Rifton K310 TRAM User manual

K310 Product Manual
K310
®
RTM

2
© 2013 Rifton Equipment
Contents
Warnings and important information 3-4
Recommended use 5
User and item dimensions 5
Check your order 6
Basic item 6
Initial assembly and directions for use 7
Battery box 8-9
Scale 10
Caster direction lock 11
Base frame expansion system 11
Body support system 12-14
Operation and transfers 15-18
Battery charger 19
Troubleshooting 20
Technical data 21
Maintenance, cleaning and warranty 22
Materials and user modifications 23
Key for EU users
Use this key to determine which sections of this product
manual apply to you.
Technical Users For professionals who order and
set up Rifton products.
Home Users For caregivers who use Rifton
products on a regular basis.
Maintenance Personnel For anyone who
is responsible for service or reordering of Rifton
products and parts.

3
WARNINGS
• Read and understand the information in this manual before attempting
to use this product. If these procedures and instructions are not
followed, serious injury or death could occur.
• The TRAM may not be appropriate for all clients. The client’s therapist or
physician should assess the appropriateness and safety of the TRAM for each
user. For example:
◊ The TRAM must only be used for clients who meet the weight and height
limits specified in this manual.
◊ Clients will experience some pressure to soft tissues when lifted with the
TRAM. It may not be appropriate for individuals with fragile skin.
• The TRAM should be operated only by and under the direct supervision of a
qualified caregiver who has reviewed and understands this manual.
• To prevent falls and injuries:
◊ Do not use the TRAM on rough or uneven terrain, around swimming pools
or near stairways.
◊ Stop lifting immediately if the body support system slides up under the
armpits while lifting. This may be caused by slippery outer clothing, low
muscle tone in the client or a body shape and size that is inappropriate
for the TRAM.
◊ Lift the client no higher than is necessary to perform the intended transfer.
◊ Always retract the base legs when maneuvering the TRAM while it is
supporting a client in the seated posture; expand the base only when
necessary.
◊ When using the TRAM for walking support, the base frame should be
expanded to increase sideways stability if required by the condition or
stature of a particular client; the caregiver must make this judgment on an
individual basis.
◊ Never leave a client unattended in the TRAM.
◊ Straps and supports are provided for the safety of the user and must be
carefully adjusted for comfort and security.
◊ Always ensure that both release tabs on the back belt safety buckle are
fully latched before initiating a lift or transfer.
(continued on next page)

4
WARNINGS continued
◊ For safe use of the TRAM, prior to initiating a transfer, move the origin
and destination of the transfer as close to each other as possible. For
example: a client who is to be transferred from a wheelchair to a toilet
should be wheeled close to the toilet prior to lifting to minimize time
spent in transfer. Never use the TRAM for long distance transport of a
lifted client.
• Using straps, trays, or supports to restrict a client's movement is considered
behavioral restraint. Rifton products are not intended for this use.
• This product is intended for indoor use only and must not be used in or
around water other than for bathing and shower transfers in accordance
with instructions provided.
• To avoid pinching or crushing:
◊ Ensure that all hands and feet are clear of the vertical lifting column
before activating the up/down switch.
◊ Ensure that all hands and feet are clear of the base frame expansion
system and the base legs before expanding or retracting the base.
• To prevent head and neck injury, never use the TRAM to lift a client within
a vertically confined space such as inside a vehicle; always check that
adequate head clearance exists before initiating a lift or transfer.
• Never use a broken or damaged TRAM. Regular maintenance in accordance
with this manual is necessary for safe use of the TRAM.
IMPORTANT
• Please save this product manual. Additional copies are available
at www.rifton.com

