Aerial Work Platform FAQ

FAQ — Aerial Work Platform Buying, Shipping & Support Questions | Chenlift

Support · FAQ

Answers before you ask — questions Chenlift buyers raise most.

Everything we’ve been asked in 20+ years of exporting aerial work platforms to 80+ countries — MOQ, certification, lead time, OEM, shipping, payment, warranty, product comparison — answered clearly, without the sales fluff.

80+ Export Countries
7–35 days Standard Lead Time
24 hrs Response Time
MOQ 1 Standard Models
01

Ordering & minimum order quantity

3 questions
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Chenlift aerial work platforms?

Chenlift accepts orders from 1 unit for all standard models — scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, boom lifts, loading dock equipment and lift tables. There is no minimum quantity for stock models.

For OEM or fully customised orders a small MOQ may apply depending on the level of customisation:

  • Colour, branding, nameplate changes: Please contact our sales staff.
  • Power-system changes (e.g. AC/DC/oil-free switch/Manual Operated): Please contact our sales staff.
  • Structural dimension changes: Please contact our sales staff.

The exact MOQ is confirmed in the written quotation before you place a deposit.

How do I request a quotation from Chenlift?

The fastest way is WhatsApp (+86-13951119762) — our sales team typically responds within a few hours during Chinese business hours (GMT+8). You can also email sales@chinaliftplatform.com or use the contact form on our website.

For an accurate quotation we need to know:

  • Model or specification: working height, load capacity, power type, indoor/outdoor use
  • Quantity
  • Preferred Incoterm — different terms need different information:
    • EXW / FOB: destination country (for certification only)
    • CFR / CIF: destination port
    • DAP / DDP / DDU: full destination address (street, city, postcode) so inland freight and duties can be calculated accurately
  • Any customisation or branding requirements
  • Target delivery timing
Why Incoterm matters early: freight and any import duties are only part of the picture — certification documentation (CE, SABER, NR-12, ANSI A92, etc.) depends on the destination country and must be budgeted into the quote from day one.

A formal PDF quotation is usually issued within 24 hours.

Can I order a sample before placing a bulk order?

Yes. Single-unit sample orders are welcome for standard models and can ship within 7–30 days depending on stock. For OEM/branded orders, a pre-production sample can be built for your inspection and approval — usually within 25–35 days — before full production begins. Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV) of the sample is fully supported.

02

Certification, compliance & quality control

4 questions
Are Chenlift products CE certified? Do you comply with the EU Machinery Directive?

Chenlift is currently in a certificate renewal transition period. Some product lines hold a valid CE certificate under EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; others have had prior certificates expire and new certificates are actively in application. Please request the current certificate status for the specific model you are purchasing — our sales team will confirm which models carry a valid CE DoC at the time of quotation.

In addition to CE, Chenlift holds:

  • ISO 9001 — quality management system certification
  • IPAF membership — International Powered Access Federation
  • Product-specific test certificates (load test, electrical safety, stability) — available per model on request
EU Machinery Regulation update: The new (EU) 2023/1230 Machinery Regulation becomes fully applicable on 14 January 2027, replacing the current Directive. Our certification renewal programme is aligned with this timeline.
How does Chenlift handle quality control during production?

We follow strict quality control procedures at every stage of production. Our factory holds ISO 9001 certification, which governs the full process from raw material intake through to final shipment.

The QC process covers three stages:

  • Incoming inspection: all raw materials and bought-in components (steel plate, hydraulic parts, electrical components) are checked against specification before entering production.
  • In-process inspection: quality checks at key milestones — welding, machining, assembly and painting — to catch issues before they compound.
  • Pre-shipment testing: every finished machine is individually tested for structural integrity, hydraulic performance, electrical safety and rated-load function before it leaves the factory. A QC report is issued with every shipment.

Third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, Intertek or your own nominated inspector is fully supported — arrange this at order placement so the production schedule can accommodate the inspection date.

Do Chenlift machines meet OSHA / ANSI A92 standards for the US market?

Chenlift machines are primarily designed to CE / EU Machinery Directive standards. For US-market orders, we can supply machines configured to ANSI A92.20 / A92.22 / A92.24 requirements — the standards that replaced the previous ANSI A92.6 / A92.5 / A92.3 series.

This affects:

  • Load-sense systems and overload detection
  • Tilt/stability sensors with automatic lockout
  • Platform rail heights and entry-gate configuration
  • Decal language, placement and warning symbols
  • Operator manual content and format

Please specify ANSI A92 compliance at the quotation stage — it affects both the bill of materials and the documentation, so it cannot be added after production has started.

Is third-party pre-shipment inspection supported?

Yes — fully supported. We regularly work with SGS, Bureau Veritas (BV), TÜV, Intertek and your own nominated inspectors. Arrange inspection at order placement so the production schedule can accommodate the inspection date.

