KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE INSTRUCTIONS International Version P.O.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number: VL411LDC Description: Designed for use with a crane or other hoisting equipment, the VL411LDC lifter employs vacuum to hold a load for lifting in the upright 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 VL411LDC shown. 1 LIFT SLING 6 2 LIFT SPOOL 3 PAD FRAME 7 4 VACUUM PAD 5 LOW VACUUM WARNING LIGHT 11 CONTROL HANDLES 12 VACUUM GAUGE VALVE HANDLE 13 VACUUM RESERVE TANK 8 BATTERY TEST BUTTON 14 BATTERY CHARGER 9 BATTERY GAUGE 15 BATTERY PUMP and VACUUM SWITCH 10 Rev 17.
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 APPLY THE PADS TO A LOAD 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 prevent the pads from sealing against the load (see MAINTENANCE: VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE). The lifter must be attached only to vertically oriented loads. Center the pad frame from left to right on the load, and position the uppermost pads near the top edge. This position maximizes stability while lifting the 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).
TO LIFT AND MOVE THE LOAD WARNING: Never attempt to lift load when lifter is in horizontal orientation. Load Capacity and the Warning Light A lifter’s Load Capacity is rated at a vacuum level of 16" Hg [-54 kPa] (see SPECIFICATIONS). After the lifter has attained this level, the vacuum pump turns off automatically, to conserve battery energy. At the same time, the low vacuum warning light turns off, to indicate that the lifter is ready to lift the maximum load weight.
In Case of Power Failure The lifter is equipped with a vacuum reserve tank, designed to maintain vacuum temporarily in case of a failure at the lifter's power source. WARNING: Stay clear of any suspended load in the event of a power failure.
AFTER USING THE LIFTER Leave the valve handle in the “RELEASE” position (power off). CAUTION: Do not set the lifter against any surfaces which could soil or damage the vacuum pads. Parking feet are built into the bottom of the pad frame to support an unloaded lifter when not suspended from a crane: Use the hoisting equipment to gently lower the lifter until the parking feet support its entire weight.
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 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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Unless specified elsewhere in this INSTRUCTIONS manual, the lifter does not require maintenance on a routine basis. Instead, maintenance must be performed whenever a deficiency is indicated by routine inspections or tests. Any maintenance warranted must be performed before resuming normal operation of the lifter. BATTERY TEST The lifter is equipped with a battery gauge to help the operator evaluate whether the battery has adequate energy for lifting.
Identify the input voltage marked on the battery charger, and plug it in to an appropriate power source.8 The power source must be equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, in order to reduce the risk of electrical shocks. WARNING: Power source must be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter. Usually a battery takes no more than 16 hours to charge completely, after which the charger shuts off automatically.
• Contaminates on the pad face or sealing edges: Soil build-up can prevent pads from sealing adequately or reduce the friction coefficient (see discussion preceding). Follow the directions to clean pads as necessary (see discussion to follow). • Filter screen missing from pad face: This screen helps prevent debris from plugging the vacuum hose and the air filter. Replace any missing screen immediately (see REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST).
VACUUM TEST Test the vacuum system for leakage routinely, as directed in the preceding INSPECTION and TESTING SCHEDULES. 1) Clean the face of each vacuum pad as previously directed (see VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE: Cleaning). 2) Apply the lifter to a clean, smooth, nonporous surface. The surface should be flat or possess no more curvature than the lifter is designed for (if any).
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE (for 1 oz [30 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 − 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 assembly12 (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 PUMP MAINTENANCE − THOMAS 107CDC20 WARNING: Before proceeding with any maintenance, disconnect power source. If the vacuum pump (14) takes too long to attain full vacuum, it may require maintenance. Replace the diaphragm, valve flappers or head gasket as necessary to obtain acceptable pump performance (see REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST). Replacing the Diaphragm 1) Remove the four head screws (1) and remove the head (2).
VACUUM SWITCH ADJUSTMENT Vacuum Switch Function14 A vacuum switch controls the low vacuum warning light and the vacuum pump (see OPERATING FEATURES for location of vacuum switch): The valve handle activates the warning light and the pump, which evacuates the vacuum pads.15 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. Description Qty.
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.
