Many households often face the problem of discarding old and unused stairlifts at home. This is because there are no more users for the stairlifts and there is a need to for more physical space in the house. Therefore, the most convenient way out is to sell it to used stairlifts dealers. Most of these dealers will refurnish the used stairlift before selling them to other home owners. However, if you were to buy direct from former stairlift home owners, you can get a more attractive and cheaper price. The catch is that you will have to pay for the stairlift removal service and learn how to recondition used stairlift for use. I will share with you some of the more important things to learn to recondition old stairlifts until they are as good as new.

Things to note about reconditioning used stairlifts

First, you need the correct set of tools to start the work. Stairlift is an electro-mechanical device that appears to be simple to the end user but, in fact, it can get quite complicated when you open up the system. Therefore, you need the right tools to do the right job. Tools such as spanner, wrench and screwdrivers are necessary to loosen the major parts of the stairlifts. It is advisable not to touch the stairlift circuit board with your bare hands in case of electrocution. You should always use the tools to test first.

Second, you need to polish the stairlift track and remove any dirt or hair that are commonly found stuck at the edges. These will impede the movement of the stairlifts as it moves along the track and accumulating a thick layer of hair will cause the stairlift to jam while moving, posing a danger to the user. After removing the dirt, you can add some lubricant to the track which helps to smoothen the movement and provide anti rust protection.

Third, though not necessary, it is advisable to always change a new set of batteries, especially if the old stairlifts have not changed one before. You can approach the manufacturer to find out the compatible stairlift battery models and replace accordingly. Old batteries have the tendency of leaking and causing short circuit to the stairlifts, sometimes even fire.

Lastly, you can open up the stairlift side cover to view the circuit board and clean up the inside of the stairlifts with a dry cloth. It is better if you have a dust remover that cleans the surface of dust completely with a swipe.

These are the tips on how to recondition used stairlifts and should save you some money from hiring the experts for a simple job that can be accomplished with some tools and little bit of hands on experience. These skills are useful for stairlift owners and can be applied to wheelchairs of any brands such as Acorn, Bruno, Brooks, Ameriglide, Stannah, Summit and Excel.

One accessory that you might be interested in if you are finding that the seat on your used stairlift is a little bit hard to sit in is a seat upgrade. There are different upgrades that can be made to the seat that you currently have depending on the manufacturer that made your stairlift. You will be able to find different types of upholstery, different sizes, or a power swivel that will make it easier for you to get off your seat when you have reached your destination. These options will allow you to have a seat that is more comfortable to sit in as well as one that is easier to use.

Another great accessory that is available is an inertial seat belt. If you have not already upgraded your seat belt then you probably have one that fastens across your lap which you have to tighten manually. This is something that is no longer necessary when you replace that seat belt with an inertial one. An inertial seat belt is one that is similar to one you would find in an automobile and will give you more comfort as well as security when you are using your stairlift.

A synchronized foot rest is another one of the stairlift accessories that you might consider purchasing. You probably keep your stairlift folded up when you are not using it because it takes up less space that way. However, folding it up might be a little bit difficult because you have to bend down to fold the footrest. When you replace your current footrest with a synchronized one you will no longer have to worry about bending down to get to it. This type of footrest will automatically fold up when you fold the seat up. That means you will have an easier time storing your stairlift when it is not in use.

Hopefully this introduction to stairlift accessories helped to give you a little bit of insight on the accessories that are available. There are a ton of other ones that you might be interested in that will make your life a whole lot easier. When you are looking for a place to purchase stairlift accessories make sure to either check with the manufacturer or you can find them online. There are a few websites online that specialize in different types of stairlift accessories that you can use with your stairlift.

Electra Ride LT SRE-2750

This is Bruno’s basic indoor stairlift model and is also the cheapest.It can carry users weighing up to 125 kg or 275 pounds. It has a swivel seat that allows the user to get in and out easily at either ends of the stairlift track. It is powered by two DC motors which can be plugged into the normal wall socket in your home. These batteries are rechargeable which nmean that even when you experience blackout in your home, you can still safely evacuate the elderly or wheelchair users down from the top floors. The rack and pinion drive ensures that the stairlift operates in a quiet and smooth way. When not in use, the rail can be folded up to create more space in the doorways. Wireless controls are set up at both ends of the rail to recall the chair from the other end.

