Rifton K320 TRAM User manual

K310 & K320 Product Manual
K310, K320
RTM

2© 2016 Rifton Equipment
Contents
Safety messages and important information 3-4
Recommended use and user and item dimensions 5
Check your order and basic components 6
Initial assembly and directions for use 7
Battery box 8-9
Scale 10
Base frame expansion 11
Body support system 12
Accessories
Thigh straps, walking saddle and direction lock 13
Forearm supports 14-16
Operation and transfers 16-18
Battery charger 19
Troubleshooting 20
Technical data 21
Maintenance and cleaning 22
Warranty, materials and user modifications 23
Key for 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 care-givers who use Rifton products on a regular basis.
Maintenance Personnel For anyone who is responsible for service or
re-ordering of Rifton products and parts.

3
• Thoroughly read and understand the information in this product manual before
attempting to use this product. If the procedures and instructions in this product manual
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, a client with low muscle tone 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.
○Ensure the use of straps and supports at all times. Straps and supports are provided
for the safety of the user and must be carefully adjusted for comfort and security.
○The TRAM may be equipped with a non-removable back belt with a single safety
buckle, or a removable back belt with two safety buckles. Always ensure that the
back belt is in place and that both release tabs on all buckles are fully latched before
initiating a lift or transfer.
○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.
WARNING

4
IMPORTANT
Please save this product manual for future reference. Additional copies are
available at http://www.rifton.com/customer-service/product-manuals.
• 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.
WARNING

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 and item dimensions
User dimensions – inches (cm)
Key user dimension: Girth
Girth: 22 – 60 (56 – 152)
Important: User’s weight and height must not exceed:
maximum height: 76 (193), maximum weight: 350 lbs (160 kg)
Key dimensions – inches (cm) K310 TRAM K320 TRAM
TRAM overall length 45 ½ (116) same
TRAM overall width 27 ½ –46 (70 –117) 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 or ambulating) 30 ½ (77) same
Max. user height (when standing or ambulating) 76 (193) same
Max. working load – lbs (kg) 350 (160) same

6
Check your order
Every TRAM comes with a caregiver push handle, one battery, one battery charger, a
Rifton accessories tote 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 components
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
To prevent pinching or
crushing, ensure that
all hands and feet are clear of the vertical
lifting column before activating the up/
down switch.
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).
WARNING
Figure 7a
Figure 7b
Figure 7c
Figure 7d

8
WARNING
Battery Box
To prevent inadvertent
operation of the
up/down switch when the TRAM is not in
use, press the red elliptical battery eject
button to disconnect the battery.
The battery box houses the microprocessor
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).
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.
Battery level indicator
To prevent
injury:
• Charge or change the battery
immediately if the battery level light
turns red; do not attempt further lifts
or transfers with a red light.
• 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.
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
NOTICE
Figure 8a
Figure 8b
Figure 8c
CAUTION

9
depleted. A fully charged battery will give
approximately 70 complete lift cycles.
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.
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.
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.
To prevent injury, all
caregivers should
become familiar with the location and
operation of the emergency stop button
and the emergency lowering button
before using the TRAM.
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).
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
CAUTION
Figure 9a
Figure 9b

10
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

11
Base frame
expansion system
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.
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 11a).
Scale Information
• 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.
• The scale uses four AA Alkaline batteries.
The battery life is approximately
100 hours of continuous use, or
approximately 500 weight recordings.
• The scale will automatically turn off if it
does not sense a change in weight for
more than 10 minutes.
• The scale is accurate to one percent if
used correctly.
• 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.
WARNING
Figure 11a
Tip: Disengage direction locks prior to
moving the expansion handle.

12
To avoid injury, never
operate the TRAM
without the back belt in place. Always
ensure that both release tabs on all
buckles are fully latched before initiating
a lift or transfer.
The TRAM’s body support system includes
the body support pads, patient hand grips,
ring clips, and the back belt and buckle
(see figure 12a). There is also a removable
back belt available with a clip at both ends
for easy removal and sanitation (see figure
12c).
The back belt has a dual action safety
buckle to prevent accidental release. Press
the two release tabs simultaneously to
release (see figure 12b).
If your TRAM is equipped with a removable
back belt, first clip the non-adjustable end
of the back belt into the buckle on the
client’s right, with the silver slider facing
out. Then clip the adjustable end of the
strap on the left to secure client (see figure
12c).
The following can also be attached to the
body support system, depending on how
the TRAM is to be used:
• Thigh straps (see figure 13a, and p. 17
for use)
• Walking saddle (see figure 12b, and
p. 18 for use)
• Forearm supports (see pp. 14 – 16)
Figure 12a
Figure 12b
Body support system
WARNING
Figure 12c

13
Accessories
Thigh straps (see Figure 13a)
Thigh straps are used to make seated
transfers. Choose either narrow (5”) or
wide (7”), depending on the needs of your
client. Additional straps can be purchased
for individual clients.
Walking saddle
The walking saddle, available in three
sizes, is used for sit-to-stand transfers and
supported ambulation. It is attached by
hooking the rings to the color-coded clips
of the body support system. Note that the
walking saddle may fit the patient best
when the straps are crossed
(see Figure 13b).
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 13c).
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 Figure13d). Pull the
plunger up to disengage the direction lock.
Figure 13c (Low-base direction lock)
Figure 13d (Standard-base direction lock)
Figure 13a
Figure 13b

