The Boeing B737 APU Removal Stand: Precision Access for Critical Maintenance
The dedicated access platform for the Boeing B737 Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides safe, efficient, and precise access for critical inspection, maintenance, and removal procedures. Designed specifically for hangar use, this leading tool ensures technicians can work on the B737’s APU section in the empennage with confidence. Accessing the APU in the tail section safely is paramount for maintaining the B737 fleet. This platform solves the unique challenges of working at height in this confined maintenance zone.
Optimizing Safety and Stability with the B737 APU Removal Stand
Built with a sturdy, high-stability chassis, the platform prioritizes structural integrity and operational flexibility. The construction utilizes durable materials—sturdy steel for the chassis and lightweight aluminum for the platform and stairs—to ensure longevity in demanding aviation environments while remaining easy to maneuver around the congested hangar floor. Easy-action stability jacks are integrated into the high-stability chassis.
These allow technicians to quickly level and secure the platform, eliminating movement and ensuring a rock-solid working base adjacent to the aircraft’s APU compartment.
Facilitating APU Extraction and Replacement
The working platform is placed and sized to align perfectly with the B737’s APU access door, facilitating quick access for inspection procedures. A key functional requirement for the B737 APU Removal Stand is facilitating the lowering and removal of the APU unit itself. To meet this requirement, the center working platform sections are designed to slide apart. This sliding mechanism, often manually operated via a gear drive system, creates an aperture large enough for the APU to be lifted off the aircraft and lowered onto a dedicated transportation cradle positioned below.
This innovative feature is critical for APU replacement, minimizing the risk of damage during the complex removal process. A safety locking system is incorporated, guaranteeing the platform sections remain secure during all other maintenance activities.
Enhanced Safety Features for Technicians
Access to the platform is provided by dedicated stairways, which feature slip-resistant tread steps and a platform floor to maximize user safety, especially where hydraulic fluid or lubricants may be present. Full surrounding guardrails are standard, providing leading fall protection. A vital feature for APU removal is the design of the end guardrails; they are engineered to open or be removed in sections to allow the APU unit to be lifted cleanly off the mountings once the internal platform section has been opened. Some platform variants also offer a specific hatch or opening frame, further streamlining the interaction with the APU bay.
For other maintenance needs on this aircraft, consider our Boeing B737 Wing Dock/Windshield Access Platform.
Precision and Versatility
Furthermore, the B737 APU Removal Stand may incorporate height-adjustable jacks. This feature is crucial for maintaining a precise and level working surface across different B737 aircraft variants or when compensating for slight variations in hangar floor flatness.
The ability to finely tune the platform height ensures the working plane remains parallel to the aircraft structure, improving ergonomic safety and reducing the need for awkward reaching during maintenance tasks on the APU, its mounting, and surrounding systems such as the APU access door.
An Indispensable Tool for the Boeing B737 Fleet
This precision access platform is an indispensable tool for maintaining the operational readiness of the Boeing B737 fleet. Its specific features—including sliding center sections for APU extraction, specialized opening guardrails, ergonomic stair access, and adjustable stability—are all tailored to enhance safety and efficiency during the inspection, maintenance, and removal of the aircraft’s Auxiliary Power Unit.
