Skyjack machines help restore history at Railway Museum

Linamar Corporation’s Skyjack division is helping Toronto Railway Museum restore and maintain historic railway vehicles as well as general facility maintenance. “We have been open for six years and restoration is an ongoing activity as there is a good amount of work that needs to be done,” said Michael Guy, chief engineer at the Toronto-based museum. “We want to be safe when performing these tasks, and the SJIII 3219 allows us to do just that since it replaces scaffolding and ladders.”

The museum’s mission is to tell the story of railways in and around Toronto and a significant amount of the conservation efforts on the historic trains – many of which are more than 50 years old – takes place above ten feet on the roof. The museum needed a machine that could be easily maneuvered around the large displayed items while also helping with facility maintenance on light fixtures and fans, which are all above 20 feet – and the SJIII 3219 electric scissor lift was perfect for the job.

With a working height of 25 ft. (7.62 m), the SJIII 3219 is drivable at full height and has maximum platform capacity of 550 lbs (249 kg). The lift offers 90 degree steering and zero inside turning radius, making it easy to navigate tight spaces. With a 26 in. by 64 in. (0.66 m x 1.63 m) platform, the lift can accommodate two people and uses 24V DC power source.

Safer at height

One of the latest restoration projects the Toronto Railway Museum worked on included restoring Ca-nadian National No. 6213, a steam locomotive made in 1942 that was owned by the Canadian National Railway. The steel checker plate on the locomotive was corroded and needed to be replaced. The train currently sits off the ground by quite a distance, making the SJIII 3219 ideal because it could reach the height needed while fitting into the narrow space between the steam locomotive and a wall.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better piece of equipment to help us do this type of work,” Guy said. “You get on the machine and it is going to get the job done. It’s a very well-engineered tool that allows work to get done at a very elevated height.” Since 2010, Toronto Railway Museum has welcomed well over 60,000 visitors annually. The museum relies on volunteers to help with railway upkeep and conservation efforts.

“Volunteers come in every week to help with the restoration and maintenance needed,” Guy said. “When a vehicle is finished another one gets started on. It’s definitely an ongoing project.”

Partners in charity

Battlefield Equipment Rental, a Canadian owned and operated rental company with a network of 40 locations throughout Ontario, Manitoba and Newfoundland, supplied the SJIII 3219 to the Toronto Railway Museum.

“Skyjack is one of our largest suppliers for aerial equipment, we have many of their electric scissor lifts in our rental fleet,” said Brad Zanini, GTA rental sales manager of Battlefield Equipment Rental. “We wanted to help with this project because we knew we would be able to provide the best Skyjack machine for the Toronto Railway Museum to continue its restoration efforts.”

Skyjack and Battlefield Equipment Rental secured the best possible pricing and helped Toronto Railway Museum purchase the SJIII 3219. “We are delighted that the Toronto Railway Museum has found Skyjack’s SJIII 3219 beneficial,” said Matt Rahn, territory manager for Skyjack. “It was our goal to be able to provide the best machine for their needs.”