Before you dash out to get a server lift of any kind there are six important points you need to know. Some characteristics that are touted as benefits actually have serious consequences if you don’t know what to look for.
This will be the first of many points to consider:
1. If It’s Not Made For Data Center, Don’t Walk Away – Run!
There are two aspects to consider - one is about suitability for use in data centers and the other relates to code or policy violations. Some data centers cheap out and get a “general purpose warehouse lift.”
Most are poorly designed, not robust and hard to maneuverable in tight aisles. They lack adequate safety features and have no means of extending the load into the rack. It’s like using a screwdriver to chisel wood; looks similar, lower price, easy to get purchase approval - but the result is an epic fail.
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| This Goes At The Top Of Your Server Lift Checklist |
Most are poorly designed, not robust and hard to maneuverable in tight aisles. They lack adequate safety features and have no means of extending the load into the rack. It’s like using a screwdriver to chisel wood; looks similar, lower price, easy to get purchase approval - but the result is an epic fail.
The other concern is for lift systems that use hydraulic fluid or oil in the mechanisms. Sooner or later they leak. It’s that simple. A few drops on the floor are worse than invisible banana peels.
Someone is sure to slip and fall. (Not funny) Oil driven systems are probably a violation of your data center policies which are there for good reason - to protect people and equipment.
Provided courtesy of RackLift
This comment from a prospective RackLift customer. (Name not published to protect his privacy)
ReplyDelete"All 12 servers are racked, we did it caveman style - 4 guys lifting each unit, it took about a month to perform the rack and stack.
What did happen is I found a sympathetic ear and asked what if? What if I blew out my rotator cuff or my knee? They made excuses but I'm hopeful that on the next big job we can add the small price of a RackLift to the order."