SANO LIFTKAR SAL User manual

LIFTKAR SAL
SAL UNI / SAL ERGO / SAL FOLD / SAL FOLD-L
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
English

Liftkar SAL I 2
INTRODUCTION 3 .....................................................................................................................................................................
1 SAFETY GUIDELINES / TECHNICAL DATA 3 ........................................................................................................................
1.1 General safety guidelines 3 ............................................................................................................................................
1.2 Technical data of the LIFTKAR SAL 4 ..............................................................................................................................
1.3 Technical data of the snap on battery 4 .........................................................................................................................
2 CONTROLS 5 ..........................................................................................................................................................................
2.1 Model ERGO 5 ................................................................................................................................................................
2.2 Model FOLD / FOLD-L 6 ..................................................................................................................................................
2.3 Model UNI 6 ....................................................................................................................................................................
2.4 Control box 7 ..................................................................................................................................................................
2.5 Ascend button in upper handle 8 ...................................................................................................................................
2.6 Safety flap 8 ...................................................................................................................................................................
2.7 Main switch 8 .................................................................................................................................................................
2.8 Switching off 8 ...............................................................................................................................................................
3 FITTING AND REMOVING THE BATTERY 9 .........................................................................................................................
3.1 Fitting the battery 9 .......................................................................................................................................................
3.2 Removing the battery 10 ...............................................................................................................................................
4 OPERATION 10 ......................................................................................................................................................................
4.1 Ascending stairs 10 ........................................................................................................................................................
4.2 Descending stairs 11 ......................................................................................................................................................
4.3 Please pay attention to 12 .............................................................................................................................................
5 CHARGING THE BATTERY 15 ...............................................................................................................................................
5.1 Battery charger 15 .........................................................................................................................................................
6 ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS 16 .........................................................................................................................................
7 DISPOSAL 17 .........................................................................................................................................................................
8 WARRANTY AND LIABILITY 17 ............................................................................................................................................
8.1 Warranty 17 ...................................................................................................................................................................
8.2 Liability 18 .....................................................................................................................................................................
9 CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY / DESIGN PROTECTION BY PATENTS 18 ..............................................................
CONTACT 19 ..............................................................................................................................................................................

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INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS!
With the new LIFTKAR SAL you have purchased a handy modular–designed sack truck with an unladen weight of
only 16kg. Once you fit the snap-on battery, this simple sack truck becomes a versatile all- rounder: a normal
sack truck for general use on level ground and a powered stair climber for use on steps and stairs. Additional
features, such as the wide pneumatic tyres (also available in puncture proof), make this equal to any
conventional hand truck for use outdoors and for professional deliveries but with the added bonus of going up
steps and stairs as well.
With the SAL Series climbing stairs has been reduced to the essential: The LIFTKAR pulls itself up onto the step
above and lifts to only the necessary step height. During descent, the motor acts like an electric brake and the
load is brought down without “bumping”. It is also ideal for winding staircases and across tight landings.
The LIFTKAR SAL has a mechanical clutch which will prevent damage if the unit is used to descend the stairs
with the controls in the ascent position. The unit also features electronic overload protection preventing ascent
with too heavy a load.
The Liftkar SAL has two ascending speed settings (slow and fast – with a speed of up to 48 stairs per minute),
plus a wide variety of model options, lifting capacities and additional accessories.
In other words, a professional for professionals!
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
1 SAFETY GUIDELINES / TECHNICAL DATA
1.1 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
Always ensure that there is no one beneath the load
Always secure the load with the appropriate straps or other accessories
Always wear skid-proof shoes. Some stairs can be extremely slippery
Always wear shoes with steel caps
Never reach into the lifting mechanism with your hands if the battery is inserted
At first practice using Liftkar SAL either unladen or with a light load of 20 – 30 kgs
For transportation remove battery to lighten the unit and to prevent accidental operation in transit

