The Drehleiter-Trainer is a detailed model of a fire department aerial ladder at a scale of 1:18.
The model serves for demonstration, education and training purposes and allows for the manual adjustment of various components of the aerial ladder.
The aerial ladder trainer is solely for the illustrative demonstration and simulation of tactical procedures within the context of training and further education. It is not designed for supporting or lifting actual loads. In particular, the ladder assembly and the ladder basket must not be used for bracing, carrying, or lifting objects.
The model simplifies selected functions of a real aerial ladder. The depicted movement possibilities, reach, and load-bearing capacities are not directly transferable to real aerial rescue vehicles.
The model has movable and lockable elements, including:
- extendable supports
- extendable ladder set
- movable ladder basket
- tiltable joint of the ladder assembly
- manually lockable adjustment elements
The adjustment is made via manual rotary knobs and locking levers.
Safety and usage instructions
Caution – Risk of injury and damage
Improper use can lead to injuries or damage. Therefore, please be sure to observe the following instructions:
- This model is not a toy and Not suitable for small children suitable.
- Never drop the model.
- When adjusting moving components, ensure sufficient clearance to joints, guides and potential pinch points.
- Do not move any components by force.
- Always check that the respective lock has been released before adjusting.
- Do not loosen any tightly screwed fasteners without using a rotary knob.
- The model may only be used on stable and level surfaces.
- Check the model for visible damage, loose components and properly functioning locking mechanisms before each use.
- If any damage or malfunctioning components are visible, the model must not be used until the cause has been determined.
- Adjust moving components slowly and carefully. Pay particular attention to potential pinch and jam points.
- Always secure the ladder assembly with one hand when adjusting it to avoid uncontrolled movements.
- Do not lift or carry the model by the ladder assembly, ladder basket, or other movable attachments.
- Do not attach any additional weights or other loads to the ladder assembly or ladder basket.
- Use the model exclusively within the design-intended range of motion.
- This model must not be used as a toy. Children may only use it under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.
- Do not use the model on elevated or unstable surfaces from which it could fall.
Care and storage
To avoid material damage, please observe the following instructions:
- Do not expose to direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Protect from heat.
- Store in a dry place.
- Protect from moisture and dirt.
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents.
- Clean only with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Do not store in heated vehicles or other locations with high temperatures. Exposure to heat can cause permanent deformation of plastic components.
- Before transport, fully retract all moving elements and secure them against unintentional adjustment.
- Ensure adequate padding and securing against slipping during transport. We recommend using the provided transport box.
- Do not place under heavy objects or store under other objects.
- Do not apply any lubricants, solvents or other chemical substances unless expressly approved by the manufacturer.
Instructions for improper use
The aerial ladder trainer was developed for its intended use as a training and demonstration model.
The aerial ladder trainer was developed for its intended use as a training and demonstration model.
Improper use can lead to damage to the model and injuries. This includes, in particular:
- forcibly adjusting or overtightening moving components
- Operation despite closed locks
- unauthorized alterations or modifications
- Loosening or removing permanently mounted fasteners
- Overloading of ladder assembly, ladder basket or supports
- improper transport or unsuitable storage
- Use outside the intended purpose
Damage caused by improper use may be excluded from statutory warranty claims, provided the legal requirements for this are met.
The buyer's statutory rights remain unaffected.
Operating the rotary knobs
Manual rotary knobs are located at several points on the model.
(in red or grey).
These are used for:
- Fixing movable elements
- Releasing movable elements
To adjust: Loosen the rotary knob slightly.
To fix: Position the element as desired and carefully tighten the rotary knob.
Important:
- Tighten knobs by hand only.
- Do not use any tools.
- Don't overdo it.
When loosening the knobs, care must be taken not to unscrew them completely. The knobs are solely for securing the intended movable components.
If a component cannot be moved despite the rotary knob being loosened, no additional force should be applied. Instead, check whether there are further locking mechanisms or whether the component is jammed.
Use of the supports
The four side supports can be extended horizontally and then adjusted vertically.
Procedure
- Carefully pull the horizontal support element outwards.
- Slightly loosen the rotary knob of the respective support.
- Adjust the support leg to the desired height.
- Tighten the rotary knob again by hand.
- Repeat the process on the remaining supports.
DangerThe horizontally extendable support elements have no fixed safety.
Please note:
- Work carefully and secure the vehicle during removal or transport.
- Do not pull out support elements abruptly or with force.
- Before adjusting the ladder assembly, check that the model is stable and level.
- The supports serve solely to illustrate the support structure on the model and must not be used to bear additional loads.
Extend ladder
The ladder assembly can be extended manually.
For this purpose, there are grey locking levers at the lower ends of each ladder section. Grip points for extending and retracting the ladder are located at the ends of the side sections of the ladder sections.
ImportantAlways release the locking lever before moving the unit. Moving it with the lever locked can cause damage.
Procedure
- Release the locking lever.
- Carefully pull out the ladder elements.
- Set the desired position.
- Reattach the lever.
Important note regarding the locking mechanism
When fixing the lever, the recess on its underside must engage cleanly with a ladder rung. Only then is a secure fix guaranteed.
Important instructions:
- Stabilize the ladder assembly with your other hand when extending and retracting it.
- Do not move the ladder elements beyond their intended extension range.
- Before any movement, ensure that the corresponding lock is fully released.
- After adjusting, check that the locking lever engages properly in the intended ladder rung.
- If increased resistance is encountered, stop the extraction immediately and check the cause.
Forcibly moving the ladder elements can permanently damage the guides, locks and other components.
ladder basket and joint
The ladder basket and the joint of the ladder assembly are movable.
Procedure
- Loosen the associated rotary knob.
- Carefully change position.
- Reattach the rotary knob.
Danger
- Perform movements slowly and in a controlled manner.
- Do not use violence.
- Do not move joints beyond their intended range of motion.
- Always secure the ladder basket and the joint with one hand during adjustment.
- Loosen the knobs sufficiently before adjusting them, but do not unscrew them completely.
- Perform movements slowly, paying attention to possible pinch points.
- After adjusting the desired position, tighten the corresponding knobs by hand.
- Do not attach any objects or additional weights to the ladder basket unless they are expressly provided as accessories for the model.
- When using basket attachments, only use the designated attachment points.
Rotation of the ladder assembly
The ladder assembly can be manually rotated in the desired direction using the aerial ladder.
Procedure:
- Ensure that the model is stable and level.
- Check that the ladder assembly can move freely and that there are no obstacles in the turning area.
- Slowly and carefully rotate the ladder assembly in the desired direction.
- Ensure that the ladder assembly and ladder basket do not collide with other components or objects.
Important instructions:
- Do not rotate the ladder assembly abruptly.
- Do not use force if the bogie is difficult to move.
- Ensure sufficient clearance for the ladder assembly and ladder basket.
- Secure the model against unintentional slippage during the rotation movement.
After use and transport
After the exercise is completed, the aerial ladder trainer must be prepared for transport or storage.
The following points should be noted:
- Carefully retract the ladder assembly completely and close the locks.
- Place the ladder basket and joint into the intended transport position.
- Turn the bogie into the transport position.
- Retract the supports completely.
- Check that all moving parts are adequately secured.
- Carefully lift the model and protect it against slipping and impacts during transport.
Important: Never lift the model by the ladder, ladder basket, or supports. We recommend using the designated transport container. Transport box.
