What Stairlift Service Looks Like After Installation in Baton Rouge, LA
Our baton rouge stairlift service doesn’t end after the chair runs up the rail. It includes showing you how the lift works, how it recharges, what normal operation and use look like, what requirements, if any, invite consideration and adjustment, and whom to contact for service if the lift is beyond your capability to adjust.
This service plan is designed to give our customers in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Central, Zachary and Walker a clear idea about the service we provide. It is part of our philosophy at 101 Mobility of Baton Rouge to provide you with as much information as possible about your stairlift during the training, recharging, using, troubleshooting and servicing of the lift.
After the installation of the stairlift, I answer any additional questions you may have and demonstrate, in addition to leaving a complete user’s manual, a service brochure and contact information.
I explain and demonstrate normal usage so you will be able to determine when something is wrong and use their contact information to initiate a service call if the situation warrants it. There should be a clear next step to the process if you have a question or if you encounter a problem with your stairlift. I demonstrate this process before leaving the customer’s home.
What I Demonstrate Before I Leave the Home
I want the user and their family to understand the features of the stairlift we installed so that they will be able to use it safely. I cover basic functions and features of the stairlift.
The Bruno Elan Straight Rail Stairlift utilizes an armrest switch and includes wireless controls for operation. It’s also equipped with a seat which can swivel to assist the user when boarding and alighting from the upper landing.
To further reduce the clearance required on the staircase, the seat, backrest, and footrest all fold up manually. For added convenience, powered versions of the folding swivel seat, and a powered folding rail, are also available.
I try my best to explain the features that are physically present on the stairlift. I don’t discuss features that are shown in brochures and are not included with the stairlift.
The Harmar Pinnacle has similar features that include an armrest rocker switch, and swivel seat, and can be equipped with powered and/or folded features.
Prior to my departure, I try to ensure that the family is comfortable using all of the features of the stairlift. This includes using the controls to operate the stairlift, boarding and alighting at the upper and lower landings, and any folding features. I explain where the limits of the rail are, who to contact if they have questions, and the purpose of the features of the rail. It’s not my intent for the family to have to learn rail repair and service. It’s to their benefit to learn the rail’s features and functions so that they can recognize abnormal conditions with the stairlift. This includes checking the battery and charger.
Charging Points and Everyday Use Checks
The Bruno Elan has charging strips built into the rail. Product literature states that the strips allow the lift to charge wherever it stops along the rail.
The Harmar Pinnacle has charging strips built into the rail, as well. The strips are located above and below the hinge, and are designed to keep the lift charged at all times.
Charging arrangements can vary between units and their respective configurations. Because of this, I examine the actual unit that is installed in the customer’s home.
Homeowners need to be able to distinguish between a normal operation of the battery powered unit and when a service call may be required.
To illustrate, normal operation does not necessarily mean that the stairlift always behaves the same during each and every use (i.e. the same speed, same travel time, etc.). Normal operation is determined by how the lift behaves when starting, stopping, and using the controls, as well as how it folds up and unfolds.
Is the lift parked in the position we talked about? Homeowners are responsible for charging the lift as part of normal operation, and we instruct them on the configuration of the unit regarding parking and rail positioning.
Are the controls functioning normally? We illustrate the operation of the controls and remind homeowners how to use the lifts.
Are there any changes to the indicator lights? Indicators and diagnostics can vary between the units. Repeated changes to indicator lights and the occurrence of diagnostic aids can be of service in determining the cause of the malfunction.
These observations are general and will not require the identification of the precise malfunctioning element by the customer.
What Should Be the Standard for Requests for Service?
What is the general guideline for calling for service?
We ask that you, or the person you contact for service, become familiar with the operation of the stair lift. After that, any significant change in operation may warrant service.
What should be reported?
- Stairlift stops running and will not respond to a control
- Stairlift charges but indicates it is not charged
- Stairlift runs while the charge is connected
- Stairlift moves intermittently and/or uncontrolled
- Rail folds up and down but stairlift will not move
- Other powered elements (i.e. swivel, arm and leg rests) do not move as designed
- Stairlift stops moving and obstructs a clear path of travel
If you have a stairlift that needs repair in Louisiana, the most important thing to tell us initially is what has changed.
Stating how the stairlift is functioning currently, and where it is located on the staircase may help identify the problem. If the service personnel have this information they will be able to better address the concern rather than relying on the customer to identify the problem.