Every Chenlift machine also receives 100% in-house pre-shipment inspection as standard — structural, functional, electrical, hydraulic and safety checks — documented in a QC report sent with the shipment.

03

OEM & customisation

2 questions
Does Chenlift offer OEM and customisation services?

Yes. Chenlift provides full OEM and customisation services. Typical customisation categories:

Customisation categories & typical lead-time impact
Category Examples Lead-time impact
Branding Logo, colour, nameplate, decals, operator-manual cover +0–5 days
Platform Dimensions, load capacity, rail height, entry gate +10–20 days
Power system AC / DC battery / oil-free electric / diesel / hybrid +10–15 days
Controls Language of controls, proportional joystick, remote +7–10 days
Attachments Tool trays, pipe racks, rough-terrain wheels, outriggers +15–25 days

Engineering drawings are produced for your approval before production, and pre-production samples can be built for third-party inspection.

Can Chenlift manufacture under my own brand for distributor sales?

Yes. Full private-label / OEM manufacturing is available. We supply:

  • Machines with your logo, colour scheme and nameplate
  • Operator manuals and parts manuals in your branding (English and/or your local language)
  • Packaging with your branding
  • CE Declaration of Conformity in your company name (where you are the EU importer / authorised representative)
  • Technical File support for your regulatory submissions

An OEM agreement covers NDA, territory, pricing tiers and annual volume commitments. Contact our sales team to discuss.

04

Shipping, lead time & payment

3 questions
What is the typical lead time for a Chenlift order?
Typical lead times by order type
Order type Lead time Notes
MX Series scissor lifts — stock models 13–18 days Ex-factory 10–15 days + transit to port; subject to stock availability
Other standard models, in stock 7–15 days Subject to availability at time of order
Standard models, made-to-order 25–35 days Varies by model and production schedule
OEM / customised orders 45–60 days Depends on customisation complexity
Large-volume orders (20+ units) 60–90 days Confirmed in the sales contract

Lead times are counted from the date of deposit receipt and confirmed specification, not from order inquiry. The exact lead time is always written in the quotation.

How are Chenlift machines packaged and shipped internationally?

Two packing options are available:

  • Nude-packed on pallets (standard — included): plastic film wrap and steel strapping. This is our default packing for all shipments — safe for container transport and optimised for container fill. No extra charge.
  • Wooden export cases (on request — additional cost): ISPM-15 compliant fumigated wood. Available for markets with stricter import requirements (e.g. Australia), single-machine shipments requiring extra protection, or at the buyer’s preference.

We ship from Shanghai Port, approximately 1.5 hours from our Suzhou factory.

Incoterms available: EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP, DDU. We work with established freight forwarders and can also use your nominated forwarder.

Need a CIF or DDP quote? For CFR / CIF we need the destination port; for DAP / DDP / DDU we need the full destination address so that inland freight and any duties/taxes can be calculated accurately.
What payment terms does Chenlift accept?

Standard terms:

  • T/T (telegraphic transfer): 30% deposit with order, 70% balance against copy of Bill of Lading before shipment
  • L/C at sight: accepted for orders above USD 50,000
  • Western Union, PayPal: accepted for sample orders and small balance payments

For returning customers and large projects, extended terms such as D/P or 60-day L/C can be discussed case by case.

Accepted currencies: USD, EUR, RMB. Bank details are provided on the official invoice — always verify bank information by WhatsApp or phone before transferring funds.

05

Warranty, parts & after-sales

3 questions
What warranty does Chenlift provide, and how long is the guarantee period?

12-month warranty from the date of shipment, covering manufacturing defects in:

  • Structural components (chassis, scissor arms, mast, boom)
  • Hydraulic systems (pumps, cylinders, valves, manifold)
  • Electrical systems (controllers, motors, contactors, harnesses)
  • Drive systems (gearboxes, wheel motors, brakes)

For critical components such as the hydraulic system and control units, we offer extended support and assistance beyond the standard warranty period to ensure uninterrupted performance — contact our sales team to discuss your project’s requirements.

Wear parts (hoses, seals, tyres, batteries) are covered for 3–6 months depending on the component. During the warranty period, defective parts are replaced free of charge and dispatched within 7 days via express courier.

An extended warranty of up to 24 months is available on request for high-volume buyers and strategic projects.

What spare parts can Chenlift supply?

We supply a full range of spare parts to support our products, including:

  • Hydraulic cylinders, pumps and valves
  • Seals and hose assemblies
  • Control panels and electronic controllers
  • Safety valves and limit switches
  • Drive wheels and non-marking tyres
  • Batteries and chargers
  • Structural pins, bearings and wear parts

Common parts are kept in stock at the Suzhou factory and can be dispatched worldwide within 7 days via DHL, FedEx or UPS express. A spare parts list with part numbers and images is provided with every machine, making it straightforward to identify and order the exact component you need.