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1.2 TECHNICAL DATA OF THE LIFTKAR SAL
Model ... ERGO/UNI/FOLD/FOLD-L SAL 110 SAL 140 SAL 170
Capacity 110 kg 140 kg 170 kg
Maximum climbing speed 48 steps/min 35 steps/min 29 steps/min
Weight 16 kg
Maximum step height 210 mm
1.3 TECHNICAL DATA OF THE SNAP ON BATTERY
Fuse: internal blow-out fuse (30 Amp)
Plug-socket for charger: DC-Jack ø 2,1 x 9,5
Weight: 4 kg
Capacity: 5 Ah
Voltage: 24 VDC (2x 12 VDC - 5 Ah)
Battery cells: Sealed lead-acid maintenance free and approved for air travel by DOT and IATA

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2 CONTROLS
2.1 MODEL ERGO
1: Upper handle - 2: Control box (see chapter 2.4) - 3: Ascending button (Q) - 4: Lower handle - 5: Main switch -
6: Snap on battery - 7: Plug socket - 8: Drive unit - 9: Safety flap - 10: Swing arm with support wheels braked in
forward direction - 11: Main wheels

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2.2 MODEL FOLD / FOLD-L
1: Ascending button (Q) - 2: Handle - 3: Swivel joint - 4: Control box (see chapter 2.4) - 5: Locking handle -
6: Main switch - 7: Snap on battery - 8: Plug socket - 9: Drive unit - 10: Safety flap - 11: Swing arm with support
wheels braked in forward direction - 12: Main wheels
2.2.1 THE SWIVEL JOINT
The necessary friction for the rotary joint is obtained through multiple friction disks, which are compressed
simultaneously on the left and right sides. The lock must be tightened sufficiently to avoid movement in use.
As a rule: The lock will be sufficiently tightened if a single operator can tilt back the load from the upright
position without any handle movement.
SAFETY INSTRUCTION:
With heavy loads (over 100 kg) ensure the lock is tightened especially firmly.
2.3 MODEL UNI
1: Upper handle - 2: Control box (see chapter 2.4) - 3: Ascending button (Q) - 4: Lower handle - 5: Main switch -
6: Snap on battery - 7: Plug socket - 8: Drive unit - 9: Safety flap - 10: Swing arm with support wheels braked in
forward direction - 11: Main wheels

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2.4 CONTROL BOX
1: Indicator light - 2: On/Off/Ascend/ Descend button (P) - 3:
Speed switch
2.4.1 BUTTON (P) FOR ASCENDING / DESCENDING
Briefly press the push button to switch the LIFTKAR SAL to ascent mode or descent mode. See section 4.1.
If the button is pressed for more than 3 seconds, the LIFTKAR SAL will switch off.
2.4.2 INDICATOR LIGHT
Shines green: The LIFTKAR SAL is in ascent mode. (In the ascent mode the push button Q in the handle bar
is active. The lifting mechanism operates when the push button Q is pressed and stops when released (refer
also chapter 4.1)
Flashing green: The LIFTKAR is in descent mode. (The push button Q is not active now – refer also to
chapter 4.2)
Constantly red: The LIFTKAR is in descent mode and the support wheels move (fast) to the descend position
(takes a max. of 0.5 seconds – refer also to chapter 4.2)
Flashing red: The LIFTKAR is overloaded. (Flashes for 3 seconds and goes out – see also chapter 4.3.3)
Alternating red and green: the battery pack is running low and urgently needs to be recharged. The
stairclimber will certainly manage another flight of stairs, but it is recommended that you move down stairs
and either change the battery pack or recharge it with the quick charger supplied.
2.4.3 BEEP FEATURE
This is a people warning feature for transports in public areas.
How to activate the Beep feature: Turn on the device and hold down the On-/Off- /Ascend-/Descend – button
(P) for about 30 seconds until you can hear a beep signal. Now the recurring beep signal is available while you
are driving with the SAL.
How to disable the Beep feature: Turn on the device and hold down the On-/Off- /Ascend-/Descend – button
(P) for about 30 seconds until you can hear a beep signal. Afterwards you can drive without the recurring beep
signal.
2.4.4 SPEED SWITCH
Use the speed switch to select either high or low speed – this can only be used in ascent mode. (In descent
mode the descending speed is permanently set so that optimum braking will always be secured – refer also
chapter 4.2)
Low speed is advisable for: training, heavy loads and in awkward locations.

