KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE INSTRUCTIONS International Version P.O.
SPECIFICATIONS Description: Designed for use with a crane or other hoisting equipment, the FLEX-HV11DC lifters employ vacuum to hold a load for lifting in the flat orientation.
WARNINGS Powr-Grip is pleased to offer the most reliable vacuum lifters available. Despite the high degree of security provided by this product, certain precautions must be observed to protect the operator and others. Always wear personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the material being handled. Follow trade association guidelines. Always operate the lifter under conditions approved for its design (see INTENDED USE: OPERATING ENVIRONMENT).
OPERATING FEATURES Note: Components featured in the following instructions for assembling, operating or maintaining the vacuum lifter are underlined on their first appearance in each section. Standard FLEX2HV11DC shown.
ASSEMBLY 1) Open the shipping container and remove all materials for restraining or protecting the vacuum lifter. Save the container for use whenever the lifter is transported. 2) Suspend the lifter from a crane as follows: Select hoisting equipment (crane and hoist, when applicable) rated to carry the maximum load weight plus the lifter weight (see SPECIFICATIONS: Maximum Load Capacity and Lifter Weight).
INTENDED USE LOAD CHARACTERISTICS WARNING: This lifter is NOT intended for lifting hazardous materials, such as explosives or radioactive substances. The operator must verify that the lifter is intended to handle each load, in accordance with the following requirements: • The load must not exceed the maximum allowable weight specified under Load Capacity (see SPECIFICATIONS). • The load must be a single piece of nonporous or semiporous material with a flat and relatively smooth contact surface.
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT The operator must determine whether the lifter is intended to be used in each work environment, in accordance with the following restrictions: WARNING: Never use lifter in dangerous environments. • This lifter is not intended for use in any environment that is inherently dangerous to the operator or likely to compromise the lifter's ability to function. Environments containing explosives, caustic chemicals and other dangerous substances must be avoided when using the lifter.
OPERATION BEFORE USING THE LIFTER The operator must determine whether the lifter is capable of performing each intended task, in accordance with the SPECIFICATIONS and INTENDED USE sections of this INSTRUCTIONS manual. In addition, all of the following preparations must be completed prior to lifting any load. Taking Safety Precautions The operator must be trained in all relevant industry and regulatory standards for the operation of the vacuum lifter in its geographical location (eg, ASME B30.
TO CHANGE PAD POSITIONS The lifter can accommodate various load dimensions, depending on the position of the movable pad mounts on the pad frame. Move the pad mounts inward or outward on the pad frame as needed to provide adequate support across the load surface. The pad mounts must be arranged symmetrically, to keep the lifter balanced. WARNING: Make sure vacuum hoses are coiled or routed so they do not become entangled, kinked or punctured.
Positioning the Lifter on the Load Make certain that the contact surfaces of the load and all vacuum pads are free of any contaminates that could harm the pads or prevent them from sealing against the load (see MAINTENANCE: VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE).7 WARNING: To avoid accidental load release, always center lifter’s pad frame on load.
Vacuum Level on Optimal Surfaces When the lifter is attached to clean, smooth, nonporous load surfaces, it should be able to maintain a vacuum level in the green range on the vacuum gauge, except when used at high elevations (see SPECIFICATIONS: Operating Elevation). If not, make sure the vacuum switch is adjusted correctly (see MAINTENANCE: VACUUM SWITCH ADJUSTMENT).
Monitoring Vacuum Indicators The low vacuum warning light and the vacuum gauge must remain completely visible to the operator, so that they can be monitored throughout the entire lift. WARNING: Vacuum indicators must be visible to operator throughout entire lift. If the vacuum system experiences leakage while the lifter is attached to the load, the vacuum pumps turn on automatically, as required to maintain sufficient vacuum for lifting the maximum load weight.
TO RELEASE THE PADS FROM THE LOAD WARNING: Load must be fully supported before releasing vacuum pads. When the load is at rest and fully supported, move the lever on the vacuum control valve to the "RELEASE" position: Pull upward on the lever's knob, move the lever all the way back (towards operator) and then release it. This forces air into the vacuum pads, quickly breaking the vacuum seal. After the pads have disengaged completely from the load, move the lifter away.
MAINTENANCE WARNING: Always make sure battery is disconnected before servicing lifter. INSPECTION SCHEDULE Perform inspections routinely, according to the following frequency schedule: Every-Lift Inspection • Examine the vacuum pads and load surface for contamination or debris (see VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE to follow). • Examine the vacuum pads, controls and indicators for visual damage (see VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE to follow). • Test the battery for adequate charge (see BATTERY TEST to follow).