5
Recommended use
The TRAM is a Class 1 medical device. It is a transfer and mobility device. For transfers it
enables a qualified caregiver to lift a client in the seated posture and transfer the client
between wheelchairs, chairs, toilets, beds or therapy tables. As a mobility device it helps
a caregiver raise a client to a standing position, and then provides support for standing or
ambulation.
User dimensions in inches (cm)
Key user dimension: Girth
Girth: 22 min.– 60 max.
(56 – 152)
Important: User’s weight and height must not exceed:
maximum height: 76 (193), maximum weight: 350 lbs (160 kg)
Key dimensions in inches (cm) K310 TRAM K320 TRAM
TRAM overall length 45 ½ (116) same
TRAM overall width 27 ½ (70) same
TRAM overall height 43 ½ min.– 58 max.
(110 –147) same
TRAM weight 70 lbs (32 kg) same
Turning diameter 50 (127) same
Floor to top of base leg 6 ¾ (17.5) 4 ¼ (10.5)
Min. user armpit height (when standing / ambulating) 30 ½ (77) same
Max. user height (when standing or ambulating) 76 (193) same
Max. working load 350 lbs (160 kg) same
User and item dimensions

6
Check your order
Every TRAM comes with a caregiver push handle, two thigh straps, one battery, one
battery charger and a scale if ordered. All other accessories are retrofittable and can be
added later if desired.
Please check that your TRAM has been outfitted as you ordered it. The TRAM requires
minor assembly before use. Please follow the instructions included in this manual to ensure
that it is assembled and used correctly.
If your shipment is incomplete or in any way damaged on arrival,
please call Customer Service, 800.571.8198.
Basic item
Inspection
Check daily for damage or wear to the TRAM.
Rear caster
Body support
system
Up/down
switch
Scale
Front caster
(with brake)
Thigh straps
Battery box
Expansion
handle
Base legs
Vertical
lifting
column
Electronic
actuator
Caregiver
push handle

7
Initial assembly
instructions
The caregiver push handle is removed
for shipping and must be attached to the
TRAM frame with four bolts:
1. With the Allen wrench found in the
accessory carton remove the four
bolts (see Figure 7a).
2. Hold the caregiver push handle
against the attachment point as
shown (see Figure 7b), insert the bolts
in the holes, and starting with the top
bolts, tighten them snugly with the
Allen wrench.
3. Finally, remove the cover on the
lower front of the battery box, and
insert the electrical jack plug into its
receptacle on the actuator control box
(see Figure 7c). The release tab on
the plug must be facing towards you.
Replace the cover.
Directions
for use
Caregiver push handle
The caregiver push handle enables
the caregiver to maneuver the TRAM.
It includes the up/down switch, located on
top of the right hand-grip, through which
the caregiver can adjust the height of the
body support. Push the rocker switch up to
raise the body support, down to lower it.
(see Figure 7d). Figure 7d
Figure 7a
Figure 7b
Figure 7c
WARNING
To prevent pinching or crushing, ensure
that all hands and feet are clear of the
vertical lifting column before activating
the up/down switch.

8
Figure 8a
Battery Box
The battery box houses the micro-
processor and rechargeable battery
which power and control the TRAM’s
electric actuator (see Figure 8a).
To insert the battery, push the red, elliptical
battery eject/emergency stop button (see
Figure 9a) and lift the lid, slide the battery
down into the box and close the lid until
the latch engages. To remove the battery,
push the red, elliptical battery eject/
emergency stop button and slide battery up
and out of the box (see Figure 8b).
Figure 8b
Figure 8c
Battery level indicator
The battery level light indicates the charge
remaining in the battery. A green light
means the charge level is adequate for use,
yellow indicates that the battery should
be charged soon, and red indicates very
low charge (see Figure 8c). An audible
beep indicates that the battery is entirely
depleted. A fully charged battery will give
approximately 70 complete lift cycles.
WARNING
To prevent inadvertent operation of the
up/down switch when the TRAM is not
in use, press the elliptical, red battery
eject button to disconnect the battery.
CAUTION
To prevent long-term battery damage,
remove the battery from the battery
box and place it in the charger every
night, even if the battery level indicator
is still green.

