Wood’s Powr-Grip FLEX5HV11DC - Manual (Page 13)

Rev 11.0/8-12 11 FLEX-HV11DC: #35034
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. The low vacuum warning light also turns on and remains illuminated while the
pumps are running, to signal the reduction in vacuum to the operator.
If the pumps and warning light turn on while you are lifting a load, make sure the vacuum gauge
shows a vacuum level of 16" Hg [-54 kPa] or higher. If not, move away and stay clear of the
load until it can be lowered to the ground or a stable support.
WARNING: Stay clear of any suspended load while vacuum level is lower than
16" Hg [-54 kPa].
Discontinue lifter use until the cause of the vacuum loss can be determined. If the pumps run at
intervals of ten minutes or less while the lifter is attached to clean, smooth, nonporous materials,
the leakage is likely to be in the vacuum system. In this event, perform the V
ACUUM
T
EST
(see
MAINTENANCE) and inspect the vacuum pads for damage (see MAINTENANCE: V
ACUUM
P
AD
M
AINTENANCE
: Inspection). If the vacuum loss cannot be remedied immediately, perform
inspection and maintenance as needed to identify and correct any deficiency before resuming
normal operation of the lifter.
Controlling the Lifter and Load
When vacuum indicators show that the lifter is ready, use the hoisting equipment to raise the
lifter and load as needed to clear any obstacles in their path. Use the control handle to keep the
lifter and load in the desired orientation while they are suspended from the crane.
Note: Depending on the arrangement of movable pad mounts, the pad frame may extend
beyond the edges of smaller loads. When moving such loads, be careful to avoid any obstacles
to the pad frame, as well as to the load.
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.
Although the lifter is designed to support the load for at least 5 minutes without power, this
depends on many factors, including the condition of the load and the lifter’s vacuum system (see
INTENDED USE: L
OAD
C
HARACTERISTICS
and MAINTENANCE: V
ACUUM
P
AD
M
AINTENANCE
, V
ACUUM
T
EST
). If a power failure occurs, keep all personnel clear of the suspended load until it can safely
be placed on the ground or a stable support. Correct any deficiency before resuming normal
operation of the lifter.