Construction: Self-Leveling Scaffold

This power scaffold is used in large building construction projects and can be loaded with up to 20,000 pounds. The operator can 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 electro-hydraulic 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 an unsafe condition.

GS Hydraulics significantly improved the safety and efficient operation of this scaffold by implementing a CAN-based, electro-hydraulic control system. This total machine control system includes a custom pendant and proportional control of the hydraulic motors which translates into 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.