9
Battery level indicator (cont.)
To prevent damage to the battery, charge it
when the light turns yellow. The indicator
light will extinguish 10 minutes after the
last activation of the up/down switch. It
will turn on again if the up/down switch
is used or if a battery is inserted into the
battery box.
Emergency stop button
To stop the TRAM motor in the event
of an emergency, press the elliptical
red emergency stop button, located
on the front of the battery box. To
reset it, close the lid of the battery
box (see Figure 9a). Figure 9a
Figure 9b
Emergency lowering button
The emergency lowering button (A),
located on the front of the battery
box, provides a means of lowering
the body support if the up/down
switch fails.
Press the emergency lowering button to
lower the body support as required (see
Figure 9b).
Notice: If the battery level becomes
critically low, indicated by the
battery level light turning red, the
microprocessor will disable the
up/down switch. However, the
emergency lowering button will
continue to function.
Notice: The emergency lowering
button will continue to function even
if the battery level has dropped below
the threshold for operation of the up/
down switch. It overrides all other
inputs.
CAUTION
Charge or change the battery
immediately if the battery level light
turns red; do not attempt further lifts
or transfers with a red light.
CAUTION
Prior to every use of the TRAM,
activate the up/down button to turn on
the battery level light, and verify that
the light is green. If it is not, change or
charge the battery.
CAUTION
All caregivers should become familiar
with the location and operation of
the emergency stop button and the
emergency lowering button before
using the TRAM.
A

10
Notice:
1. The scale uses four AA Alkaline
batteries. The battery life is
approximately 100 hours of
continuous use, or approximately
500 weight recordings.
2. The scale will automatically turn off if
it does not sense a change in weight
for more than 10 minutes.
3. The scale is accurate to one percent
if used correctly.
4. Rifton recommends that the scale be
calibrated by a qualified technician
at three- to five-year intervals,
depending on frequency of use.
For instructions on service and
calibration, please contact Rifton
customer service.
Scale
The scale has two purposes: it can be
used to measure and track a client's
weight, and to measure the amount
of weight a client is bearing during
ambulation.
To use the scale, turn on the display and
use the lb/kg button to display either
pounds or kilograms. Before approaching
the client who will be weighed, attach
all the components you will need for this
particular client, (leg straps, arm supports,
etc.) and then press the ZERO button to
zero the scale. Proceed to lift the client.
Once a client is completely supported
by the TRAM, the client's weight will be
displayed (see Figure 10a).
There are two ways to measure
weight-bearing during ambulation:
Method 1: Turn on and zero the scale
as previously described. Once the client
is lifted and in the walking position, the
weight displayed is the amount of weight
that the TRAM is bearing.
Method 2: Using the thigh supports and
the seated transfer procedure, lift the
client with the TRAM. With the client’s full
weight displayed on the scale, press the
zero button. Next, re-position the client
for ambulation. The weight displayed will
now be the amount of weight the client
is bearing (ignore the minus sign on the
display).
To replace the scale batteries, push
outward on the small tab at the rear of the
scale housing and lift the battery cover (a
small, flat head screwdriver inserted into
the slot at the back of the lid may be used
to gently pry it up). Insert fresh AA Alkaline
batteries; the cells must be oriented as
shown by the inscription in each battery
receptacle (see Figure 10b).
Figure 10a
Figure 10b
Notice: To obtain an accurate weight,
the client must be lifted clear of all
weight-bearing surfaces, and the feet
or legs must not be in contact with the
base frame of the TRAM.

11
Caster direction lock
The direction lock enables the
caregiver to prevent one or more of
the TRAM’s casters from swiveling.
Locking a front caster makes the TRAM
easier for a caregiver to maneuver during
transfers. Locking a rear caster can stabilize
the TRAM when used for ambulation.
To install a direction lock on a caster, insert
the prongs of the direction lock into the slot
found at the ends of each base leg with the
red plunger pull handle up (see Figure 11a).
The prongs are fully inserted in the slot
when it clicks.
To engage the direction lock, align the
caster with the base leg, and push the
plunger all the way down between the
caster’s tires (see Figure 11b). Pull the
plunger up to disengage the direction lock.
Base frame
expansion system
The base frame expansion system
adjusts the width of the base frame
from 27½"–40" (70 cm–102 cm). It
expands so that clients can be lifted
from wide chairs and wheelchairs,
and retracts for maneuverability, and
to enable the TRAM to pass through
narrow doorways.
Swing the expansion handle to the right to
expand the frame, and to the left to close it
(see Figure 11c).
Figure 11a (Low-base direction lock)
Figure 11b (Standard-base direction lock)
Figure 11c
WARNING: To avoid injury,
ensure that all hands and feet are
clear of the expansion handle and
the base legs before expanding or
retracting the base.
Notice: Disengage direction locks
prior to moving the expansion handle.

