Most aerial lift equipment need hydraulic oil to operate. What hydraulic oil is best for gas and diesel powered aerial lifts? The right hydraulic oil actually depends on the climate and specific operating conditions.

When an aerial lift is being operated, this creates heat at a low flow within the machine. Driving the machine runs the most hydraulic flow at the highest pressure and can heat hydraulic oil quickly.

An ISO rating refers to the viscosity of the hydraulic oil. The lower the number, the thinner the oil. Each ISO has an acceptable average temperature range for that oil viscosity. It is recommended to keep hydraulic fluid within 100° of the ambient temperature where the machine is being operated.

For the best performance, hydraulic oils should be changed to a lighter or heavier weight oil based on climate conditions. Typically, a lower ISO flows better in colder weather but may need to be heated before operating. Warmer climates may require a higher ISO rating or an additional coolant to keep oil from overheating.

While there is no single ISO rating that is best for all aerial lifts, all Snorkel lifts are delivered with ISO 32 hydraulic oil as standard for its ability to operate in a majority of climates in temperatures as low as 0° F (-17° C). For special applications, it is best to contact product support for guidance.

For tips on prepping your Snorkel lift for in winter weather, read related article: Aerial Equipment Winter Weather Prep – IC Machines.

What makes the warranty process so important to owning a Snorkel lift? The relevance of the Snorkel warranty process is twofold – for the upkeep of existing machines and for the production of future machines.

For the user, the product warranty ensures that Snorkel lifts continue to be simple, reliable and robust throughout its working life. Each machine comes with a two-year coverage period on materials and workmanship, and five years for structural components – specifically the chassis, turntable, booms and scissor arms.

To activate the warranty, a Pre-Delivery & Inspection Report (PDIR) must be completed and returned to the Snorkel service department within 15 working days after delivery. See The Toolbox article on How to Perform a Pre-Delivery & Inspection Report. Machines that are held in stock by an authorized distributor may initiate the warranty period up to six months from the date of shipment.

Through the warranty process, Snorkel’s product support team gains a better understanding of how machines perform on the job. Customer comments help the team to fix minor issues, simplify a process, or even provide suggestions for product improvements.

The product support team benefits from tracking warranty data. Using the information, Snorkel’s production facilities can identify any patterns and develop key checkpoints to provide better delivery quality.

Collected data is also reviewed each week to address top overall concerns in product quality. The team looks to implement changes that help reduce warranty costs, and in turn, produce a more reliable machine. If a large-scale resolution is needed, the team will also evaluate assembly procedures, supplier quality, etc.

Not only does the warranty process keep existing Snorkel lifts operating at optimum levels, but it can also improve production, enhance workmanship, and boost productivity in manufacturing and on the job.

To activate your product warranty, visit Warranty Registration.

What is a Pre-Delivery & Inspection Report (PDIR) for aerial lifts? This is a comprehensive checklist for that is performed by a service technician after taking delivery of a new Snorkel lift. The PDIR is also used to initiate the warranty period on the machine.

Completing a PDIR properly is important for both the user and the manufacturer by providing an immediate understanding of the delivered quality of the product.

The inspection process helps users become familiar with the machine. It could also help reduce warranty claims by addressing any issues found before the first operation.

At Snorkel, the report data is used to continually improve production. A dedicated team reviews all incoming PDIRs, and a weekly meeting is conducted among product support, engineering and the executive team to monitor patterns.

If any patterns are found at 30, 60 and 90-day periods following delivery, the team will determine whether corrective action in production is needed. As such, misreports or improperly completed PDIRs could be misleading for both users and the factory. This could potentially lead to issues with any future warranty claims.

Each Snorkel lift has an individualized PDIR specific to that model. The PDIR contains a detailed checklist for major components and functionality on the machine. Depending on the size and options available, the step-by-step inspection could take between 2-8 hours to complete.

It is recommended that the service technician begin the inspection process with a full walk-around and general survey of the machine. Following the comprehensive checklist, the technician can use the provided procedure codes to indicate whether service is required and to learn each component and function of the machine.

Technicians should check for cracked welds, dents, rust, leaks, proper installation and operation, tightness of components, residue build-up, decal placement and legibility, and the general condition of the machine components.

All PDIRs for Snorkel lifts can be found on The Platform under Technical Publications. The inspection and report should be completed and returned within 15 working days after delivery of the machine. In the event that a PDIR is not returned, the warranty period begins on the day that the Snorkel lift was shipped from the factory.

To find the PDIR for your Snorkel lift, visit The Platform.
To activate your product warranty, visit Warranty Registration.

All Snorkel boom lifts are equipped with a Snorkel Guard™ secondary guarding system. Learn how the spring-loaded safety device offers simple and effective protection for operators on the job.

This video and content posted in this section are provided for informational purposes only. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, injury, loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising by reason of any person relying on the information from any video or posts in this section.  While reasonable care is take in relation to these videos and posts, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information on these videos and posts. For further specifics and instructions, please refer to the operator manual of each respective piece of equipment.

Get to know how proportional controls on Snorkel lifts provide more accurate and precise control of the machine. Ceasar Valdez, regional product support staff, demonstrates how to operate four control functions - lift swing, basket rotation, boom extend and retract, and drive and steer.

This video and content posted in this section are provided for informational purposes only. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, injury, loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising by reason of any person relying on the information from any video or posts in this section.  While reasonable care is take in relation to these videos and posts, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information on these videos and posts. For further specifics and instructions, please refer to the operator manual of each respective piece of equipment.