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2.5 ASCEND BUTTON IN UPPER HANDLE
This button [Q] is only active in the ascent mode and switches the lifting mechanism on and off.
2.6 SAFETY FLAP
To start tilting a load, it may be necessary to use your foot to assist in tilting. The axle of the conventional sack
truck is normally used for this purpose. With the LIFTKAR SAL, the swing arm with the support wheels, a wheel,
or the drive unit may be used to support by foot. The safety flap is installed to prevent your foot getting jammed
in by the swing arm. If you press onto the lower part of the flap with your foot all functions will be stopped.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
You avoid all risk if you switch on only after tilting the load.
2.7 MAIN SWITCH
The main switch is situated on the battery cover. The power supply is switched on or off by way of the main
switch.
2.8 SWITCHING OFF
Battery power is removed:
By switching off the main switch on the battery unit
By removing the battery
By pressing button (P) for 3 seconds
Automatically after 10 minutes
The main switch or removal of the battery provide a higher degree of safety than switching off
with the button P or with the timer cut-out, as button P may be touched inadvertently.

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3 FITTING AND REMOVING THE BATTERY
3.1 FITTING THE BATTERY
Locate corner "A" on both sides into hook "B" on frame 1.
Snap battery forward to engage locking hooks2.
Main switch on the battery to 1 and your LIFTKAR is ready for use.3.
C: Locking hook

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3.2 REMOVING THE BATTERY
Battery must be lifted vertically to disengage locking
hook. Do not hinge back.
4 OPERATION
4.1 ASCENDING STAIRS
Fit the battery, put main switch on 1 and press button (P) briefly until the indicator light shines green
continuously. The LIFTKAR is now in the UP MODE.
Pressing button (Q) in the upper handle, will operate the support wheels and will lift the LIFTKAR over the step
continuing until the button is released.
IMPORTANT
On each cycle, immediately the main wheels rest on the tread, pull the LIFTKAR back to touch the
rise of the next step up.

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Holding the LIFTKAR too flat, on stairs with open risers, can also result in the support wheels
being partially trapped under the tread. This may result in excessive pressure on the drive unit,
causing it to go into overload mode, and shutting down. Press button (P) to reset.
4.2 DESCENDING STAIRS
(Fit battery and put main switch on 1.) Press button (P) briefly again until the indicator light flashes green. The
LIFTKAR is now in the DOWN-MODE and the support wheels will move to the descend position automatically (see
drawing).
The ascending button Q is now out of function.
A: Descend position
With the support wheels in the descend position the LIFTKAR can be rolled over the step margin and the support
wheels will, under controlled conditions, lower the machine onto the next step down. When the main wheels
land on the lower step, the support wheels automatically rotate to the descend position for the descent onto the
next step down, all within approx. half a second.
During the descent movement the indicator light changes to constant red. After reaching the descend position
the light changes back to flashing green.
IMPORTANT
As soon as the LIFTKAR rolls off the tread, ensure the main wheels are kept against the rise until
the support wheels reach the descend position.
If only a lightweight load is being transported, or if the operator holds the LIFTKAR back too much,
the swing arm will only move slowly to the down position.