Basically, this model is the simple and neat package which most basic users will buy. Its simple features serve the basic purpose of bringing the user from point A to B. It comes with two track lengths of 16 feet and 20 feet.

Electra Ride II SRE-1550

This is another indoor stairlift similar to the SRE-2759 model, however, it is able to carry heavier weights of up to 159kg or 350 pounds. It has a flexible seating system with seat height adjustable from 22.5 inches to 25.5 inches. It is battery powered and major components are foldable to save space. Besides the standard rail track lengths, buyers can customize the length based on their home staircases.

Bruno Electra-Ride Elite

The Elite range of Bruno stairlifts is a combination of the normal functions of stairlifts added with a touch of elegance. It is refined to be suitable for modern homes with a graceful and compact design. IT has comfortable head, foot and arm rests.

Bruno Outdoor Electra-Ride Elite SRE-2010E

This is Bruno’s outdoor range of stairlifts. It only comes with straight stairlifts and no curved stairlifts. As this stairlift is meant for outdoor use, it has a weather proof elements built into the system. The materials used are tougher and weather resistant. As a second level of protection, it also comes with a weather resistant cover that is easily deployed and provides durable protection. It keeps out powerful weather elements like rain and sun. Moisture can also be kept out of the internal system with special fabric cover that protects the drive controller. The fabric cover also keeps out water, dirt and debris from getting inside the stairlift system.

It can carry weights of up to 181kg or 400 pounds. It has to be the most powerful of the Bruno stair lifts. Its stainless steel and exterior grade hardware give it a tough disposition. It has undergone grueling test conditions and able to function from -15 to 52 degrees celsius.

Buying Bruno Stairlifts

All Bruno stairlifts come with Gold warranty, five years for major components and two years for parts. Even when you are buying used stairlifts, we advise you to check for the validity of the gold support. You can also pay slightly more to renew the gold warranty if it has expired.

User Reviews on the Pros of Operating parts of Bruno stairlifts

First of all, Bruno stairlifts have flexible parts such as the seats from the Electra-Ride Elite. They can be moved from 19 inches to 24 1/2 inches depending on the height of the user.  The footrest can also be shifted in tandem with thes seats. When users need to board the chair,  they can lift up the armrests from either direction. When not in use, Bruno stairlift seat and footrest can be folded up to free up more space for other non stairlift users to move in the staircase.

Bruno stairlifts is also one of the most powerful in the industry as it can carry weights of up to 400 pounds. It is currently unsurpassed in this category compared to its competitors. Bruno stairlift uses the rack and pinion drive in the rail system to give the chair lift such as Electra Ride II straight rail a smooth and safe ride. This is an improvement over the past where cables are used to drive the stair chair lift. The rails come in 3 lengths, 16′,20′ and 24′. Most users are satisfied with the 20′ as they do not need to customize for future usage. It is operated by DC battery and no special wiring is required. It is also much quieter compare to AC power source used by other stairlife manufacturers. Most of our users also compliment the controls of Bruno stairlifts being simple and very useful.

The last thing you should worry about when using Bruno stairlift is its safety. Bruno is very particular in the safety aspect of its stairlifts since it is meant to serve users like the elderly or disabled people. Bruno consistently test run all its manufactured stairlifts for thousands of hours before they are satisfied with its performance.

The Cons of Bruno Stairlifts

Perhaps one of the downside of Bruno stairlifts is that it is rather heavy and we do not recommend users to self install them. Even Bruno doesn’t allow buyers to install on their own for fear of injuring themselves. Bruno trains all its dealers in the different US states i.e. New York ,Chicago, Texas, Arizona etc, with installing, maintaining and repairing all Bruno stair lift models.

Though Bruno may have many different stairlift models for straight and curved stairlifts, only its outdoor Electra Ride Elite does not come in curved models.

Price of Bruno Stair lift models

Bruno stairlifts are priced reasonably compared to other stairlifts such as Acorn, Stannah or Ameriglide. Given its quality user experience and tough form factor, our customers feel that they are paying for value more than anything else. If price is your concern, you can also try the second hand stairlift market where Bruno stairlift sale is common.

Acorn stairlift is one of the most recognized brands in the industry, especially the Superglide series. Most interested stairlift buyers will definitely consider Acorn stairlifts among the top choices. Acorn has built up its brand over the last few decades on the foundation of good quality, durable and excellent customer service. Though Acorn Superglide stairlifts is not exactly the cheapest in the market, but it made up with its quality and fine product. Most people feel the premium is worth it. Despite the relatively higher prices, inexpensive acorn stairlift is still available, though rare, in the market.

