SANO Liftkar SAL Uni User manual

Operator Manual
Liftkar SAL Uni
Liftkar SAL Ergo
Liftkar SAL Fold
Liftkar SAL Fold-L
Edition 12/2016 - changes without notice en

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Contents
1INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES ....................................................... 4
1.1 General safety instructions ................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Technical data of the LIFTKAR SAL standard model........................................................ 5
1.3 Technical data of the snap on battery................................................................................ 5
2CONTROLS ........................................................................................... 6
2.1 Model ERGO ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Model FOLD / FOLD-L ......................................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 The swivel joint...................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Model UNI............................................................................................................................. 8
2.4 Control box.......................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.1 Button (P) for ascending / descending................................................................................... 9
2.4.2 Indicator light......................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.3 Beep feature........................................................................................................................ 10
2.4.4 Speed switch....................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Ascend button in upper handle........................................................................................ 10
2.6 Safety flap.......................................................................................................................... 11
2.7 Main switch........................................................................................................................ 11
2.8 Switching off...................................................................................................................... 11
3FITTING AND REMOVING THE BATTERY......................................... 12
3.1 Fitting the battery.............................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Removing the battery........................................................................................................ 12
4OPERATION ........................................................................................ 13
4.1 Ascending stairs................................................................................................................ 13
4.2 Descending stairs.............................................................................................................. 13
4.3 Please pay attention to...................................................................................................... 14
4.3.1 Shift of balance.................................................................................................................... 14
4.3.2 Hooking in underneath the step........................................................................................... 15
4.3.3 Overload.............................................................................................................................. 15
4.3.4 LIFTKAR is not a rubber pad............................................................................................... 16
4.3.5 Inadvertent battery ejection ................................................................................................. 16
4.3.6 Failure to negotiate steps "square-on"................................................................................. 16
4.3.7 Driving on a winding staircase............................................................................................. 17
5CHARGING THE BATTERY ................................................................ 18
5.1 Battery charger.................................................................................................................. 19
5.1.1 Testing ................................................................................................................................ 19
5.1.2 Charging.............................................................................................................................. 19
5.1.3 Protective features, technical data....................................................................................... 20
5.1.4 Safety rules ......................................................................................................................... 21
6ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS.......................................................... 22
7WARRANTY AND LIABILITY.............................................................. 22
7.1 Warranty............................................................................................................................. 22
7.2 Liability............................................................................................................................... 22
8CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY............................................... 23
9DESIGN PROTECTION BY PATENTS................................................ 23

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1 Introduction and features
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.
http://www.sano.at/en/product-registration

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1.1 General safety instructions
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
1.2 Technical data of the LIFTKAR SAL standard model
Model ... ERGO/UNI/FOLD
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 amps)
Plug-socket for charger: DC jack ø 2.1 x 9.5
Weight: 4 kg
Capacity: 5 Ah
Voltage: 24 VDC (2 x 12 VDC –5 Ah)
Battery cells: Sealed lead-acid maintance free and approved for air travel
by DOT and IATA
Modell ... ERGO/UNI/FOLD SAL 110 SAL 140 SAL 170

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2 Controls
2.1 Model ERGO

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2.2 Model FOLD / FOLD-L
FOLD FOLD-L
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.

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2.3 Model UNI

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2.4 Control box
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 Operation.
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 Operation [4.1])
Flashing green: The LIFTKAR is in descent mode. (The push button Q is not active
now –refer also to chapter Operation [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
Operation [4.2])
Flashing red: The LIFTKAR is overloaded. (Flashes for 3 seconds and goes out –
see also chapter Operation [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
On/Off/Ascend/
Descend button (P)

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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 Operation [4.2])
Low speed is advisable for: training, heavy loads and in awkward locations.
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.

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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
(1) Locate corner "A" on both sides into hook "B" on frame
(2) Snap battery forward to engage locking hooks
3.2 Removing the battery
Battery must be lifted vertically to disengage locking hook. Do not hinge back.

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4 Operation
4.1 Ascending stairs
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.
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
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.
The ascending button Q is now out of function.

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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.
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.
If the load is under 15 kg or the driver holds back the load, the automatic
movement to the descend position will be slowed down.
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. 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
Do not overload.
Exceeding the load capacity will activate overload mode causing the operation to stop,
lowering the main wheels slowly to the lower step. The indicator lamp flashes red for
about 3 seconds after which the ascend/descend button will need to be reset.
Once the battery has been discharged the unit will go into overload even with
loads below the specified capacity.

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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.
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.
Depending on the drivestyle of the user it might be an ongoing problem.
For this we offer as an option a battery-blocker (nr. 930 140).
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.

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4.3.7 Driving on a winding staircase
When you have to drive on a winding staircase please pay attention to the following:
When ascending, the LIFTKAR (or any other handtruck) tends to move to the inside of
the staircase (any step a few cm depending on the angle of the winding).
Therefore start as far as possible at the outside when ascending.
When descending, the LIFTKAR tends to move to the outside of the staircase.
Therefore start as far as possible at the inside when descending.
However if the winding staircase is still too narrow it is possible to move sideways by
reversing, preferably at one of the wider steps.

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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. It is
possible for instance to extract far more than 1,000 partial discharges from lead-acid
batteries if total discharge is avoided.
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]

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5.1 Battery charger
High performance is achieved by 2-step automatic und digital control engineering. This
allows for quick charging in the first step, then compensation/trickle charging in the
second step. It is possible to check the condition of the battery.
With LCD display und revolving mains plug.
5.1.1 Testing
Connect the battery charger with the battery (without plugging into the mains)
After approximately 9 seconds the test result is displayed (off-load voltage of the
battery)
100% - full Battery is operational
80 %
50%
20% Charge the battery
0% - flat
5.1.2 Charging
1. Connect the charging unit to the battery
2. The off-load voltage of the battery is shown on the display
3. Plug the charging unit into the mains
4. The charging operation begins
The present charge status of the battery is symbolized by progress bars:
full, 100 %
approx. 80 %
approx. 50 %
flat, 0-20 %

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Compensation/Trickle charging
Once the battery is fully charged, the charging unit switches over to
compensation/trickle charge. On the display, the battery symbol is shown
with 4 bars and remains solid.
If charging does not begin, there are two possible reasons:
Display: and symbols blink alternately indicating polarity
reversal
Display: and symbols blink alternately indicating a break in
connection to battery, contact-fault check charging clips, cables, contacts,
battery-pole terminals etc.
5.1.3 Protective features, technical data
Protective features
-Protection if the charging clips are short-circuited
An electronic protection circuit prevents damage if the charging clips
are short-circuited.
Display: The first bar blinks
- Protection from charging-cable polarity reversal
An electronic protection circuit prevents damage if the charging
cables are connected with reversed polarity.
Display: The and symbols blink alternately
- Protection against the charger overheating
If the room temperature increases, the charger will reduce the charging current and
interrupt the charging operation if necessary. As soon as the unit cools, charging
resumes.