12
Body support
system
The TRAM’s body support system
includes the body support pads,
patient hand grips, ring clips, and the
safety belt and buckle.
The back belt has a dual action safety
buckle to prevent accidental release. Press
the two release tabs simultaneously to
release (see Figure 12b).
The following can also be attached to the
body support system, depending on how
the TRAM is to be used:
• Thigh straps (see Figure 12c, and
pp. 16 and 18 for use)
• Walking saddle (see Figure 12d, and
p. 17 for use)
• Forearm supports (see pp. 13 and 14)
Figure 12a
Figure 12c
Figure 12d
Figure 12b

13
Forearm supports
Forearm supports give extra lifting
support for clients who have low
tone and provide positioning support
during ambulation. Forearm supports
adjust in many directions and angles
to accommodate different positioning
requirements (see Figure 13a).
Attaching forearm supports and
mounting brackets:
• Remove the plastic hole cover from the
body support channel by unscrewing
wing knob inside the channel (see
Figure 13b). To prevent loss, screw the
wing knob back on the threaded stud.
• With the large, lipped end up, install
the mounting bracket on the body
support channel (see Figure 13c) and
securely tighten the attachment knob
on the threaded stud, which will now
be protruding inside the body support
channel (see Figure 14b).
(Forearm supports continued on next page)
Figure 13a
Notice: If forearm supports were
purchased initially with the TRAM
they will be attached and ready for
use. If you purchased forearm supports
separately you will need to install
the mounting brackets onto the body
support.
Figure 13b
Figure 13c
wing knob

14
Forearm Supports (cont.)
Adjustments (see Figure 14a):
Height adjustment:
Press button (A) and slide post to desired
position.
Loosen knob (B) to:
• Slide arm pad toward or away from
the user.
• Rotate up or down.
• Rotate in or out.
• Move the arm pad backward or
forward.
To adjust the handhold:
1. Loosen knob (C).
2. Slide handhold forward or back for
different forearm lengths.
3. Rotate the handhold from side to side.
Arm strap (D) and wrist strap (E) secure the
client’s arm in the forearm support. The
wrist strap prevents the client’s arm from
coming out of the forearm support.
If you wish to remove the mounting
brackets:
• Unscrew the attachment knob located
inside the body support channel (see
Figure 14b).
• Remove the forearm support mounting
bracket, and to prevent loss, screw
the attachment knob back onto the
mounting bolt (see Figure 14c).
• Install the oval shaped hole cover
(found in accessory carton) by inserting
the threaded stud through center hole
and tightening the wing knob inside
the body support channel onto the stud
(see Figure 14d).
Figure 14a
A
C
EB
D
Figure 14b
Figure 14c
Figure 14d

15
Operation and transfers
Before every transfer
• Thoroughly inspect the TRAM body support system for tears, rips and worn areas,
giving special attention to the straps and buckles. Remove the product from service
if any condition develops that might make use unsafe.
• Move the origin and the destination of the transfer as close to each other as possible.
• Assess whether additional caregivers are needed.
• Ensure that the body support system is positioned comfortably, correctly and securely,
and that the safety buckle is properly engaged.
• Lock wheels on client equipment.
During each transfer
• Lift the client only high enough to perform the transfer.
• Check that the straps are snug and the body support system does not slide up or cause
discomfort.

16
Using thigh straps for
a seated transfer:
1. Clip one end of each thigh strap onto the
yellow clips at the front of the TRAM's
body support system.
2. With the client sitting up and arms
raised slightly, position the TRAM’s body
support system pads around the client’s
rib cage a few inches below the armpits
(see Figure 16a).
3. Secure snugly with the buckle (see Figure
16b).
4. Attach the thigh straps (gray side up) to
one of the colored clips along each side
of the body support system. For clients
with lower tone, choose a clip further
back for greater support. Pull the straps
snugly, making sure both thigh pads are
positioned under the client’s thigh and
adjusted equally (see Figure 16c).
5. Raise client. Watch closely to make sure
the client remains comfortable and does
not sag. Move client to transfer location.
The TRAM base legs should be retracted
for travel. (see Figure 16d).
6. Gently lower client onto seat. Avoid
lowering too far so body support system
doesn’t push down on hips. (The TRAM
will automatically stop and beep if it
meets resistance.) Unclip the back ring
on the thigh straps and pull straps out
from under client. Then release back
buckle (see Figure 16e).
Figure 16a
Figure 16b
Figure 16c
Figure 16d
Figure 16e