Acorn SuperGlide Stairlift Product Assessment

Acorn offers the full suite of stairlifts for both indoor homes or outdoor buildings. Each of these models is made specially for its purpose and their features are mostly different from one another. The most common and simple stairlift is the Acorn Superglide 120 straight stairlift models. It operates quietly and smoothly and seldom breaks down. It can be controlled either by the built in joysticks or by remote controls. The joysticks are made so that even people with weak arms or wrists can still control the stairlift. This is especially useful for the elderly as the control is very sensitive to any adjustments.

The second popular acorn stairlift model is the Superglide 80 outdoor stairlifts. They are made with tough materials to be resistant to the different environment elements. Acorn outdoor stairlifts are widely received by the building owners as they offer the best value for money with minimal investment.

There are other Acorn stairlifts models which do not belong to the mainstream but they cater to the niche markets. Examples of these are the Sit and Stand and Perch Stairlift models. As few customers will request for these models, they are not manufactured in large quantities, hence, they cost slightly more. Moreover, there is a waiting time for these stairlifts to be shipped. If you wish to buy the Sit and Stand or Perch Stairlifts, an advisable way is to give your local Acorn stairlift sellers a call to check if they hold the stock so you will not make a futile trip.

In conclusion, Acorn stairlift provides the best value for money with its trusted range of stairlifts. Acorn stairlift models also command a high resale price in the used stairlift markets. The average life of an Acorn stairlift is 10 years and you can sell it to dealers if you have no need for the stairlifts. It is one of the few brands which dealers will be glad to buyback as there are always willing secondhand stairlift buyers.

There are some problems that are common with stairlifts that you might have to repair at some point or another. A lot of problems that you might have do not require you to hire a repair service, so you will be able to fix them yourself.

Before you try to repair your own stairlift it is important that you check the warranty. If you try to make the repairs needed you could void the warranty so that your stairlift will not be covered if something major happens to it. Then you will have to pay for the major repairs out of your own pocket. We always advise customers who purchased our used stair lifts to pay slightly more for a warranty. This is inexpensive and guarantees a peace of mind for stairlift owners in the first few years.

One minor problem that you might have is a power issue. Some users have power problems that make the stairlift not function the way that it should. In fact, when there is a power issue the lift will not work at all because there is no power going to it to operate it.

Another problem that you might experience is a safety switch that is not functioning properly. If the safety switch is messed up you will be putting your safety in jeopardy, so you will want to make sure that it gets fixed as soon as possible.

These are two minor repairs that you can make yourself without having to call in a stairlift repair service to fix them for you.  In order to solve any power issues that you might be having you will want to check the power supply. If you are using an AC power supply then there could be something wrong with the wiring that you need to take a look at. If you are using a DC power supply then you might just need to check the battery to make sure that it is charged or does not need to be replaced. If there is something with the wiring of the AC power supply then you might want to call in a repair service and have them take a look at it if you are not experienced with electricity.

When you are making repairs to the safety switches that your stairlift has, make sure to consult your owner’s manual.  Each stairlift safety switch is different depending on the manufacturer and will require different steps in order for you to repair it.

If you are trying to decide whether to call in a stairlift repair service or to self repair problems with stairlift make sure that you check these two things out. You might find that the problem is a minor one which you are able to repair on your own and will be able to save a lot of money as a result.

Knowing the Parts of Stairlift

It is important that you know what all of the parts are that might need to be repaired at one point or another. Either so that you can do the repairs yourself or so that you can describe them to the repair service that you call. Here are a few different components that make up every stairlift system.

One part that you need to know about is called the stairlift track. This is the part of the stairlift that your chair moves from the bottom of the stairs to the top of the stairs on and vice versa. This is a very important part of the system, and if something goes wrong with it you will have to get it repaired before you can use your stairlift again.

Another important part of the system to know about is called the drive. This is what is used to give the motor power to move you along the track. Without the drive the motor will not be able to work and you will be stranded either at the top of the stairs, bottom of the stairs, or in between the top and bottom depending on where the drive stops working.

The power source is another important part of your stairlift and is needed to give your stairlift the power to get you where you want to go. If your power source fails you will be stuck wherever you are when it goes out. No matter if you are at the top or bottom of the steps you will not be able to get anywhere else if your power source stops working. This will be the case if your stairlift does not have backup battery.

