We never us our customers as our beta testers. Prior to selecting mechanical and electrical components, we do intensive research. This is done with in-house testing of the product, field observation of the product in use and by contacting others that have experience using the product.
While all things mechanical with fail in time due to use and wear/tear, we can almost tell you when it will happen. We keep working “test beds” of all the units that we offer in our manufacturing facility. They have all been run hundreds of hours, and in the case of motors, thousands, to establish failure time estimates. The majority of our clients will never see these failures as their units will never reach the number of hours of use.
Another thing that we do is consciously abusing the test beds. We try to break them or make them fail for the learning experience. We take this knowledge to the field should there be a problem where we will know the likely cause of the problem.
Beyond the aluminum and stainless components, we have compared anywhere from three up to five different products before selecting the motors, gearboxes, motor controls, rollers hinges, latches, etc. that we use. Since the majority of cargo lifts are installed outside with no protection from the elements, they were not only selected for reliability, but for their longevity of withstanding the elements. Rain and wind are two of the elements, but being able to withstand UV rays is just as important. We take that seriously right down to the type cable ties that we use.
We stand behind our products by providing you with a 5 year limited warranty on the structural and mechanical components of the cargo lift. The manufacture of the electrical components offers a 1 year warranty on their products.