Compact Contender

Enlarge Image This prototype machine was brought especially for the Showcase.

April 14, 2009 – The North American scissor lift industry’s newest contender, Aichi, debuted the SV1930C prototype at the Lift and Access Showcase. The unit was shipped from Japan to Chandler, Ariz., specifically for the event.

 

The scissor lift, which is distributed by Toyota Material Handling USA, Irvine, Calif., is part of Aichi’s global machine series and will be available in 2009 along with five global scissor lift models ranging from 15- to 32-foot platform heights. Displaying the Toyota orange-and-gray color scheme, the SV1930C features a 19-foot platform height and 30-inch width. When stowed, the machine measures 30”x85”x73”.

Aichi SV1930C Showcase Presentation

 

The 26”x69” platform has a diamond-plated steel deck surface with a 500-pound capacity and a 108-inch deck, including the extension deck. The 39-inch extension deck extends on four large nylon rollers—two mounted on the deck and two on the main platform—so that it slides in and out easily. The platform locks when fully extended, fully retracted, and at the center point to give versatility to the operator. While the prototype at the Showcase had optional half-gate rails on the platform, the machine comes standard with a slide bar. Optional fold-down hand rails are also available; four pins pull out to fold the hand rails down.

 

Enlarge Image Linkage pins are capped to reduce bushing contamination.

The machine features a box-type link (scissors) system with oversized 1.5-inch pins. The covers on the pins (left) and bushings prevent debris from getting into them, extending bushing life.

Notable features on the SV1930C include AC drive with 10-year maintenance-free motors and proportional DC controls. This enables not only proportional drive but also optional proportional steering. The AC motors are mounted so that they stay flush with the leading edge of the machine. This prevents then from damaging or scraping a wall when turning. AC drive also keeps the noise emitted from the machine to a minimum. This optional steering system has steering wheel-style controls that will auto-return the unit back to center. The removable control box includes an 8-foot extension cable and a guard cover to protect the controls. The SV1930C features the biggest tires of all of the machine

Enlarge Image AC drive motors are set back to prevent damage when turning.

s at the Showcase. Alan Dotts, product manager, says all the major components, including the tires, are completely interchangeable among all six scissor lifts in the line, reducing maintenance costs and making it easier to stock parts.

 

The pothole bar system is totally mechanical. As the machine goes up, two spring-applied linkages come down. Two mechanical limit switches used as an interlock stop the machine from lifting completely in case of debris, and a warning light also would come on. As the machine comes down, a plunger that pushes on two levers pushes the pothole bar back up. Forklift pockets are located in the back of the machine for loading, and the machine can also be forked from the side without doing damage to the pothole bars.

 

The bolt-on ladder is flush with the platform and can be easily changed if damaged, and the lower controls at the rear of the machine are recessed to reduce damage. The controls include emergency power off and a key switch with a removable key. The battery indicator shows the state of charge and also incorporates a digital hour meter. Indicator lights also show the operator the diagnostics, and the self diagnostics will send flash codes to the operator to help diagnose machine malfunctions.

 

Enlarge Image Batteries are serviced via an easy to service slide-out drawer.

Aichi uses a combination of styles to allow access to key service items. The batteries are found in a heavy-duty slide-out tray at the base of the unit (see image left). The tray slides on nylon rollers for easy accessibility. On the opposite side (see image below) components are accessed on the other side of the machine via a swing-out tray.

 

Among the usual scissor lift accessories, and the SV1930C includes a global charger, a flashing beacon, a lifting package is available to hoist the machine with a crane. This unit is backed by two-year basic, three-year hydraulic, and five year structural warranties.

 

Lift and Access Perspective: No one will argue that direct AC drive is the most efficient way to drive a machine. Aichi is the first to utilize AC drive on a scissor unit (Genie the first on a boom) and it will be interesting to see if they can get to cost down enough to convince buyers to make the plunge. While our tests established it as the most efficient machine at the event, it was only marginally

Enlarge Image Swing-out tray allows access to valves and operating hardware.

better than the DC direct drive unit from JLG. As one would expect, the SV1930C smacked of quality and the drive system performed quietly and smoothly. If you were like us, you noticed how relatively big the wheels are. No, these oversized rims are not Aichi’s attempt to be “fly,” (look it up in the urban dictionary if you need) but, as Dotts explained, they are part of the overall plan to have all slab machines share as many components as possible. While we understand the logic, the added overall height would certainly benefit from a couple of inches in size reduction.

For detailed specs, visit the Toyota site.