These three components are ones that people most frequently have troubles with. This is not to say that these things always go wrong with every stairlift, but it is saying that when something does go wrong it is usually one of these elements that is the problem. When you purchase used stairlift, these will be the first few components you should be inspecting.

If you have trouble with any part of your stairlift then you will need to have the expertise to be able to fix it yourself if you do not want hire someone to fix it for you. However, by hiring a stairlift repair service you will be able to use their experience and knowledge to get your stairlift fixed quickly and the right way. If you own or are thinking of owning a stairlift then make sure you have a plan for the repairs that are going to need to be made.

Different Acorn Stairlift Models reviews

For the simple straight staircases, there is the Acorn 120 Superglide stairlift model. Our customers have commented
this is the easiest to install and they do not need to make any changes in their current staircase layout to meet the
physical requirements of the straight stairlifts. “It takes less than a day to install” is a comment by a satisfied
customer. There is always a simple user guide that comes with all the Acorn stairlifts which give users a step by step
instruction on how to install the stairlifts. They just need to have the basic tools such as screwdrivers and drills.

“It was so smooth and simple to operate” Dean L, Dallas, TX
“I would highly recommend Acorn to any and all!” Richard T H, Syracuse, NY

For curved or bent staircases, there is the Acorn 80 curved stairlift. The reviews from customers for Acorn 80 stairlifts have been quite good as it doesn’t produce as much noise as other curved stairlifts especially when bending or changing directions. It is one of the top choices for buyers of curved stairlifts. Most of the controls of Acorn Superglide stairlifts have the joysticks as controls and it gives users the maximum control over the movement of the stairlift.

Price Reviews of Acorn Stairlifts

One of the gripes from interested Acorn stairlift buyers is the slightly higher price of the product. We have to help our customers realize the value that comes with each Acorn stairlift before they will appreciate the value in the stairlift system. Moreover, there are often Acorn Stairlifts For Sale which sees popular acorn stairlift models selling at bargain prices. If you do not mind, you can also visit used stairlifts sellers and may uncover good deals.

Safety Review of Acorn Stairlifts

The last thing that users should worry about when using Acorn stairlift is its excellent safety records and features.
It is one of the few stair lifts with sensors embedded around its footrest and carriage to prevent it from hitting
against obstacles. Users of Acorn branded stair lifts will definitely feel at ease when using the system. Besides
these, there are many more Acorn stairlift models available such as the Sit and Stand, Perch and Outdoor models.
“My mother is 95 years old and she is perfectly safe using your stairlift. Thank you” Donald G, Atlanta, GA

Platforms for Stairlifts

Stairlift platforms are useful if the user is wheelchair bound as the platform is able to carry the wheelchair up and down the staircases. Stairlift platforms ensure the security of the users by have safety barriers that will rise up on all sides of the platform to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off the stairlift while it is in operation. The movement speed of stairlift platform is slower than usual as it is carrying a heavier load. The slower speed also provides additional stability to the users on wheelchairs as they will not feel the sudden movements that will jerk the wheelchair. Users of wheelchairs board the platform through an access ramp which will be folded up once the user is on the platform. The stairlift platform can be folded when it is not in use as it takes up a lot of space and may block walking space. Users have to manually fold their platforms after they have finished using it whereas more advanced stairlifts have remote controls to fold and unfold the stairlifts. Most stairlift manufacturers produces stairlift platforms such as the Acorn, Bruno Vertical Stairlift platform, Stannah Stairiser range of platform lifts and Ameriglide’s Atlas and Hercules Jr residential vertical lift.

If you had purchased stairlifts with the seats and would like to convert to a platform stairlift, you can simply purchase the platform and hire stairlift technicians to replace the seats with the platforms.

Perch frame for Stairlifts

Perch frame stairlift seats are for users who are unable to sit as they may have problems bending their knees. The users have to move up the stairlifts in an almost vertical position. The perch frame is well designed such that the users is in a standing position with a seat to support the back and a safety rail in front for the user to hold on for safety when the stairlift is in motion. Perch frame stairlift is also ideal for staircases where there is space constraint as this takes up the least physical space compared to other stair chair lifts.

A perch frame stairlift accessory can be bought to replace the original stairlift seat. Replacement work can be done by stairlift engineers similar to changing to stairlift platforms.

