JLG elevating work platform wheel failure
Issued: 16 May 2014
Last Updated: 16 May 2014
Purpose
The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight the potential for a drive hub bearing failure if the elevated work platform (EWP) is subjected to severe abusive conditions.
Background
The bearing in a Fairfield wheel drive hub assembly of a JLG 860SJ boom type EWP failed causing the wheel to dislodge from the machine. There were indications the machine was subjected to severe abusive conditions. The EWP, manufactured in December 2005, was being operated on the Gold Coast in early 2014.
At the time of the incident the EWP was being driven with the platform lowered. However, if the platform had been raised, the centre of gravity would have been changed and the unit could have overturned.
Contributing factors
The bearing assembly and bearing retainer of a Fairfield wheel drive hub on the EWP failed, allowing the wheel and gear reduction hub assembly to separate from the machine.
Fairfield concluded that:
- the bearing cone rib showed evidence of overloads at the fracture initiation
- the bearing damage was consistent with overload, impact or high side loading.
JLG produced an information notice (PDF, 0.18 MB) advising owners of the EWP to have the wheel bearings checked if signs of severe abusive conditions are discovered.
Action required
Owners of affected JLG models should review the recommendations contained in the attached information notice. Guidance previously prepared by JLG indicates that the following models manufactured from the beginning of February 2005 through to February 2006 may be affected:
- 450A SII
- 450AJ SII
- 460SJ
- 510AJ
- 800AJ
- 860AJ
It is strongly recommended that all EWP models included in the above list and manufactured within the specified time period above be inspected by a competent person in accordance to the guidance procedures recommended by JLG. Appropriate records should be maintained following completion of any remedial work that may be required.
The EWP owner may also consider replacing all wheel bearings with new wheel bearings, keeping in mind the units will soon be approaching 10 years of age and due for a major inspection.
EWP owners must ensure that the operators are provided with the correct JLG operation manual and follow the instructions provided in it.
Further information
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes health and safety obligations on a person conducting a business or undertaking.
Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 1.57 MB) provides practical advise on how to manage exposure to risks when working with plant.