Everything You Need to Know About Wheelchair Loaders

Descriptions

If you or a loved one use a wheelchair, you know how important it is to have a reliable and safe way to transport it. That’s where wheelchair loaders come in – they allow you to easily load and unload your wheelchair into a vehicle, making transportation much more accessible and convenient. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about wheelchair loaders, including which brands and models are the most reliable, and what to look for when choosing a wheelchair loader for your vehicle.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that all wheelchair loaders have a safe working load (SWL) of 350kg. For special applications, a Bariatric model is available with a 500kg SWL. This means that no matter which brand or model you choose, you can trust that it will be able to safely handle your wheelchair.

At Auto Extras, we’ve installed many wheelchair loaders over the past 15 years, and we’ve concluded that the Braun Wheelchair Loaders are the most reliable and hassle-free brand on the market. They come with an excellent warranty of 5 years, and have great service and spare parts back-up to boot.

When it comes to choosing a model, there are three main types of Braun Wheelchair Loaders to choose from:

1. The Solid Wheelchair Platform: This model is suitable for large community transport organization vans. They are robust and durable, making them perfect for high-use environments.

2. The Vertical Split Wheelchair Platform: These are ideal for Toyota commuter buses. As the platform travels into the van, it opens up, allowing access past the hoist into the wheelchair area. This makes it very easy to secure the wheelchair just in front of the hoist.

3. The Horizontal Split Wheelchair Platform: These are most suited for smaller vans with lower entry through the tailgate, such as the VW Multivan or Hyundai iMax. When the platform travels up to the home position, it telescopes down to stow into the opening. When the platform is in the horizontal loading position, there is a 1300mm long area for easier operation.

No matter which model you choose, Auto Extras offers a 5-year warranty on all wheelchair loaders we install, which is maintained by a scheduled service program. Each loader has a service log that is filled out at each service, and a 65 Point Safety Report is left with the owner. This ensures that our 5-year warranty remains current.

After installation, the van is checked over by an engineer and approved. This means that the modification made to your vehicle is legal and meets Australian standards.

In conclusion, wheelchair loaders are a crucial component for those who use wheelchairs, and choosing the right brand and model is important to ensure safety and reliability. At Auto Extras, we recommend the Braun Wheelchair Loaders for their excellent warranty and service, and offer a variety of models to suit different needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about wheelchair loaders or need assistance with funding options, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. You can also check out these product pages for more details or to submit an enquiry!