In this post we will cover the Flow X stairlift removal using a couple of case studies we have carried out in the UK. With the Flow X stairlift, the stairlift program must be overridden from engineering mode, otherwise, it won’t drive off the rail. The program that tells the stairlift where to stop will kick in, preventing it from driving off the rail – even when all physical stops have been removed from the rail-end.
On most Flow X stairlift removals, we will drive the stairlift off the top end of the rail. However, this depends on the rail setup. In certain cases, we have taken it off from a rail section, or even the bottom.
We buy Flow X and Flow 2a stairlifts for reconditioning! Please call us for a price and visit our sell your stairlift page.
Call 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page here.
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Flow X Stairlift Removal – First Step
The first step for removal of the Flow X stairlift is power. Without power you cannot drive the stairlift. So make sure the batteries are charged. If the stairlift hasn’t been plugged in for a while, make sure it is plugged in and charging. If the batteries won’t take any charge after several hours of charging, it’s likely you’ll need new batteries in order to remove it.
We always recommend getting a professional for this type of stairlift removal in particular. We use Flow X and Flow 2 a models for reconditioning, so will offer top prices for second hand models. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438 or leave a message on our contact page.
Driving The Stairlift Off The Rail
This is a video showing the removal of a Flow 2a – the previous model to the Flow X, but very similar. As you can see in the video, the stairlift is removed from the rail bottom, due to the straight configuration “run on”.
With the Flow 2 (shown in the video) there is a physical dial which is used to place the unit in engineering mode. This is different on the Flow X – there is a button instead of the dial. Once in engineering mode, the unit can be driven off the end of the rail.
Dismantling The Rail
Once the unit is off the rail, the rail can be dismantled like most other stairlifts. Here’s a video showing the rail sections being dismantled. In certain cases, the rail is dismantled and then the stairlift is driven off the open rail section, as with this one.
The joining pin holds each section together. These must be removed to disconnect them.
Here’s another video showing the rail sections being dismantled.
Once the joining pins are removed, there’s a sleeve inside each join which expand to hold the rail sections in place. These need to be loosened before the rail sections can come apart. Find the holes at each section with four slots for an Allan key. Unscrew the bolts which release the sleeve and allow the sections to be parted.
Unscrew The Feet
With the pins out and the sleeves released, the rail sections should part. Now you should just have the rail feet holding the rail together, so they can now be unscrewed. Leave a section in place (screwed down) to give you some traction for pulling the rail sections apart if necessary.
Summary
So that’s the Flow X stairlift removal! Here’s a quick recap of the order of removal:
- Check the stairlift is powered and remove stairlift from the rail
- Remove pins holding each section together (pin punch + hammer)
- Release the sleeves from inside the rail join (Allen key)
- Unscrew the feet
- Part the rails and remove
See also our stairlift removal videos on our YouTube channel here.