Wood’s Powr-Grip MT10FS10TAIR - Manual (Page 13)

Rev 25.0/5-14 11 MT-FS10TAIR: #35090
Sealing the Pads against the Load
Apply the lifter to the load so that all activated vacuum pads are touching the contact surface.
Then place the slide on the pad frame control valve in the “APPLY” position. This opens the
lifter’s vacuum lines to the vacuum flow created by the venturi, causing air to be drawn at the
pads immediately. The control valve must remain in this position throughout the lift.
WARNING: Never interrupt vacuum flow during operation; keep venturi running
and control valve in “APPLY” position throughout lift.
Any interruption of the vacuum flow during lifter operation could result in the release of the load
and possible injury to the operator (see T
O
L
IFT AND
M
OVE THE
L
OAD
: In Case of Power Failure to
follow).
Note: If a vacuum pad has been lying against a hard object (as during shipping), it may be
slightly distorted. Although initially it may be difficult to apply the pad to a load, this condition
should correct itself with continued use.
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.
If it takes more than 5 seconds for the vacuum level to reach 5" Hg [-17 kPa], press on any
activated pad that has not yet sealed.
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, perform the V
ACUUM
T
EST
(see
MAINTENANCE) to determine whether there is a deficiency in the vacuum generating system.
Vacuum Level on Other Surfaces
When the lifter is attached to contaminated, rough or porous load surfaces, it may not be able to
maintain a vacuum level in the green range on the vacuum gauge, due to leakage in the seal
between the vacuum pads and the load surface. In the case of contamination, thoroughly clean
the contact surfaces of the load and the vacuum pads (see MAINTENANCE: V
ACUUM
P
AD
M
AINTENANCE
: Cleaning), and reapply the lifter to the load. If the load has rough or porous
surfaces, the operator must conduct a test to determine whether the lifter is designed
to lift the load , as follows:
1) Make sure the lifter's vacuum generating system is functioning correctly (see MAINTENANCE:
V
ACUUM
T
EST
).
2) Apply the vacuum pads to the load as previously directed.
3) When the vacuum level registers above 16" Hg [-54 kPa] on the vacuum gauge (see T
O
L
IFT
AND
M
OVE THE
L
OAD
: Load Capacity and the Vacuum Gauge to follow), disconnect the power
source.
4) Raise the load a minimal distance, to assure that it is supported by the lifter.