Using the tools

John Weights, national service manager of the Skylift Division of Nationwide Access in the UK, looks after 200-odd truck-mounts. He told AI that, sometimes his "engineers don't understand why there are fancy computers between the levers and the rising platform", but electronics are necessary to provide the functionally and safety features needed today.

Mr Weights welcomes the electronic tools that "...help us diagnose quicker, to be able to give the customer the decision [about return of disabled platform to operation]. It's a natural progression". He says his "...engineers have to learn different skills, which is always a good thing."

"As long as manufacturers get it right and build durable systems, and where there is electronics, the boxes are sealed to protect these clever and smart systems, we don't have a problem."

Mr Weights sees computer control systems becoming more sophisticated; "One day, you'll have a plug-in box that controls the entire machine. If there is a problem, you will plug into the box and the machine will diagnose or recalibrate itself."