Controls

Hydraulics

Self-Leveling Scaffold

This power scaffold is used in large building construction projects. The scaffold can be loaded with up to 20,000 pounds of building materials. The operator can then raise or lower the platform, the building materials, and the laborers, to the correct working height. In its initial configuration, the scaffold utilized only on/off controls which resulted in rough, abrupt motions. Further, since the scaffold was manually controlled, the machine could easily deviate from a level orientation, which could result in dropping materials.

GS Global Resources (GSGR) significantly improved the safety and operation of this scaffold by implementing a CAN-based control system. This total machine control system includes proportional control of the hydraulic motors which allow precise acceleration and deceleration of the lift speed for smooth motion. Rotary encoders are used for position feedback to a central CAN controller so that the deck of the scaffold remains level even when the scaffold is asymmetrically loaded. A custom pendant provides the operator interface with the machine.

Self-Leveling Scaffold