17
Using walking saddle for
sit-to-stand or walking:
1. Position walking saddle under client,
either by lifting client using the first four
steps on page 16 (see Figure 17a), or by
folding saddle, shifting the client to one
side and positioning saddle under client
one half at a time.
2. Attach walking saddle rings to the
colored clips on the body support system
(see Figure 17b).
3. For some clients positioning will be
improved by crossing the front and rear
straps as shown (see Figure 17c).
4. As you raise the client, pull the TRAM
gently toward you to mimic the natural
sit-to-stand arc. Watch closely to make
sure the client is comfortable and well
supported throughout the lift (see Figure
17d).
5. Adjust body support system height
so client can walk comfortably; body
support system should not be positioned
too high under the armpits (shorten
walking saddle straps as necessary).
Check to make sure the saddle is
positioned under the client as shown.
(see Figure 17e). If desired, use forearm
supports for additional support or
positioning.
Figure 17a
Figure 17b
Figure 17c
Figure 17d
Figure 17e

18
Toileting and the TRAM
While caregivers will always find their
own best methods for toileting a
client, here is one suggested method
for clients with some ability to bear
weight.
1. Position the client in the TRAM over
the toilet seat, leaving enough room to
adjust clothing (see Figure 18a).
2. Loosen and remove the supporting
straps one at a time so the client’s feet
are touching the floor and bearing some
weight (see Figure 18b).
3. Adjust clothing for toileting
(see Figure 18c).
4. Using the up/down switch, lower the
client onto the seat. Lock the brakes on
the TRAM's front casters
(see Figure 18d).
Figure 18a
Figure 18b
Figure 18c
Figure 18d

19
Old batteries should be disposed
of properly at an appropriate
recycling facility.
WARNING: To prevent shock or
electrocution, do not charge batteries
in a wet area.
Battery charger
Installation
1. Remove the battery from the charger to
access the mounting bracket.
2. Attach the charger to the wall near an
outlet, using two screws (A) (see Figure
19a). Two screws are provided with
the charger, however, they may not be
suitable for every situation.
3. Place battery in charger
(see Figure 19b).
4. Plug the charger cord into wall outlet.
Charging
• Charge the battery for 24 hours before
fi r s t u s e .
• Recharge battery each night even if
battery box light is still green.
• To charge the battery, remove it from the
control box and place it onto the
wall-mounted charger.
• The charger and indicator light will shut
off automatically when charging
is complete.
• Charging normally takes approximately
six hours.
• During long periods of inactivity or
storage, batteries will lose charge.
Allowing batteries to deep cycle
(become nearly or completely dead)
will destroy them. To prevent this, store
batteries in charger. If you purchased an
extra battery, you may want to consider
purchasing a second charger.
Figure 19a
Figure 19b
A
A

20
Troubleshooting
Lift does not go up or down:
1. Make sure the battery box lid is closed (see page 8).
2. Make sure the electrical cables are secure.
3. Check that the light on the battery box is green.
4. Contact Rifton.
Lift beeps when down button is pushed:
For safety, the TRAM’s actuator control system continuously monitors the force exerted
by the actuator as the body support is lowered, and stops it if an excessive rise in force
is detected, such as if the body support pushes down on the client's hips or thighs. The
battery box will beep if this happens, and will continue beeping until the down button is
released.
This system is sensitive and may occasionally issue a false alert, especially if the
TRAM is cold or has been idle for some time. If a false alert such as this occurs, re-engage
the down button.
Battery does not charge:
1. Check that the battery contact plate is not damaged or broken.
2. Check that wall charger is plugged securely into the wall socket.
3. Contact Rifton.
Scale does not turn on:
1. Remove and reinsert batteries, making sure that each cell is correctly oriented in polarity.
2. Batteries may be dead and need replacing.
3. Contact Rifton.
Any unusual noise:
Contact Rifton.