Oxford Dipper Manual Pool Hoist with Spreader Bar (Stainless Steel Version)

Please be aware, this is the new Oxford Dipper Model made out of Stainless Steel. This is replacing the original Oxford Dipper and will come with a 10 year life span instead of 7 years. It is available now.

AAL LTD are accredited suppliers, installers and service providers for the Oxford Dipper Pool Hoist.  We provide a complete range of lifting & handling products and services to both domestic and trade customers. 

Introduction

Stephen Pritchard, Managing Director of AAL LTD is a full-time wheelchair user and is driven to supply a quality service at an affordable price. The Oxford Dipper Pool hoist is the most predominant hoist within the UK’s NHS hospitals, Care Centres, Private Residential Homes, Yachting & Sailing Clubs, Quaysides, Therapy &Swimming Pools and Health Centres which has a maximum SWL (Safe Working Load) of 22 Stone (140Kg).

The Dipper uses a hydraulic pump to raise and lower service users and gives the support workers and service users peace of mind as it’s not reliant on electricity.  To operate the hoist, simply pump the hydraulic pump using the handle to raise the user and to release, unscrew the black pump valve to slowly lower the service user.

There are two variations of the Oxford Dipper Pool Hoist, the standard Oxford Dipper with spreader bar and the Oxford Dipper with Ranger seat. Both variations are available with an array of sockets to meet each individual customers specification.

Oxford Dipper Pool hoist with Spreader Bar

The spreader bar version is designed for service users who use a sling with loops to access the pool etc.  The service user will access the pool via a wheelchair and wheel up to the spreader bar.  The support person will fit the sling and once ready, raise the dipper by pumping the arm to a height that will enable the sling to be attached and thus raise the service user off the wheelchair. The user will then be suspended by the supporting sling, this person can then be safely lowered into the pool by unscrewing the black dipper release valve into the pool. 

Can you have both options on one Dipper?

There are two types of Oxford Dipper boom extensions, the 6 point spreader bar and the Ski tube which is compatible with the Oxford Ranger Seat.  The 6 point spreader bar is used with slings, slings with loops, not clips.  The spreader bar is very easy to attached, it takes 2 minutes. 

The Ski Tube connects again, very easy.  This enables the Ranger seat to reverse up to lift, connect and lift with ease within a few minutes.  To demonstrate how easy it is to connect  these attachments, we've created a couple of short videos for your convenience.

How do you connect the Oxford Dipper Spreader Bar?

How do you connect the Oxford Dipper Ski Tube for the Ranger seat?

How is the Dipper fitted to the floor?

The Dipper comes with three (3) options.  Socket A, B and C. The sockets are ergonomically designed to be fit for different materials and finishes enabling the Oxford Dipper to be installed in almost any pool side setting. For more information on the socket fittings, please visit our website here.

Socket A for Oxford Dipper

To fit the socket A, a 1M sq cube of concrete is required as the minimum recommendation.  If already installed, a 91mm hole then needs to be drilled 350mm deep. 

An accredited engineer will then install the sockets interior, casing and socket cap which will then sit flush with the floor.

The Dipper then slots into the socket when in use and once the use has been completed or you wish to store away, simply slide the dipper out of the hole ensuring you have lowered the boom to its lowest point and with the dipper strap, secure the pump tightly to the mast. This will prevent damage to the mast, pump and release valve when transporting the dipper to storage.

After use please ensure the dipper pump is lowered to its lowest possible position, this ensures that the chrome on the hydraulic pump remains oiled and rust free and therefore extending the service life of the hoist. Should the hoist not remain oiled, the chrome will become pitted and this will destroy the internal seals over a long period of time, a new hydraulic dipper pump costs approx. £500.00 exclusive of vat.

Socket B for Oxford Dipper

Socket B is fitted and installed as shown in the picture above, socket B is primarily used in swimming pools which have a water channel around that outlines the perimeter of the pool. Socket B is a replica of socket A with an added base plate which adds additional bracing and support to the Oxford Dipper.

The B socket plate is fixed into place with six 15mm diameter expanding bolts of the rawplug type, for more information please see the socket construction as illustrated above.

As with the A socket, the B socket is slightly below floor level and is fitted with a blanking plug. The blanking plug can be inserted into the hole when the Oxford Dipper is transported away for storage, this leaves a clean flush finish to the pool sides surface, minimising injury and maximising hygiene in the pool area.

Socket C for Oxford Dipper

Socket C is surface mounted and stands proud of the floor by approx. 150mm, this socket is used mainly where there is insufficient depth of concrete for sockets A or B.  

The C socket plate is drilled with four 15mm Rawplug type expanding bolts, the recommended minimum depth of concrete to enable an accredited engineer to install the hoist is 150mm.

Due to the pretruding nature of the socket, socket C adds 150mm to the overall height of the hoist and therefore alters the maximum height of the bottom of the chair to 1039mm and the lowest position of the chair bottom below floor level to 764mm.  For more information, please see the illustration found above.

Servicing, Parts and Maintenance

AAL LTD offers a suite of service and maintenance packages to suit your ue and needs, the following description below is a brief guideline of our services:

A 3.1 service contract plan offers you an annual service inclusive of the required LOLER test and certificate and the appropriate weight testing for three (3) consecutive years.

A 3.2 service contact plan offers you a six (6) monthly inspection, followed by a six (6) monthly service inclusive of the required LOLER test and certificate and the appropriate weight testing for three (3) consecutive years.

As we are an accredited Oxford UK Dealer, we are able to offer you the complete range of spare parts for allOxford products here.  Should you require any advice or assistance then please do not hesitate in calling us on 01772 814555, we are here to help!