Hoist Maintenance
WHAT IS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON YOUR MACHINE(S) AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE IS AS FOLLOWS:
- Make sure that you understand all warning labels and decals on each machine
- Sweat is corrosive – make sure to wipe down the machine on a regular basis with clean soap and water and then dry completely to avoid rust
- Painted frame pieces – if there is metal showing you run the risk of rust. See “WHAT TO LOOK FOR & HOW TO FIX IT” for repair directions
- Chromed parts– when properly cleaned and lubricated, it can make adjusting the seat and back pads easier. Make sure to use ONLY Silicon based lubricant to prevent premature wear of plastic sleeves
- Guide rods and linear shafting – when properly cleaned and lubricated, it can make the weight stack smoother and increase the lifespan of the linear shafting and bearings
- Adjusting the cables and belts – keeping the tension correct can ensure that there will be less likelihood of the belt “jumping” off the pulley and can alsprevent unnecessary wear on the cables and belts
- Upholstery – when the upholstery is cracked or ripped, not only does it look bad, it can cause discomfort
It is important to have a regular routine of preventative maintenance so that you avoid the cost and delay of having to unnecessarily place your machine out of order and expedite parts to your facility. You can find the machine specific maintenance schedule on the maintenance schedule sticker on each machine.
Please feel free to contact HOIST Fitness Systems at any time to order parts or to simply ask questions:
Product Support Department 800-548-5438 or by email webprodsupport@hoistfitness.com.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOW TO FIX IT
PAINTED FRAME PIECES:
Make sure the powder coated frame pieces are not chipped or scratched in any way. If it is, determine the severity of the scratch/chip. For a superficial scratch, simply wipe clean with denatured alcohol and apply touch up paint to the affected area along the scratch. If the scratch or chip is deep enough to see the metal, you need to act quickly. Take a piece of sandpaper (fine grade) and gently sand down the scratch and the immediate surrounding area. Wipe clean with denatured alcohol and a lint free rag. Apply touch up paint to the area that has been sanded. The quicker you act, the less likely that your machine will incur rust damage.
Suggestions: Make sure to wear safety glasses while sanding and painting to avoid dust and paint in your eyes.
GUIDE RODS & LINEAR SHAFTING:
Make sure that there are no divots in the guide rods or linear bearing shafts. Also make sure that the chrome is not peeling away from the shaft(s). If there are divots in the shaft or the shaft is peeling, you will need to replace both the bearings and the shafting.
LUBRICATING GUIDE RODS & LINEAR SHAFTING:
Prior to lubricating, make sure to wipe the guide rods and linear shafting with a lint free rag to remove any lint, hair, dust or grime. You will know it’s time to lubricate the guide rods/shafting if you give it the “finger test.” Simply wipe your finger along the rod and see it sticks or slides smoothly down the rod.
WARNING! Look where you are going to test to make sure there are no divots or peeling chrome so you don’t cut yourself!
Suggestions: It’s always better to lubricate a little at a time so the lubricant doesn’t pool where the rods enter the weight stack or on top of the bearing housing. Always use PTFE lubricant.
NUTS & BOLTS
Make sure to check all nuts and bolts regularly for tightness. When tightening loose nuts and bolts, always be careful not to over tighten. You don’t want to tighten the bolt so tight that you dent the frame piece and bow the washer. For nuts and bolts that repeatedly come loose, use blue lock-tight. Call HOIST at 800.548.5438 prior to applying lock-tight to make sure it’s ok for the location of that bolt.
Suggestions: Make sure to watch your knuckles in those hard to reach spots.
CABLES & BELTS:
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! You must inspect the cables and belts on a daily basis. At the first sign of wear, put the machine out of service and replace the cable or belt immediately.
For cables:
- Look at the cable ends and make sure they are securely attached
- Check the clevis attachments and make sure the pin is secured
- Make sure the cable coating is not torn or frayed in any way
- Make sure that the black nylon ball on the end of some cables is not cracked or chipped
- Check to ensure that the cable tension is correct
Suggestions: If the cable coating is frayed or torn in any way, replace the cable immediately. Also check the pulleys that come in contact with the frayed or torn area, as the exposed cable can cut into the pulley. If the pulley has been cut or marred in any way, replace the pulley at the same time the new cable is replaced.
For belts:
- Look at the belt fasteners and make sure they are securely attached
- Make sure the belt is not torn or frayed in any way
- Check to ensure that the belt tension is correct
Suggestions: If the edges of the belt are frayed or torn, replace the belt immediately. Also make sure to check the sides of the pulley, as well as the pulley housing guard to ensure that they have not been cut into. If they have, replace them at the same time as the belt is replaced. Also check the pulley alignment on the pulley just in front and behind the worn pulley.
BUSHING & BEARINGS:
At any pivot point, there are either bronze bushings or ball bearings to prevent the wear of the frame piece(s). Make sure that the bushings are intact and do not show excessive wear.
Suggestions for bushings: Be sure that no one uses the machine during your inspection of the bushings as you can pinch a finger. If you notice that the bushing needs to be replaced, do so as soon as possible.
Suggestions for ball bearings: Lubricate once a year for optimal performance.
UPHOLSTERY:
Make sure that there are no tears in the pads, especially along the edges. Also check the slipcovers in the high wear areas and see if they need replacing.
Suggestions: Prior to calling HOIST in order to obtain replacement pads, make sure that you know the model and serial number, which pad needs replacing, the color of the pad and the correct code number (found in the back of the Service Guide) prior to calling. Make sure to keep the hardware to put on the new pad.
HOIST MAINTENANCE ESSENTIALS
TOOLS TO HAVE ON HAND:
- Open ended combo wrench set (5/16” – 7/8”)
- Ratchet set with 3/8” drive (also get a 3” & 6” extension)
- 6” or 8” crescent wrench
- Set of ball end Allen keys – metric
- Set of ball end Allen keys – standard
- Phillips and flathead screwdriver
- Pair of pliers – large and small
- Needle nose pliers
- Snap ring pliers
- Rubber mallet
CLEANING SUPPLIES TO HAVE ON HAND
- Lint free rags
- Bucket for mild soap and water
- Rubber gloves (for use when cleaning machines/lubricating guide rods)
- Standard Naugahyde Cleaner
- Lubrication for machines (Silicone and PTFE lubricant)