (e.g.
technical defect, power supply failure), this system allows the operator
to manually move down the tracked stairclimber onto the next landing.
By pulling the safety release wire, the electromagnetic brake is
disengaged manually. Due to its own weight (incl. wheelchair + weight
of person) the LIFTKAR PTR starts moving downstairs.
ATTENTION:
Before activating the safety release system always press the emergency stop button and remove the key.
Safety first - if safety release system is required, make sure that a second person (helper) is present, who
activates the safety release system.
By pulling the safety release wire (helper) and pressing the handle unit downwards (operator), the
device starts moving.
The device can be stopped anytime by releasing the safety release wire. Only move the stairclimber onto the
next landing.
If the total weight (tracked stairclimber and passenger) is low, the operator will need to support travel down
the stairs by pushing in the direction of travel.
After usage of the safety release system your LIFTKAR PTR must undergo a complete safety check by an
authorised SANO partner.
5 CLEANING AND DISPOSAL
5.1 CLEANING AND DISINFECTION
Our motto is:
A CLEAN MACHINE MOVES MORE SMOOTHLY.
Cleaning with a standard household detergent is quite sufficient.
Never use a high-pressure cleaner or similar.
If required, the surfaces can be cleaned with a commercially available alcohol-based equipment disinfection
agent (such as Sagrotan®).
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5.2 DISPOSAL
The LIFTKAR PTR tracked stairclimber is a durable product. At the end of their useful life, the tracked
stairclimber components and charger should be disposed of properly.
The tracked stairclimber does not contain any hazardous materials and is fully recycling-compatible. The
printed circuit boards and the rechargeable battery must be disposed of using a suitable recycling process.
Do not dispose of the battery pack in household waste.
Correct and comprehensive disposal of the tracked stairclimber can be processed and invoiced for by the
manufacturer.
5.3 RE-USE / SECOND-HAND USE
Before re-using the stairclimber or using it second-hand, make sure it undergoes a safety check and cleaning
as per manufacturer’s instructions by specialist personnel.
All operators must have proof of having been trained in how to operate the stairclimber.
5.4 FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
Extinguishing agent: Suitable: Dry chemical, sandy soil, carbon dioxide, suitable foam
Firefighting: Protective equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to
avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Specific hazards: Toxic fumes released during fire conditions.
5.5 SAFETY CHECK
NOTE
Safety inspections may only be carried out by the manufacturer, SANO service technicians or
authorised dealers.
NOTE
We recommend a safety check is carried out every two years. The inspection sticker indicates the
date by which the next inspection should be carried out. A check is recommended especially after
a change of user or if the stairclimber is going to be used again after a longer period.