The Hoyer Journey is a powered sit-to-stand lift with Hoyer Smart Monitor technology, a rechargeable battery system, adjustable sling attachment cradle, adjustable kneepad, and compact folding design.
Regular charging, inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance help keep the Journey ready for use. This guide covers the battery and charging system, Smart Monitor, actuator, adjustable base, casters, kneepad, sling attachment cradle, and the maintenance checks specified by Joerns.
Hoyer Journey Battery System
The Journey uses a rechargeable battery housed in a removable power pack.
Joerns states that the batteries normally require no routine maintenance other than regular charging and keeping the electrical connections clean.
Keeping the battery properly charged is important because the Journey relies on battery power to operate its lifting system and electronic controls.
When Should You Charge the Journey?
Do not wait until the Journey is completely discharged before charging it.
If the low-battery alarm sounds when the hand control is operated, Joerns instructs that the lift should not be used and the battery should be placed on charge immediately.
Regular charging helps keep the Journey available for the next transfer and can help avoid interruptions caused by a depleted battery.
Battery Care
Good Journey battery practices include:
- Charge the battery regularly.
- Respond promptly to a low-battery warning.
- Keep the battery connections clean.
- Inspect the power pack for visible damage.
- Use the correct compatible Hoyer charging equipment.
- Keep the battery and charging components away from excessive moisture.
- Do not attempt to open or repair the battery pack yourself.
What If the Journey Will Not Lift?
If the Journey does not respond normally, first check basic equipment conditions before assuming that the lifting actuator has failed.
Check:
- Battery charge
- Battery installation
- Emergency stop position
- Hand control connection
- Control box / Smart Monitor connections
- Whether a low-battery warning is present
- Whether the lift is overloaded
If the problem remains after the basic checks, remove the lift from service and have the equipment evaluated by qualified service personnel.
Hoyer Smart Monitor Technology
The Journey includes Hoyer Smart Monitor technology.
Joerns designed the Smart Monitor system to support lift operation, equipment monitoring, and preventive maintenance.
The system provides caregivers and service personnel with useful information about lift operation and service requirements.
Smart Monitor Functions
Depending on the information being displayed, the Smart Monitor can provide information related to:
- Lift usage
- Lift cycles
- Actuator work
- Overload events
- Service intervals
- Battery condition
Smart Monitor information does not replace the physical inspection of the Journey before use.
Smart Monitor & Control Box Inspection
Joerns specifically includes the control box / Smart Monitor in the Journey maintenance schedule.
Check:
- Emergency stop function
- Hand control socket and connection
- Hand control operation
- Redundant controls
- Visible cables and electrical connections
- Smart Monitor warnings or service indicators
Do not begin a transfer if the controls are responding intermittently or incorrectly.
Emergency Stop
The Journey includes an emergency stop control.
Caregivers should know where the emergency stop is located and understand how it operates before using the lift.
Joerns includes checking the emergency stop function as part of the Journey's maintenance schedule.
341 lb Safe Working Load
The Journey user manual lists a safe working load of 341 lb / 155 kg.
Some Joerns marketing material rounds the capacity to 340 lb, which is why the Journey is frequently described as a 340 lb sit-to-stand lift.
Never exceed the safe working load of the Journey, sling, or any other component being used during the transfer.
Lifting Actuator Inspection
According to Joerns, the Journey lifting actuator normally requires no routine maintenance beyond checking for correct operation and listening for unusual noise.
Watch for:
- Jerky or inconsistent movement
- Unusual mechanical noise
- Slow or intermittent response
- Visible actuator damage
- Loose mounting hardware
A noticeable change in actuator performance should be investigated before the lift is returned to regular service.
Hand Control Inspection
Make sure the hand control is fully plugged into the controller.
Before use, confirm that the hand control operates the Journey correctly and consistently.
Inspect the cable and handset housing for visible damage.
Adjustable Sling Attachment Cradle
One of the Journey's distinctive features is its adjustable sling attachment cradle.
Joerns designed this system to accommodate residents across a range of heights and body sizes.
Before use, confirm that the cradle is correctly adjusted and securely engaged.
Cow Horn / Sling Attachment Assembly
The Journey maintenance schedule refers to the adjustable sling attachment assembly as the cow horn.
Joerns instructs caregivers to confirm that the cow horn is engaged and in the correct position.
Also inspect the sling attachment points for excessive wear.
Do not use the Journey if the attachment system is loose, damaged, excessively worn, or incorrectly positioned.
Kneepad Inspection
The Journey uses a contoured, height-adjustable kneepad to support the patient's lower legs during sit-to-stand transfers.
Joerns specifically calls for checking that the kneepad adjuster is securely fastened.
Before each transfer:
- Adjust the kneepad for the individual patient.
- Make sure the adjustment mechanism is secure.
- Inspect the pad for visible damage.
- Confirm that the pad remains stable when pressure is applied.
Leg Adjustment Inspection
The Journey base can be adjusted to provide additional clearance around chairs, wheelchairs, commodes, and other transfer surfaces.
Joerns instructs that the legs should be checked through both full extensions, inward and outward.
The movement should be smooth and unrestricted.
Caster Inspection
Joerns specifies checking all Journey casters for secure attachment to the legs and confirming that both the casters and wheels rotate freely.
