Electric aerial lifts, including scissor lifts and boom lifts, are becoming increasingly available from leading aerial lift brands, such as Genie and JLG. The motor shafts that extend from the motor and its housing are vital for the power and functionality that makes these lifts essential in numerous industries. Below, learn more about the electric motor shafts that may be present in your AWP, including amplex, tang, and splined (internal and external), along with how to find quality electric motors and components.
Functions of Electric Motor Shafts
The motor shaft is essential for conveying the power generated by the motor to the rest of the machine. Consequently, the various functions of aerial work platforms, such as starting, stopping, rotation, stabilization, lifting and lowering, often depend on the operations of the motor and motor shaft. When the motor shaft of an aerial lift is compromised in some way, the efficiency and versatility of the AWP are similarly impacted, as well as the safety of its use.
Types of Electric Motor Shafts
There are three main types of electric motor shafts. In the event that your motor shaft or motor needs repair, it is helpful ot understand the type of motor shaft design because each are used for different applications and excel in different capabilities.
Amplex Motor Shafts
Amplex motor shafts are primarily designed for use in hydraulic or electric motors, which power various components. The motor shaft connects the motor to other mechanical parts of the aerial lift, such as pumps, gears, or wheels, enabling efficient power transmission. Amplex motor shafts are known for the following key characteristics:
- Durability: Amplex motor shafts are typically made of high-quality materials like steel or alloy to withstand the heavy loads and stresses common in aerial lift operations.
- Precision Engineering: They are machined with high precision to ensure compatibility and smooth operation with other components.
- Versatility: These shafts can be customized for specific aerial lift models or tasks, supporting a wide range of motion and load requirements.
- Maintenance-Friendly: Designed for easy inspection and replacement, they help minimize downtime in lift operations.
Generally, amplex motor shafts are used with boom lifts, platform adjustments and hydraulic systems.
- Boom Movement: Transmitting torque to move the boom arms.
- Platform Adjustment: Driving mechanisms that tilt or rotate the lift platform.
- Hydraulic System: Connecting the motor to hydraulic pumps, facilitating lift and lowering actions.
Tang Motor Shafts
Tang motor shafts are designed with a flattened or notched feature that fits into a corresponding slot or coupling. This design helps ensure a secure and precise connection between the motor and other mechanical components, such as hydraulic pumps or gear assemblies. As a result, tang motor shafts are integral to the reliability and efficiency of aerial lift systems, particularly in high-stress applications where consistent performance is critical and are known for a few key characteristics:
- Tang End Design: The flat or notched tang provides a secure engagement, reducing the risk of slippage during operation.
- Efficient Power Transmission: The design ensures that torque from the motor is effectively transferred to connected components.
- Durability: Typically made from robust materials like alloy steel to withstand high loads and stresses.
- Easy Alignment: The tang shape simplifies alignment during installation or maintenance.
Generally, tang motor shafts are used with hydraulic and drive systems, along with rotational mechanisms and provide improved reliability, precision and ease of maintenance.
- Hydraulic Systems: Commonly used to connect the motor to hydraulic pumps that control the lift's vertical or horizontal movement.
- Rotational Mechanisms: Transfers motor power to systems that rotate or tilt the aerial lift platform.
- Drive Systems: Plays a role in motors that power the movement of self-propelled aerial lifts.
Splined Motor Shafts
Splined motor shafts are designed with a series of evenly spaced ridges or teeth (splines) machined along its length. These splines, which can be internal or external, are designed to fit into a matching grooved hub, coupling, or gear, creating a secure and precise mechanical connection. Splined motor shafts are commonly used in aerial lifts to transmit torque efficiently from the motor to other components, such as hydraulic pumps or drive systems. Splined motor shafts are known for the following key characteristics:
- Teeth or Ridges: The splines provide increased surface area for torque transmission, minimizing slippage and wear.
- High Torque Capacity: Ideal for heavy-duty applications due to their ability to handle high torque loads.
- Axial Movement: Some designs allow for limited axial movement while maintaining rotational connection, useful for accommodating thermal expansion or misalignment.
- Standardization: Splines often conform to industry standards (e.g., SAE, ISO) for compatibility with a wide range of components.
Generally, splined motor shafts are used with hydraulic and drive systems, along with rotational mechanisms and provide efficient power transmission with increased durability, ease of assembly and reduced wear.
- Hydraulic Systems: Connecting the motor to hydraulic pumps that control the lift’s raising, lowering, and extension functions.
- Drive Systems: Transmitting motor power to the drive wheels in self-propelled aerial lifts.
- Rotational Components: Used in mechanisms that rotate or tilt the lift platform.
Importance of Routine Electric Motor Shaft Maintenance
In addition to components such as joysticks and control boxes or tires, regular inspection and maintenance of electric motors and related parts help ensure worksite safety and machine functionality. Whether as part of a pre-start inspection per OSHA or specified in equipment manuals, regular evaluations and ongoing upkeep of electric motors is imperative. Additionally, the specific type of motor shaft, such as a tang or splined shaft, may have associated maintenance needs. For motor shaft care, the following services may be needed:
- Check shaft alignment to support general operation and reduce additional repair needs.
- Schedule lubrication per equipment guide to further limit unnecessary wear and tear.
- Conduct temperature assessments to help ensure overall motor performance.
- Replace other damaged components to minimize risk of shaft damage.
- Make sure other components, like couplings or connections, are secured.
Finding Replacement Electric Motors at AEP
Often, motor shafts can be repaired, but sometimes they need to be replaced. In other scenarios, it may be necessary to replace the entire motor. Aerial Equipment Parts offers a wide selection of quality aftermarket replacement parts that fit many leading aerial lift brands. Whether you need to replace an electric motor or other parts like battery chargers, explore our comprehensive inventory or contact our knowledgeable service team, so that they can help you find exactly what you need. Here are three of the top-selling electric motors.
123477 Electric Motor for Skyjack
The replacement 123477 Electric Motor for Skyjack may be used for scissor lifts like the 3219 and 3226 as well as other models. Importantly, this motor is not tang shafted nor is it a permanent magnet. It takes flex couplers only, so the attaching pump must also be the flex style.
7011041 Electric Motor for JLG
Made with high-quality components and built for reliability, the 7011041 Electric Motor for JLG may be just what you need to return your JLG aerial lift to operation. This new aftermarket replacement motor is 24 volts and comes with a 12-month warranty.
40844 Motor for Genie
In the event of motor or shaft damage, the safety of your team and the productivity that can be achieved with fully functional aerial lifts may require an aftermarket replacement part like this 40844 Motor for Genie. To ensure that you are selecting the right part that fits your Genie lift, be sure to check your serial number or contact our customer service representatives for support.
For electric motors and components, safety decals and other items or any other essential aerial work platform replacement parts, shop at Aerial Equipment Parts today! We believe we distinguish ourselves from the competition not only due to our vast product selection that meets strict quality standards but also for our fast shipping and the expertise of our customer support team. Make sure to start earning points and perks with your next order by joining our Part Points program today!