14
Figure 14a
Figure 14b
Figure 14c
wing knob
Forearm supports
Forearm supports give extra lifting
support and provide positioning
support during ambulation for clients
who have low muscle tone. Forearm
supports adjust in many directions
and angles to accommodate different
positioning requirements
(see Figure 14a).
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
mounting brackets onto the body support.
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
14b). To prevent loss, screw the wing
knob back on the threaded stud of the
plastic hole cover.
• With the large, lipped end up, install
the mounting bracket on the body
support channel (see Figure 14c) and
securely tighten the attachment knob
on the threaded stud, which will now
be protruding inside the body support
channel (see Figure 14d).
plastic hole
cover
Figure 14d
mounting
bracket
attachment
knob

15
Adjustments: (see Figure 15a)
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 (F) 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 15b).
• Remove the forearm support mounting
bracket, and to prevent loss, screw
the attachment knob back onto the
mounting bolt (see Figure 15c).
• 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 15d).
Figure 15a
A
C
EB
D
Figure 15b
Figure 15c
Figure 15d
F
attachment
knob

16
Operation and transfers
To avoid injury, do the following before and during
every transfer:
• Move the origin and the destination of the transfer as close to each other as
possible.
• Ensure that the body support system is positioned comfortably, correctly and
securely, and that the safety buckle is properly engaged.
• 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.
Aside from weighing and off-weighting (see page 10), the TRAM offers three essential
functions: seated transfers (ideal for toileting), sit-to-stand lift and gait training. The
following two pages illustrate these functions.
WARNING
Arm platforms
Attaching/detaching see pp 14 and 15.
Adjustments (see figures 16a and 16b)
Height adjustment:
Press button (A) and slide post to desired
position.
Loosen knob (B) to:
1. Tilt for forward or backward slant.
2. Rotate horizontally.
3. Slide arm platform toward or away from
the client along the post.
To move arm platform between backward
and forward positions:
• Loosen knob (B).
• Remove arm platform pad from post.
• Spin ratchet mechanism 180˚ so that
sleeve is in opposite position.
• Remount arm platform pad to post.
Arm strap (C) secures the client’s arm in
the arm platform.
The arm strap can be removed completely,
if desired. Unfasten the strap and pull it out
of the slot beneath the platform.
Figure 16a
A
Figure 16b
B
C
3
3
1
1
2
2

17
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 17a).
3. Secure snugly with the buckle (see
Figure 17b).
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 17c).
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 17d).
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 17e).
Figure 17a
Figure 17b
Figure 17c
Figure 17d
Figure 17e

18
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 17 (see Figure 18a), 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 18b).
3. For some clients positioning will be
improved by crossing the front and rear
straps as shown (see Figure 18c).
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
18d).
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 18e). If desired, use forearm
supports for additional support or
positioning.
Figure 18a
Figure 18b
Figure 18c
Figure 18d
Figure 18e

19
Old batteries should be disposed
of properly at an appropriate
recycling facility.
Battery charger
To prevent shock or
electrocution, do not
charge batteries in a wet area.
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
battery 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
WARNING

20
Scale display is blank.
Make sure four new AA batteries are
inserted correctly.
TRAM veers to the side.
If the floor is uneven and TRAM veers to
one side, we recommend the use of one or
more directional locks.
Lift only goes up or only goes down.
Green light on battery box is on.
This may be caused by a faulty switch on
the caregiver handle. Replace the caregiver
handle.
Lift does not go up or down when
battery is inserted and green
light on battery box is on.
This could be either a faulty switch or lift
actuator. First ensure that the wires at the
bottom of the battery box are plugged
in properly. Then check to see if the
emergency lowering button on the battery
box works. If the lift can be lowered using
the emergency lowering button, replace
the caregiver handle. If the emergency
lowering button does not work, replace the
actuator.
Lift does nothing when battery is
inserted. Green light on battery
box does not go on.
This may be a faulty or dead battery or
a failed battery box. First make sure the
battery box lid is properly closed (see page
8). Then charge the battery, or find an
alternative battery. If the battery is more
than three years old, consider replacing it.
If the TRAM still does not function, replace
the battery box.
Lift does not go up or down. Light
on battery box is red.
This indicates a critically low battery level.
Recharge the battery. When the light is red, the
TRAM can still be lowered using the emergency
lowering button on the battery box.
Lift goes up or down without
pressing the switch. (Red battery
disconnect button will always stop all
movement.)
Unplug the caregiver handle cord. At the
bottom of the battery box is a removable
cover. The caregiver handle cord is on the
left and has a plug similar to a phone cord
or network cable. If this stops the motion,
the handle should be replaced, if not, the
battery box is faulty.
Light on battery box is green
when battery is inserted but goes
off when the up button is pressed.
Battery doesn’t seem to hold a
charge.
When at the end of its useful life the
battery voltage may drop so rapidly that
the indicator will no longer show orange
or red for a period. Its performance will
decrease, and it may no longer take or hold a
charge. Replace the battery.
The TRAM battery has a maximum life of five
years. This life span is shortened if the battery
discharges too deeply. Charge your battery as
often as possible and store it on the charger
when not in use.
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. It stops if an excessive
rise in force is detected, for example the
body support pushing down on the client’s
hips. 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 occurs, re-engage the
down button.
Troubleshooting