Inspect for:
- Loose caster attachment
- Restricted swivel movement
- Restricted wheel rotation
- Excessive wheel wear
- Hair, thread, or debris wrapped around the wheels
- Damage to the caster assemblies
Journey Brake Guidance
For ordinary lifting, Joerns instructs that the Journey casters should remain free and unbraked so the lift can correctly position itself as the patient rises.
Joerns separately instructs that the wheels should be locked when lifting a patient from the floor.
Brake instructions are therefore transfer-specific. Follow the current Journey user manual rather than applying brake instructions from another Hoyer model.
Base & Wheel Check
Joerns instructs caregivers to make sure the Journey base is even and level with all four wheels contacting the floor.
Do not continue using the lift if:
- The base appears twisted or damaged.
- One or more wheels do not contact the floor correctly.
- The lift rocks abnormally.
- The base does not open or close correctly.
Boom Inspection
Joerns includes the boom in the Journey's before-use and annual maintenance checks.
Check the attachment of the boom to the mast and make sure there is only minimal side movement.
The boom should move correctly on its bearing without abnormal looseness or noise.
Mast Inspection
Check the mast-locking device and confirm that the mast fully engages into its socket.
The mast should be securely installed before a transfer begins.
Do not use the Journey if the mast does not properly engage or lock.
Hardware Inspection
Inspect nuts, bolts, screws, pins, and other fasteners for excessive wear and proper tightness.
Damaged or excessively worn hardware should be replaced with the correct compatible component.
Journey Sling Inspection
Inspect the sling before every use.
Look for:
- Fraying
- Tears
- Cuts
- Damaged stitching
- Worn attachment points
- Damaged straps or buckles
- Other visible deterioration
Do not use a worn or damaged sling.
Journey Sling Types
Joerns identifies specialized Standing and Transport sling designs for the Journey.
These are sit-to-stand sling systems and should not be confused with the full-body passive slings used on lifts such as the Hoyer Advance, Presence, HPL450, or HPL700.
Use our Hoyer Sling Compatibility Chart before ordering a sling.
Cleaning the Hoyer Journey
Joerns states that the Journey can be cleaned using ordinary soap and water and/or an appropriate hard-surface disinfectant.
Harsh chemical cleaners and abrasives should be avoided because they can damage the lift's surface finish.
Avoid wetting electrical components.
Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas including:
- Push handles
- Hand control
- Kneepad
- Sling attachment cradle
- Foot tray
- Mast and boom
- Base legs
Annual Lubrication
The Joerns Journey maintenance schedule calls for lubrication of applicable pivot joints with a silicone-based oil as required.
Manufacturer-identified areas include:
- Mast and boom connections
- Applicable pivot joints
- Sling attachment / spreader joint when required
Do not apply lubricant to electrical components, sling surfaces, brakes, or other areas that are not intended to be lubricated.
Daily / Before-Use Journey Checklist
- Check the boom and mast connection.
- Make sure the mast is correctly engaged and locked.
- Confirm the sling attachment cradle is correctly positioned.
- Inspect sling attachment points for wear.
- Check that the kneepad adjuster is secure.
- Check battery condition and watch for a low-battery warning.
- Test the hand control.
- Check emergency controls.
- Make sure the base legs operate correctly.
- Check all casters for free movement.
- Make sure all four wheels contact the floor.
- Inspect the sling for wear or fraying.
- Inspect visible hardware for looseness or damage.
Annual Journey Service
Routine caregiver checks do not replace scheduled professional inspection and service.
Joerns' maintenance schedule includes annual inspection of major components such as:
- Boom and mast
- Sling attachment points
- Lifting actuator
- Control box / Smart Monitor
- Battery connections
- Leg adjustment system
- Casters
- Base and wheels
- Slings
- Hardware and fasteners
- Applicable lubrication points
When to Remove the Journey From Service
Stop using the Journey and arrange appropriate inspection if you notice:
- A persistent low-battery condition
- Controls that respond intermittently
- An emergency control that does not operate correctly
- Unusual actuator noise or movement
- A loose mast or boom
- A damaged or insecure sling attachment cradle
- A kneepad that will not remain securely adjusted
- Base legs that do not operate normally
- Damaged or restricted casters
- A base that does not sit evenly on all four wheels
- Damaged or excessively worn hardware
- A worn or damaged sling
Journey Maintenance at a Glance
| Component | What to Check |
| Battery | Charge level, clean connections, low-battery warning |
| Smart Monitor | Warnings, service indication, control operation |
| Hand Control | Secure connection and correct operation |
| Boom & Mast | Secure attachment, locking, abnormal movement |
| Sling Cradle | Correct engagement, position and attachment-point wear |
| Kneepad | Secure adjustment and condition |
| Base | Full inward/outward movement and level position |
| Casters | Secure attachment, free swivel and wheel rotation |
| Sling | Wear, fraying, stitching and attachment points |
| Hardware | Tightness and excessive wear |
Related Hoyer Journey Resources
- Hoyer Journey Sit-to-Stand Lift
- Hoyer Sling Compatibility Chart
- Hoyer Sling Size & Compatibility Finder
Need Help With Your Hoyer Journey?
Call 877-33-HOYER or email support@myhoyerlift.com for help identifying compatible batteries, charging equipment, slings, replacement parts, accessories, or Joerns manufacturer resources for your Hoyer Journey.
