Rifton TRAM

The Rifton TRAM is a transfer and mobility device designed for the safety, convenience and dignity of both patient and caregiver. Offering more utility for less cost, the TRAM seamlessly performs seated transfers and raises a patient for standing and supported ambulation.

More than a patient lift system, the Rifton TRAM combines three powerful functions in one device: gait training, sit-to-stand transfers, and seated transfers.

The Benefits

• An ultralight compact frame that’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces
• Intuitive controls and adjustments, making it simple for a single caregiver to operate
• A body support system that eliminates any lifting by the caregiver, reducing back strain and workplace injuries
• 158 kg weight capacity and a powerful battery drive that can deliver over 70 lifts on a single charge
• An optional built-in scale, allowing you to weigh your client while performing a routine transfer

Capable of lifting and transferring patients of varying abilities and body types, the TRAM features an innovative, patent-pending, support system that secures the patient with a simple buckle. This enables the caregiver to quickly prepare the patient for a safe transfer.

At just over 32 kg, the TRAM’s compact, ultralight frame is maneuverable in small or confined areas, as well as simple to transport or store. Quickly adoptable by multiple caregivers, the TRAM’s intelligent engineering significantly reduces back strain and stress – providing a smarter and safer environment for workers.

We have purchased five Rifton TRAMs that are being used at our three program sites. Now for the first time we can say we are a ‘no lift’ program. We have about 65 employees serving over 200 clients with a wide variety of physical disabilities, but we have not had a single injury since we started using the TRAM and we have saved our company almost $100,000 this year in workers’ comp premiums.”

Sarah Ming, CST
Elk Grove Adult Community Training, CA

Body support system

Rifton’s TRAM features an innovative support system that secures the patient with a simple buckle. This simplicity enables the caregiver to prepare the patient quickly for a safe transfer. Unlike other patient transfer devices, the TRAM has no slings and requires little or no preparation to transfer clients.

Optional scale

The TRAM’s optional scale allows the caregiver to weigh a patient easily during transfer, as well as measure weight-bearing capability and progress, during supported ambulation.

Note: Purchasers must decide on the scale option at the time of purchase.

Built-in up & down switch

Raise and lower the TRAM using the single button built into the right steering handle. When the TRAM is being used as a sit to stand device, the caregiver can pull back on the handle to help raise the patient.

Three stage riser

The carefully engineered, telescoping lift column gives the TRAM its low profile providing patients in the transfer device with the security and dignity of unobstructed eye contact with their caregivers and surroundings. The TRAM can be raised high enough to support a 6’4″ walking client and then retract down to 43.5″ for compact storage.

Expanding legs

Compact and low-profile, the TRAM can pass through a 28″ doorway with ease. Transfer in and out of the new, wider wheelchairs by rotating the leg expander. Lockable front casters make the TRAM a mobile, yet secure piece of patient transfer equipment.

Color-coded clips

Caregivers can quickly hook the metal rings into one of the TRAM’s four color-coded clips. The clips have been color-coded for positive identification in written protocols.

Low-base option

With a 3″ caster and lower frame base, the low-base TRAM does everything the standard Rifton TRAM does, plus it slides under beds with as low as 4.25″ clearance. This option was designed for care environments where hospital bed floor clearance would hinder use of the standard TRAM.

Each Rifton TRAM accessory is designed for optimal performance during a medical transfer or in early mobilization of your clients.

Scale

The TRAM’s optional scale allows the caregiver to weigh a patient easily during a routine transfer, eliminating that special transfer just for the purpose of weighing. In addition to providing medical transfers, the TRAM with scale, during supported ambulation, can measure how much weight the client is bearing, allowing the caregiver to measure and track weight-bearing capability and progress. More than just a disability scale or transfer scale, the TRAM with the optional scale becomes an extremely valuable piece of equipment.

Note: The scale must be included in the original purchase. It cannot be added later.

Forearm supports

Forearm supports are used to give extra lifting support for clients who have low tone or for clients who need their arms secured. The supports allow adjustments in every direction and angle to accommodate numerous positioning requirements. Forearm supports would also be an appropriate accessory if the TRAM is going to be used as part of ICU physical therapy after a stroke.

Forearm support dimensions:
Padded surface area: small: 4½” x 7″ large: 5″ x 8½”
Range of adjustment (elbow to fist):
small: 8″–12½” large: 10½”–16″

Walking saddle

The walking saddle, available in three sizes, is used for sit-to-stand transfers and supported ambulation. Quickly hook up the walking saddle by attaching the rings to the color-coded clips. Note that the walking saddle may fit the patient best when the straps are crossed as shown in the photo. As well as providing support for ambulation, the walking saddle makes the TRAM an excellent device to provide early mobility in the ICU and for ICU physical therapy after a stroke.

Additional battery

An additional battery may be needed in settings where frequent medical transfers are being made each day. A fully charged battery should deliver approximately 70 complete lift cycles depending on user weight.

Additional thigh straps

Thigh straps are used to make seated transfers. Choose either narrow (5″) or wide (7″), depending on the needs of your client. Additional straps can be purchased for individual clients. Made of water-resistant nylon, the straps can be quickly attached to the TRAM’s color-coded clips.

Directional locks

Directional locks for the casters make it possible to roll the TRAM straight down the hall without drifting laterally. The locks can be inserted into any or all of the four casters, although two should be sufficient to ensure a straight path. With the lock released the casters are free to swivel, allowing for maneuvers in tight spaces. If the TRAM is going to be used for early mobilization in the ICU, directional locks would be advisable.

Item Dimensions

• Overall product length: 115.5cm
• Overall product width: 70cm – 102cm
• Overall product height: 110.5cm – 147.5
• TRAM weight: 30.75kg
• Turning diameter: 127cm
• Floor to top of base leg for furniture clearance: 17cm (or 11cm for low-base TRAM)
• Minimum user armpit height (when standing or ambulating): 77.5cm
• Maximum user height (when standing or ambulating): 193cm
• Maximum working load (lbs): 158kg

Technical Specifications

• Lifting speed: 3.8cm/sec with no load
• Batteries: 12V, 2.9 Ah valve-regulated lead-acid gel-type batteries. (Replacement batteries available from Rifton.)
• Battery charger: Wall-mounted charger, 100 – 240 V AC, max 650 mA
• Motor: 24V, 6A, permanent magnet motor
• Emergency lowering: Electrical
• Wheels: Front: 100mm dual with brake; Rear: 100mm dual
• Motor duty cycle: Two minutes continuous use followed by 18 minutes idle