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Just before the suspension arm reaches the descending position, the support wheels reach the
upper edge of the stair and lift the LIFTKAR approximately 10 mm. This is normal and is used as
an advance signal by experienced drivers. As a matter of fact, you may already advance while the
support wheels are in contact with the floor. This results in smooth continuous down- the-stairs
motion.
In the case of closed stairs with short step, for instance on the inside of narrow circular staircases,
the support wheels may touch the stair step and the LIFTKAR can move approximately 8 to 9 cm
forward. This also is normal since the LIFTKAR will then be ready for advancing again anyway.
Unlike all other stairclimbers the operator does not need to control the electrics to descend, as the support
wheels operate automatically.
4.3 PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO
4.3.1 SHIFT OF BALANCE
When ascending the balance of the load changes as soon the support
wheels start lifting the load. Operators quickly become accustomed to
this and compensate by tilting the handle.
Initially, before this operation becomes automatic, care should be taken
at the point where the support wheels take the load when ascending.
There is a forward movement of the machine which is easily
compensated for by tilting the handle backwards.
Lowering backwards by 10° to 20° before the support wheels start to lift
eliminates any major forward movement.

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4.3.2 HOOKING IN UNDERNEATH THE STEP
Under normal operating conditions, with the load in a well-balanced
position, the moving support arm is always clear of the underside of the
upper step (see chapter 4.2). If the LIFTKAR is laid back too far, the
support arm will be tripped by touching the tread it is on, causing it to
rotate under the upper tread. The electronics will go into overload mode
and will need to be reset.
4.3.3 OVERLOAD
If the unit is overloaded the drive motor stops and the LED flashes red for 3 seconds before going out. The unit
has to be switched on again.
Once the battery has been discharged the unit will go into overload even with loads below the
specified capacity.
4.3.4 LIFTKAR IS NOT A RUBBER PAD
In the beverage industry drums are sometimes directly thrown from the truck onto the hand truck instead of a
rubber pad or old tyre.
This is not possible with the LIFTKAR when the support wheels are in the descending position. The
impact will be transmitted to the connecting bar via the drive unit, which may result in fracture. With the
support wheels raised between the main wheels, throwing barrels on the unit is possible in principle since the
pneumatic tyres would absorb part of the impact, it is nevertheless not recommended as it detrimental to
service life.

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4.3.5 INADVERTENT BATTERY EJECTION
For all normal operations the battery is held securely by locking hooks. A
strong pull is required to remove it. Abuse of the LIFTKAR by moving
backwards very quickly, and striking a high step, or similar, will result in
the battery being ejected from its location.
If you pull the LIFTKAR up the stairs empty or without using the drive mechanism, it is
recommended to remove the battery. Firstly, this makes the LIFTKAR lighter and secondly, the
battery cannot jump out.
4.3.6 FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE STEPS "SQUARE-ON"
Failure to negotiate steps "square-on" will result in damage to the underside of the drive unit.
4.3.7 DRIVING ON A WINDING STAIRCASE
Please observe the following points when operating the stairclimber on spiral staircases:
The LIFTKAR moves inwards when climbing up, so:
For climbing UP start on the outside of the staircase.
The LIFTKAR moves outwards when going down, so:
For climbing DOWN start on the inside.
If you do start moving too close to the banisters/wall then shift the unit to the side by reversing (on a landing or
wider step if possible) and start again at a tighter angle.

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5 CHARGING THE BATTERY
The battery-cells within the battery housing are maintenance-free, sealed and rechargeable. Their durability
largely depends on the charge/discharge 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.
For this reason, avoid total discharge. Recharge as often as possible.
Lead-acid batteries are subjected to ‘self-discharge’. For this reason, the snap-on battery should be recharged
after a maximum of three weeks of disuse.
The charger automatically switches to trickle charging so overcharging is not possible.
Do not leave the battery discharged or half discharged. Always charge immediately after use.
If the batteries should become damaged it is possible to have them replaced in any reputable mechanical
workshop. The old lead batteries are fully recyclable and are not to be disposed of.
The optimum temperature for charging is 20 – 25 °C. Too cold or too warm has a negative effect on the
capacity.
If the battery has not been fully charged or tends to lose charge too rapidly, this will not only
reduce the speed of the LIFTKAR but also reduce the capacity. It may move into the overload
mode as a result, even with light loads. See Operation 4.3.3.
5.1 BATTERY CHARGER
The battery charger supplied is extremely powerful. An LED display gives
a clear indication of charging status. The charge indicator gives you an
idea whether the battery pack is fully charged or not. It is worth checking
that the battery pack is fully charged before using the Liftkar.
The charge status is displayed as follows by a LED:
If the LED is lit continuous red the battery pack is being charged.
If the LED is lit continuous green the battery pack is fully charged. The charger can be left connected to the
batteries after full charge (green light), without harming the batteries. The charger uses minimum power in
this stand-by mode, (after battery is fully charged), maintains the batteries at full charge and extends battery
life. This is accomplished with electronic circuitry that controls and regulates the amount of charging current
that is sent from the charger to the battery being charged.