It is always better to let professionals evaluate a unit than for the customer to try to determine the problem with the electrical, drive or safety system of the stairlift.
The stairlift has been repaired, replaced or relocated recently? This may also assist in identifying the problem.
We service the areas of Denham Springs, Central, Zachary and Walker, Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. If we have previously installed a stairlift in your area, we may be able to better assist you.
For stairlift service and repair in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes, I will try to evaluate and troubleshoot any issues you may have by phone. There are, however, some issues that can only be resolved through an on-site evaluation.
There are potential operating issues that can be resolved through a basic evaluation of the controls and operation of the stairlift.
Mechanical and/or electrical issues with the stairlift can be diagnosed and resolved through an on-site service visit.
There are limitations as to what can be resolved over the phone, even if the service provider has previously installed the stairlift.
There are instances where the best next step is to stop troubleshooting and determine the next step to resolve the issue, whether it be adjust the device or call for service.
Ongoing Support for Bruno and Harmar Stair Lifts
101 Mobility provides ongoing service and support for stairlifts to include answering product related questions, preventative maintenance, repair and other post-installation support. 101 Mobility’s service policy includes providing customers with a free limited service warranty for one year from the date of purchase and installation of the product.
When it comes to Bruno and Harmar stairlifts, the parts and diagnostics systems are not the same, therefore the support offered is not the same as well.
Continuous charging and audio diagnostics are provided by the Bruno Elan stairlift.
The Harmar Pinnacle stairlifts provide drive, charging, and diagnostic systems, and vary from model SL300 to SL600. The SL600 comes in two systems, the HD and non-HD.
Having the model number of a stairlift is important when determining the features and support offered.
When a customer states, “I have a Harmar” stairlift, a lot of information is still unknown.
For instance, the model number of the Pinnacle indicates the charging, drive and diagnostic system offered.
The same is true for the Bruno stairlifts.
Circumstances may occur where the support offered is a determination as to whether the configuration of the originally installed stairlift still meets the requirements.
Depending on the daily use of the household, the stairlift may no longer be needed and therefore considered broken.
In this situation I want to ensure that there is a true equipment failure and not first assume that equipment is broken.
Stairlifts are intended to assist and enhance accessibility of users. Prior to making a purchase of a stairlift in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, you are invited to get a free in-home consultation to learn more about equipment and the support offered after purchase.
FAQ: Post-Install Stairlift Service
What information will be useful to know after the stairlift installation?
You need to learn how to use the controls and remotes. Also, be familiar with boarding and alighting the stairlift, and the process for folding and unfolding the stairs and rail components. Learn the charging system and what options, if any, are installed on the stairlift. You should have a contact person to notify if there is a change in the operation of the stairlift.
Are stairlifts battery powered?
Yes. The Bruno Elan and Harmar Pinnacle stairlifts are battery powered. The charging system is incorporated into the rail. During the installation, I explain the charging system and where the rail should be positioned to charge the battery.
When is service of my stairlift required?
You need to contact us for service if there is a change from normal operation of the stairlift. These can include diagnostic indicators, charging problems, control problems, and other issues that result in the stairlift not operating as intended.
Does 101 Mobility perform maintenance on stairlifts after they are installed?
Yes. 101 Mobility offers a variety of services on stairlifts and other accessibility products including preventive maintenance and repairs. All stairlifts and other accessibility products sold and installed by 101 Mobility are also provided with a complimentary one-year limited service warranty.
Is it advantageous to have a single company, 101 Mobility, install and service my stairlift?
Yes. Having a single company, 101 Mobility, install your stairlift gives that company a competitive edge when it comes to determining the possible issues you may be having with your stairlift. Sometimes, issues can be resolved without having a service representative come to your home, but oftentimes an in-home service representative will have to come to your home to resolve the issue.
Are Bruno Elan and Harmar Pinnacle stairlifts similarly equivalent when it comes to service?
No. While Bruno Elan and Harmar Pinnacle stairlifts are similar in that they are both straight stairlifts, they differ in their drive systems, capacity, options, diagnostics and other aspects.
About the Author
Jonas Boutte is the owner of 101 Mobility of South Louisiana and has hands-on training from accessibility-equipment manufacturers including Bruno, Harmar, Stiltz, Staying Home, EZ-ACCESS, National Ramp, and others. He helps Baton Rouge-area families evaluate stairlifts and other accessibility solutions and remains involved from consultation and recommendation through installation coordination and customer support.
