Quick answer
Three safe checks solve most “dead machine” calls: both emergency stops released, the battery isolator on and the machine actually charged, and the right control station selected. Anything beyond those checks — covers, fuses, hydraulics — is not hirer territory: stop and call us on 0472 721 234.
Most “the machine is dead” calls we take end within two minutes, solved by one of a handful of checks any operator can safely make from outside the machine’s covers. Here they are, in the order we ask them on the phone — and the clear line where checking stops and calling starts.
Won’t power on
- Emergency stops: there are two — platform and ground station. Either one pressed disables everything. Twist to release.
- Battery isolator: many machines have a red isolator switch or pull-out key near the ground controls. Off means dead.
- State of charge: a machine left off the charger overnight may simply be flat. Check the charge display; plug in if in doubt.
- Charger still connected: most machines will not drive while plugged in — unplug before blaming the machine.
Powers on but won’t drive or lift
- Control station selection: the ground-station key switch selects platform or ground control. In the wrong position, the platform controls do nothing.
- Tilt alarm sounding: the machine is beyond its slope rating and is protecting you. Lower and move to level ground.
- Overload indicator: over the platform capacity the machine refuses to lift. Count people, tools and materials against the plate.
- Enable triggers: platform controls need the enable trigger or footswitch held while operating — a common one for first-time operators.
Charging problems
- The outlet, not the machine: test the outlet with something else. Site power trips overnight more often than chargers fail.
- Leads and connections: fully seated, dry, and not run through a puddle or pinch point.
- Charger indicators: most chargers show a charging light sequence — note what it shows before calling; it tells us a lot.
Where checking stops
If those checks do not bring the machine back: stop. Do not open covers, pull fuses, top up fluids or attempt manual overrides other than the emergency lowering procedure you were shown at handover. Note any fault code on the display, keep the machine parked safely, and call 0472 721 234. We will either talk you through a safe reset or get a replacement machine moving — a machine problem on our fleet is ours to fix.
FAQ
Can I use the emergency lowering if the machine dies at height? Yes — that is what it is for, and it is covered at handover. Use it to bring the platform down safely, then call us before any further use.
The machine works but something feels wrong — keep going? No. Odd noises, jerky movement or intermittent controls are early warnings. Park it, call us, and we will decide together.