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5.1.1 TECHNICAL DATA
Mains voltage supply (50/60 Hz, 0,7A): 100-240 V AC
Nominal rating (input): 24 W
Charging voltage: 24 V DC
Theoretical charging current: 1,0
Protection class: IPX4
Safety approval: UL, cUL, CE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Please note the following:
Protect against damp
Only charge in a well ventilated room
Do not pull the plug out of the socket by its cord
Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug - replace immediately!
5.1.2 USE ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE INTENDED
The charger unit is designed exclusively for charging lead-acid batteries containing liquid, gel-type and
fabric-type electrolyte
It is not permissible to charge NiCd or NiMH batteries or primary cells.
6 ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS
A continuously growing list of accessories and options is available. For instance, different toe plate sizes,
securing straps, in-transit charger, different frame heights, fixed or hinged toe plate.

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7 DISPOSAL
Liftkar SAL stairclimbers are durable products. At the end of their useful life the stairclimber components and
charger should be disposed of properly. Make sure the materials are separated carefully for disposal in line with
the material codes relating to each component.
The 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 simply dispose of the battery pack in a household dustbin, however. If there are any further questions,
please ask your specialist dealer.
Sano can organise professional disposal of the whole stairclimber unit, against payment, if required.
8 WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
8.1 WARRANTY
The warranty period for the LIFTKAR is 12 months (6 months for batteries) from the date of purchase and covers
defective material and production faults
Not included in the warranty are:
Normal wear and tear on parts
Damage resulting from abnormal load
Damage due to the exertion of force
Inadmissible modifications to the unit or accessory parts

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8.2 LIABILITY
SANO Transportgeraete GmbH as manufacturer is not responsible for the safety of the LIFTKAR SAL if:
the LIFTKAR SAL is used other than is intended,
repairs, installation or other work have been carried out by unauthorised persons.
the instructions in these Operating Instructions are not observed
non-original parts are installed or connected with the LIFTKAR SAL
original parts are removed.
9 CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY / DESIGN
PROTECTION BY PATENTS
9.1 CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
SANO Transportgeraete GmbH declares that the LIFTKAR SAL stair trolley
corresponds to the applicable basic safety and health requirements of
the EC guidelines for machines 2006/42/EEC, appendix IIA. This
declaration will lose its validity if changes are performed on the unit
without our approval.
Jochum Bierma (Ing.), Managing
Director
9.2 DESIGN PROTECTION BY PATENTS
The lifting system of the SAL series is protected by international patent applications for Europe, USA and Japan.
The modular structure of the basic frame is also protected by a patent application. Also, for the rotary joint of
the FOLD model patent is pending.
.

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CONTACT
SANO Transportgeraete GmbH
Am Holzpoldlgut 22
4040 Lichtenberg / Linz
Austria
Tel. +43 7239 / 510 10
Fax +43 7239 / 510 10 14
offi[email protected]
www.sano.at
SANO Deutschland GmbH
Geigelsteinstraße 10
83080 Oberaudorf
Germany
Tel. +49 8033 / 308 96 0
Fax +49 8033 / 308 96 17
[email protected]
www.sano-treppensteiger.de
SANO UK Powered Stairclimbers Ltd.
Bristol Court, Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich, Suffolk / IP5 3RY, England
Tel. +44 1473 / 333 889
Fax +44 1473 / 333 742
[email protected]
www.sano-uk.com
Changes without notice / LIFTKAR SAL 2018-03