If any deficiency is detected during the inspection, correct it before using the lifter. If necessary, return the lifter to Wood’s Powr-Grip or an authorized dealer for repair (see LIMITED WARRANTY). Infrequent Use If a lifter is used less than 1 day in a 2-week period, perform the Periodic Inspection each time before using the lifter. TESTING SCHEDULE Perform these tests when placing the lifter in service initially and each time following a repair or modification.
BATTERY TEST The lifter is equipped with a battery gauge to help the operator evaluate whether the battery has adequate energy for lifting. Factors such as the condition of the battery, the time required to execute a lift, and the porosity of the load combine to determine how much battery energy is needed. It is the operator’s responsibility to evaluate these conditions and to make sure the battery has sufficient energy to complete a lift safely.
BATTERY RECHARGE Only use a battery charger supplied by or approved by Wood's Powr-Grip; other chargers may reduce battery life. Charge the battery as soon as possible after any extended use of the lifter, or whenever the battery gauge indicates diminished energy (see BATTERY TEST preceding). Temperatures higher than 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius) require the battery to be charged more frequently.
VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE Friction Coefficient The friction coefficient represents the lifter's ability to resist load slippage when the load is oriented in any position except horizontal. If the contact surfaces of either the load or the vacuum pads are not clean, dry and in good condition, slippage is more likely to occur. The Load Capacity of most Powr-Grip lifters is based on a friction coefficient of 1 (only Flat Lifters are exempt from this requirement).
WARNING: Never use unauthorized rubber cleaners or conditioners to clean vacuum pad. To prevent liquid from contaminating the vacuum system during cleaning, cover the suction hole in the recess for the filter screen or make sure the pad faces downward. Use a clean sponge or lint-free cloth to apply an authorized cleanser and wipe the pad face clean. A toothbrush (or similar brush with bristles that do not harm rubber) may be used to remove contaminates clinging to sealing edges.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE (for 4.4 oz [130 ml] bowl size filters) Filter Function and Conditions Requiring Service An air filter prevents solid particles and liquid from contaminating components in the vacuum system. CAUTION: Examine air filter regularly and empty when necessary. Liquid must not contact any portion of the filter element; remove trapped liquid regularly. Replace the element if it has an overall dirty appearance, or if there is a noticeable increase in the time required to attain full vacuum.
VACUUM PUMP MAINTENANCE ― THOMAS 2907CDC22/12 WARNING: Before proceeding with any maintenance, disconnect power source. If the vacuum pump takes too long to attain full vacuum, it may require maintenance. Replace the diaphragms, valve flappers or head gaskets as necessary to obtain acceptable pump performance (see REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST). Perform the following procedures on both heads of the pump. Replacing a Diaphragm (1) 1) Remove the six head screws (14) and remove the head (13).
VACUUM PUMP MAINTENANCE − DYNAFLO DV1032102 WARNING: Before proceeding with any maintenance, disconnect power source. If the vacuum pump takes too long to attain full vacuum, it may require maintenance. Replace the diaphragm, gasket/flap valves or (when preferable) the entire head assembly21 (see REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST), as necessary to obtain acceptable pump performance. CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the head screws, because this may damage the threads in the pump body.
VACUUM SWITCH ADJUSTMENT Vacuum Switch Function A vacuum switch controls the low vacuum warning light and the vacuum pump (see OPERATING FEATURES for location of vacuum switch): The power switch activates the warning light and the pump, which evacuates the vacuum pads.22 After the lifter attains a vacuum level sufficient for lifting the maximum load weight (hereafter, “minimum lifting level”), the vacuum switch automatically turns off the pump and the warning light.
Adjustment Procedure WARNING: Lifting capacity decreases whenever vacuum switch is adjusted to maintain lower vacuum level. 1) Using a 1/4" open-end wrench (as provided), turn the adjustment screw about 1/6th turn at a time (approximately one flat of the screw head). To maintain a lower vacuum level, turn the screw clockwise (when viewing vacuum switch from end with electrical connectors).
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST Stock No.
LIMITED WARRANTY Powr-Grip products are carefully constructed, thoroughly inspected at various stages of production, and individually tested. They are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If a problem develops during the warranty period, follow the instructions hereafter to obtain warranty service. If inspection shows that the problem is due to defective workmanship or materials, Powr-Grip will repair the product without charge.
