Abstract: The present invention is an improved wheeled, light-weight lift which meets standards for airline ground support vertical lift devices, specifically being capable of use on airport tarmacs in winds up to 90 mph. On and off-loading ramps are provided which are rotatable between an upright stored position and a horizontal working position. The ramps comprise a bridge structure supporting a plurality of louvred deck plates. Each louvre is linked to the others so as to remain oriented horizontal regardless of the ramps position for minimizing their aerodynamic profile and overturning moment. Outriggers are extendible from the frame so as to increase its base dimensions and thus the moment needed to overturn the lift. The outriggers retract into the frame to minimize storage. The outriggers are horizontally movable along their longitudinal axis to minimize the deployment space required.

Abstract: A platform is mounted on a frame for vertical movement on the frame. The platform is raised and lowered using a pair of drums mounted for both rotational and translational movement on the frame. Cables on the drums and connected to the platform tend to rotate and translate the drums. The translation is resisted by brake bands wrapped around the drums, which in turn prevent rotation of the drums. For raising and lowering purposes, the drums are equipped with chain sprockets and drive chains that may be driven to rotate the drums about their axes and also to translate the drums in a direction opposite the translation caused by the weight of the platform. This unloads the band brakes and allows the platform to move.