30.10.2015

Aichi SN15-A boom check

Aichi and the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand have issued a bulletin, following the discovery of a cracked boom section on an Aichi SN15A truck mounteed lift dating back to 2007.

The crack was discovered on the second section while the machine was in the workshop for an unrelated matter. The boom section was removed and sent to Japan for Aichi to inspect it. The company found that the weld bead between the upper and lower channels that make up the boom section had deviated and caused a lack of weld penetration.

The manufacturer believes that this is an isolated incident and is not planning a recall, but has suggested that owners of similar models might check the boom section to ensure that the weld does not deviate beyond a stated tolerance. – see illustration.
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The weld needs to be checked for deviations from the material joint

Aichi also takes the opportunity to state that it believes that the testing regime employed in New Zealand imposes an excessive load on the machine that far exceeds the maximum load allowed within the units design parameters.
The full bulletin can also be seen below or viewed on the EWPA website by clicking here
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