Gautam Infrastructure and Construction Equipment has entered its veteran Skyjack SJ9250 Rough Terrain scissor lift into Quest2013: a competition to find the world’s longest-serving Skyjack unit.
The Mumbai-based construction company purchased the machine in 2006 from UK firm AJ Access Platform Equipment. However, the lift’s date of construction stretches back into the 1990s.
The lift has been used for a wide range of applications during its time at Gautam, ranging from the conventional to the outright novel. As one might expect, the long-serving SJ9250 RT has been used on a number of airport projects for tasks such as cable-tray installation and firefighting assistance. It has typically been put to work in shopping malls, small factories and metro stations.
However, the lift has also been used for a number of unconventional tasks. On one occasion, for example, the Skyjack was employed as a watch tower near a public area in which authorities wished to implement tighter security.
Since taking ownership of the unit, Gautam has added GPS and a water-jet system to assist with mall maintenance. The unit has also been upgraded with a loading ramp to aid work on construction sites.
“As we use our Skyjack for such a wide variety of work, it’s become an integral part of our fleet,” explained Shah Malay, associate technical head at Gautam. “Although it’s already given us many years of loyal service, we want to keep it running smoothly for many more years to come. So, we run a regular maintenance schedule for it, to maintain the best possible levels of performance and efficiency. Any issues with the machine have only been minimal and it’s really been a joy to own.”
Companies can enter their platforms into Quest2013 via social media. At the end of 2013, Skyjack will present the owner of the oldest-working machine with a brand new scissor lift.
