Wood’s Powr-Grip MTA8LP6FAC - Manual (Page 11)

Rev 5.1/4-12 9 MTA8LP6FAC: #35095
T
O
A
PPLY THE
P
ADS TO A
L
OAD
Generating Vacuum Flow
Place the power switch in the "ON" position. This engages the vacuum pump, causing air to be
drawn immediately at the vacuum pads.
WARNING: Never turn power off during operation; keep pump running
throughout lift.
The lifter is designed for the vacuum pump to run continuously. Placing the power switch in the
"OFF" position 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).
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:
V
ACUUM
P
AD
M
AINTENANCE
). Center the lifter’s pad frame to within 2" [5 cm] of the load center,
since off-center loading can cause the load to tilt unexpectedly (see T
O
L
IFT AND
M
OVE THE
L
OAD
:
About the Tilt Linkage to follow), and it may also damage the lifter. 5
Arrange the sliding adjustable pad mounts to optimize load support and minimize load overhang
while lifting (see INTENDED USE: L
OAD
C
HARACTERISTICS
). Generally it is desirable for the vacuum
pads to be arranged symmetrically about the lift bar. Make sure that all vacuum pads will fit
entirely on the load’s contact surface (see SPECIFICATIONS: Pad Spread) and that they will be
loaded evenly while lifting (see SPECIFICATIONS: Per-Pad Load Capacity). In addition, adjacent
pads must not contact one another.
To position a specific pad mount, release the clamp (pull outward on clamp handle), slide the pad
mount to the desired location along the pad frame and re-engage the clamp (push inward firmly
on clamp handle). Make sure that each pad mount is held in position securely by its clamp. If a
clamp does not hold the pad mount securely, adjust the clamp as needed (see MAINTENANCE:
Pad Mount Maintenance).
Apply the lifter to the load until the pads seal against the contact surface. Firm pressure at the
center of the pad frame helps the pads begin to seal. 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 pad
that has not yet sealed.
5
The lifter is designed to handle the maximum load weight (see SPECIFICATIONS: Maximum Load Capacity) when the load’s
center of gravity is positioned within 2" [5 cm] of the pad frame’s center point. Occasional loading deviations are permissible,
provided that the operator can maintain control of the load at all times and that the load weight is low enough to avoid damaging
the lifter.