KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE INSTRUCTIONS International Version P.O.
SPECIFICATIONS Description: Designed for use with a crane or other hoisting equipment, MRTA8-DC lifters employ vacuum to hold a load for lifting, and they provide manual 360° rotation and mechanically assisted, manual 90° tilt movements for load manipulation. Model Number: Vacuum Pads: MRTA8HV11DC 10" [25 cm] nom. diameter, 11" [28 cm] nom.
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 MRTA811LDC shown with 1-SCFM [28 liters/minute] vacuum generating system.
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).
TO CHANGE THE PAD FRAME CONFIGURATION The lifter offers a variety of pad frame configurations to accommodate different load dimensions and weights (see SPECIFICATIONS: Pad Spread and Load Capacity). The following illustrations show several possible configurations. Select a configuration to provide optimal support across the load surface and to minimize load overhang (see OPERATION: BEFORE USING THE LIFTER).
Configurations are created by installing or removing the pad frame’s extension arms, by repositioning or removing the movable pad mounts, and by connecting or disconnecting the vacuum hoses to certain vacuum pads. Always assemble the pad frame in a symmetrical arrangement, to keep the lifter balanced (see illustrations). To support the maximum load weight, all vacuum pads must be installed on the pad frame and all vacuum hoses must be connected to the vacuum pads.
To Reposition (or Remove) Movable Pad Mounts 1) Remove the cotterless hitch pin from one movable pad mount by pulling on the pull ring. 2) Move the pad mount to the desired position on the pad frame and align the holes for the cotterless hitch pin in the pad mount with the corresponding holes in the pad frame. COTTERLESS HITCH PIN 1 PULL RING 2 RETAINING BALL 3) Secure the pad mount by pushing the cotterless hitch pin through the holes until the retaining ball emerges on the far side of the pad mount.
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.
Conversely, allowable thickness increases as load weight decreases. In addition, an operator may be able to manually counteract the tendency of unstable loads to tilt out of the upright position, provided that the operator maintains control of the load at all times (see OPERATION: TO LIFT AND MOVE THE LOAD: About the Tilt Linkage and TO TILT THE LOAD). If necessary, contact Wood’s Powr-Grip for help in determining the maximum thickness permitted when handling any specific load.
DISPOSAL OF THE LIFTER After the vacuum lifter has reached the end of its service life, you must dispose of the lifter in compliance with all local codes and regulatory standards that are relevant for the geographical region. Note: This lifter is equipped with a battery, which may be subject to special disposal regulations. Rev 9.
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 Powering up the Lifter Make sure the lever on the vacuum control valve is in the center position (see TO RELEASE THE PADS FROM THE LOAD: About Energy Conservation Mode to follow). Place the power switch in the "ON" position (blue indicator light remains illuminated while power is engaged).6 The power switch must remain in the "ON" position while operating the lifter. WARNING: Never turn power off while operating lifter.
Reading the Vacuum Gauge The vacuum gauge indicates the current vacuum level in the lifter’s vacuum system. The green range indicates vacuum levels sufficient for lifting the maximum load weight, whereas the red range indicates vacuum levels that are not sufficient for lifting the maximum load weight. The gauge needle should show a sudden surge in vacuum as the vacuum pads seal against the load.
TO LIFT AND MOVE THE LOAD About the Tilt Linkage WARNING: Make sure load is positioned correctly on lifter; unbalanced loads may tilt unexpectedly. The lifter’s tilt linkage is designed to automatically hold a balanced load in either the upright or the flat position. However, an unbalanced load may tilt unexpectedly from the flat position to the upright position or vice versa, when lifted. This could result in load damage or injury to anyone positioned in the tilt path of the load.
Load Capacity and the Warning Light The 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. WARNING: Never attempt to lift load while red warning light is illuminated.
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.
TO TILT THE LOAD WARNING: Always keep hands and fingers away from bars of tilt linkage. Remember that the load requires more vertical space when tilted to the upright position, as well as more horizontal space when tilted to the flat position. Make sure there is sufficient clearance for the load to tilt without contacting the operator or any nearby objects.
AFTER USING THE LIFTER Place the power switch in the “OFF” position (blue indicator light shuts off when power is off). CAUTION: Do not set the lifter against any surfaces which could soil or damage the vacuum pads. Use the hoisting equipment to gently lower the lifter onto a stable support; then detach the hoisting equipment hook from the lift spool.
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 is fully charged. Following long-term use, a battery gradually loses capacity. Replace it whenever the operating time between recharging is no longer satisfactory. BATTERY CHARGER TEST Perform this test only when the battery is not fully charged (see BATTERY TEST preceding). While the power switch is in the “OFF” position and the battery charger is disconnected from any AC power source, use the battery test button to take an energy reading on the battery gauge.
Cleaning Regularly clean the face of each vacuum pad to remove oil, dust and any other contaminates. Acceptable cleaning agents include soapy water and other mild cleansers. Do not use solvents, petroleum-based products (including kerosene, gasoline and diesel fuel) or any harsh chemicals for cleaning.
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 (for Dynaflo pump no. 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 assembly18 (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 (for Thomas pump no. 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 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.20 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.