What after-sales technical support is available?

Technical support channels:

  • Email: sales@chinaliftplatform.com — 24-hour response SLA
  • WhatsApp: +86-13951119762 — typically a few hours during business hours (GMT+8)
  • Video call: live troubleshooting support in English and Chinese
  • On-site support: engineer dispatch for major projects (at cost)

Operation manuals, maintenance manuals and wiring diagrams are provided in English as standard. Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic and other languages are available on request.

06

Product selection & technology

3 questions
What is the difference between a scissor lift and a vertical mast lift?

Both lift vertically, but they are built for different jobs:

Scissor lift vs vertical mast lift at a glance
Feature Scissor lift Vertical mast lift
Mechanism Criss-cross pantograph Telescoping mast sections
Platform size Large deck (1.1–2.5 m²) Compact (0.4–0.6 m²)
Load capacity 230–1000 kg 125–300 kg
Platform height 3–16 m 6–22 m
Footprint Larger — needs wider aisles Compact — fits standard doorways
Typical use Factory maintenance, construction, warehouse racking Narrow-aisle warehouses, supermarkets, cleanrooms, airports

Rule of thumb: choose a scissor lift for deck space and load, choose a mast lift for narrow-aisle access and compact storage.

Which aerial work platform is best for warehouse maintenance?

It depends on the task and the space:

  • General maintenance (racking, lighting, HVAC, sprinklers up to 12 m): compact self-propelled scissor lift — our MX Series. Offers deck space for two operators and tools.
  • Narrow-aisle work between high racks (aisle width under 1.2 m): vertical mast lift — our MD Series (oil-free electric) or MG Series (aluminum mast). Compact footprint, fits standard doorways.
  • Order picking from shelves: purpose-built order picker — our MOP-II Series / FSEP. Different ergonomics for repeated stock picking tasks.
  • Cleanroom, food or pharmaceutical environments: oil-free electric drive (MD Series) — no hydraulic oil leaks.

The right choice depends on aisle width, platform height needed, load requirement and whether the floor is reinforced concrete or standard. Share your floor plan and ceiling height with our sales team for a precise recommendation.

What is the oil-free electric drive system and why does it matter?

Our MD Series vertical mast lifts use a fully electric drive system with no hydraulic oil. Lifting and drive functions are powered by electric motors and mechanical transmission rather than hydraulic cylinders.

Measurable benefits over traditional hydraulic mast lifts:

  • Zero hydraulic oil leaks — critical for food factories, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical plants, electronics assembly
  • 30% lower energy consumption — smaller battery, longer runtime per charge
  • 95% transmission efficiency — vs ~75–80% for hydraulic
  • Quieter operation — no pump noise
  • Significantly lower maintenance cost over the machine’s lifetime — no oil, filters, seals or hose replacement

This is why European indoor operators — supermarkets, distribution warehouses, airports, cleanroom environments — increasingly choose oil-free electric over traditional hydraulic mast lifts.

07

Regional certification & documentation

1 question
Can Chenlift machines be registered with SABER (Saudi Arabia) and other regional conformity programmes?

Yes — we support conformity documentation for all our major export markets:

Regional conformity programmes supported by Chenlift
Market Programme What we provide
European Union CE / EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC CE mark, Declaration of Conformity, Technical File (where valid certificate exists — see certification FAQ)
Saudi Arabia SABER / SASO Certificate of Conformity Technical file, test reports and invoicing in the format required by the Saber electronic platform
United Arab Emirates ECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme) Technical file and test reports for the ESMA registration process
Brazil NR-12 machinery safety Machines built to NR-12 requirements; Portuguese operator/maintenance manual
India BIS-related documentation (where required) Test reports and factory documentation as needed
United States ANSI A92.20 / A92.22 / A92.24 Machines configured to ANSI spec; English manuals and decals
South Korea KC Mark (Korean Certification) Test reports and technical documentation for KC registration; Korean-language product labelling
Russia / EAC Zone EAC — TR CU 010/2011 Machinery Safety Technical file, test reports and EAC Declaration of Conformity; covers Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan

Specify regional conformity at the quotation stage. It affects both the bill of materials (sensors, decals, manuals) and the documentation timeline — both need to be budgeted into the quote.

Didn’t find your question? Our sales team replies within 24 hours — in English or Chinese — with specifications, pricing and lead time.

Ask our team

Ready to move forward?

Talk to an engineer, not a call-centre.

Share your working-height, load and environment requirements — we’ll come back within 24 hours with model recommendations, full specifications, indicative pricing and lead time. No form-fill gauntlet.

To provide you with the most accurate information, we may update and adjust this FAQ from time to time. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can stay up to date with the latest changes.