A Snorkel employee for over 25 years, Tony Deatherage is currently the service manager for North and South America. He manages a team of service and regional product support staff in the U.S., Canada and Mexico who helps resolve customer issues.

First joining Snorkel in 1993, Tony worked on the production line building boom lifts. He was later recruited to provide regional product support for the Midwest U.S. region. Highly experienced in assembling and servicing aerial equipment, Tony has led service training for Snorkel technicians since 2008. He also focuses on providing inside and outside technical support as well as help with product warranties.

What makes Snorkel unique?
The product support team is “all in” with our customers, who are treated as a part of the Snorkel family.

How does Snorkel elevate the work at height industry?
Snorkel lifts are easy to work with and feature intuitive controls. We also provide our customers with access to upper level management.

This video and content posted in this section are provided for informational purposes only. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to, injury, loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising by reason of any person relying on the information from any video or posts in this section.  While reasonable care is take in relation to these videos and posts, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information on these videos and posts. For further specifics and instructions, please refer to the operator manual of each respective piece of equipment.

Working for Snorkel since 2010, Jamie Graham took on the role of global vice president of product support in 2016. He is responsible for delivering world-class product support for Snorkel equipment globally.

Jamie provides strategic direction at an executive level for Snorkel product support, which aims to help maximize uptime on the job by providing customers with training, spare parts and technical support. He leads an international team that oversees parts stock, fill percentages, product warranties, field campaigns, service and parts publications, and training.

What makes Snorkel unique?
At Snorkel, we have a “make it happen” attitude throughout the entire product support group, Snorkel customers receive unrivaled support with direct access to the executive team and ownership.

How does Snorkel elevate the work at height industry?
Durable design. Simple troubleshooting. Design upgrades driven directly from day-to-day operator feedback. These are the core components that drive innovation within the business and throughout the industry.

Similar to battery-operated aerial lifts, gas- and diesel-powered machines should be winterized for operating in cold climates. To prepare for winter weather, follow these steps to keep your machine working in low temperatures.

1. Check Oil

   All Snorkel lifts are delivered with ISO 32 hydraulic oil that allows the machine to operate in temperatures as low as 0° F (-17° C). If operating or storing lifts in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods, check for oil contamination. The colder the temperature, the more likely oil will freeze and prevent operation.

   • A milky appearance indicates a high degree of condensation or the presence of water in the oil
   • Foaming means the oil is aeriated, and the machine must undergo troubleshooting to repair any opening
   • An unusual smell could mean the wrong fluid was poured into the machine

   If any of the above is found, the hydraulic fluid needs to be flushed and filled with new oil before operation. The same steps should be applied to engine oil.

2. Check Fuel

   Diesel fuel can freeze in cold temperatures and keep operators from starting the engine. To prevent the fuel from gelling and clogging any lines, maintain the fuel to ensure cold weather operation.

   • Add anti-gel to diesel fuel to prevent gelling
      
3. Check Antifreeze

   Antifreeze should be checked periodically for contamination and corrosion that may require the radiator and cooling system to be flushed for safe operation.

   • Use glycol meter and set at -35° F (-37° C)
      
4. Startup Procedure

   Before starting up the engine, perform a check and equip your machine with the right features to keep things running smoothly.

   • Check the fuel and water separator; if water is present, check the filter and drain the separator
   • Be sure to activate the glow plug or grid heater for 10-15 seconds before starting the engine
   • Once engine is running and before operating, warm up hydraulics (i.e. boom retract or holding over relief) to get oil moving
      
5. Storage Procedure

   How fuel is stored is just as important as the condition of the fuel and the tank on the machine. It is critical to prevent contaminants from entering stored fuel.

   When storing your machine, protecting key components from freezing is crucial for operating in cold weather.

   • Use a pre-filter and water separator for bulk storage
   • Block heaters are highly recommended for cold weather when machines are stored outside
   • Battery warmers are recommended for extended cold weather operation

   Snorkel offers accessories for equipment working in cold climates, including the Cold Weather Package and Extreme Cold Weather Package.

Read the first part of this series for tips on winterizing battery-operated machines.

When temperatures drop, it is important to winterize your aerial lift equipment to keep them operating in extreme cold climates. This two-part series provides a general guideline for winterization on battery-operated and diesel-powered machines.

Follow these steps to prepare your DC, or battery-operated, machine for winter weather.

1. Check Hydraulic Oil

   All Snorkel lifts globally are delivered with ISO 32 hydraulic oil that allows the machine to operate in temperatures as low as 0° F (-17° C). If operating or storing lifts in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods, check for oil contamination. The colder the temperature, the more likely oil will freeze and prevent operation.

   • A milky appearance indicates a high degree of condensation or the presence of water in the oil
   • Foaming means the oil is aeriated, and the machine must undergo troubleshooting to repair any opening
   • An unusual smell could mean the wrong fluid was poured into the machine

   If any of the above is found, the hydraulic fluid needs to be flushed and filled with new oil before operation.

2. Check Batteries

   Flooded lead acid batteries on your battery-operated aerial lift could have an average life span of 48-72 months. If stored in climates below freezing, batteries could freeze and require replacement. Below are items to check while maintaining batteries.

   • Check the age of the batteries
   • Check the fill condition
   • Charge the batteries and perform a load test when the batteries are warm
   • Check all connections for cleanliness and tightness
   • In extremely cold temperatures, it is recommended to install a battery warmer

 Read the next part of this series for tips on winterizing gas- or diesel-powered machines.