Swivel seats for Stairlifts

Stairlift users may find it difficult to mount or dismount from a fixed or static seat when they are at the end of the stairlift. This is where the swivel seats come in handy and helps to ease the process of getting onto the stairlifts. Swivel seats are able to rotate away from the stairlifts to allow easy access for the users. The swiveling action can be stopped when the stairlift is in motion to ensure safety. Users who have problems maneuvering the swivel seat can opt for the powered swivel seat where the motor can rotate the seats on the user’s behalf. People who intend to purchase used stairlifts can request to change the old seat to a swiveling one for easy use. A swivel seat costs between $200 to $500.

Hinged rails for Stairlifts

If you are facing space constraints around the stairlift landing area, we advise you to add a hinged rail to the original stairlift tracks. Hinged rails basically extends the track of the stairlifts such that it can have a proper landing point where the user can alight. Original stairlift tracks may protrude into the hallway and may be an eyesore for visitors and also a danger for people walking around the house. The hinged rails or folding tracks help to save space as it can be folded up when not in use. This reduces the hazard posed by long stairlift tracks. The hinged rail is available from most stairlift dealers and the cost varies. The cost depends on whether you want to manually fold the rail or having a powered hinged rail that will take care of the folding automatically.

We try to make cheap stairlift accessories available for all in our store and you can find more stairlift accessories on sale. Our online store has the widest range of stairlift parts and accessories you can purchase to improve your current stairlifts and make it more secure and comfortable. Read our website for more details and knowledge about the functions of stairlifts.

]]> http://buyusedstairlift.com/stairlift-accessories/feed/ 0 http://buyusedstairlift.com/used-perch-frame-stairlift/ http://buyusedstairlift.com/used-perch-frame-stairlift/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:15:45 +0000 http://buyusedstairlift.com/?p=168 Conventional stairlifts are fitted with a chair or a seat for users who are unable to climb the staircases at home. It functions by having the user in a seated position and secured by a safety belt. There are sensors embedded around the stair chair seat to help with detecting any obstacles along the path of the stair lift when it is in operation. Operating the stairlift when the users are seated is the most safe and comfortable manner of transporting between two floors. However, stairlift seat is only possible for users who do not have difficulties bending their knees as being in a seated position means prolonged period of bending the legs. Fortunately, the stairlift is a very flexible device as it can be custom fitted with various accessories to cater to the needs of different users. A normal stairlift can be modified to become sit and stand stairlifts or perch stairlifts. Sit and Stand stairlifts are for households with two stairlift users and have different needs, one prefers sitting while the other have knee or back problems and can only use the stairlift in a standing position.

Users who are unable to bend their knees may choose to retrofit their stairlift with stairlift accessories such as the Perch Frame. The perched frame can be purchased seperately and the it is a diy process to replace the stairlift seat with the perch frame. Some stairlift manufacturers such as Acorn sells Perch Frame Stairlift on top of their usual stairlift product range.

How Perch Frame Stairlift / Sit and Stand stairlift works

The Perch Frame Stairlift works similarly to the Sit and Stand stairlifts, the difference is the user is in a perched position. Perch stairlifts are ideal for homes with narrow staircases as it is one of the more space saving stairlifts. It does not take up as much area as the platform stairlifts. There is a safety consideration designed into perched stairlifts in the form of a horizontal bar in front of the user when he/she is in a perched position. Users should hold on to the bar for safety while the stairlift is in operation. As using a Perch Stairlift requires some level of attention from the user to hold on to the safety bar, users should not be in a state of dizziness or seizures when operating the perch stairlift. This may be dangerous as users will slip their hands and fall out of the perch frame. Lastly, perch frame stairlift is not for those people with weak legs such as wheelchair users as they have to remain in the perched position for almost a minute. Wheelchair users should consider stairlift platforms and not to use perch frame stairlifts.

Used Perch Frame Stairlift

We recommend that Perch Frame stairlift can be sold to second hand stairlift dealers to be refurbished and resell in the market. You can even request for Used Stairlifts with seats to be replaced with perch frames as this is a simple job. You can request to buy new perch frames and we will fit into your stairlift. Alternatively, you can also purchase used perch frames we have in the store and they cost only half the price of new perch frames. Used Perch Frame Stairlifts sell for around the same price as secondhand stairlifts. We advice you to assess the needs of the stairlift user before choosing the type of stairlifts to be installed at home. There are the stairlift seats, platforms, sit and stand and the perch frame stairlifts one can select from.