FAQ's
FAQ - Hand Cups
FAQ - Below-the-Hook Vacuum Lifters
FAQ - Other Products, Services and Information
Hand Cup FAQ
We recommend soapy water only (no vinyl or tire cleaners and nothing petroleum-based). Use a clean sponge or lint-free cloth to apply the cleaner. Wipe away all residue and allow it to dry.
Take advantage of our Exchange Program! Send in your old cup and we’ll send you a refurbished, reduced-cost cup. Several of our distributors also stock rebuilt cups, just ask! Find out more: Hand Cup Exchange Program
The maximum capacity of your cup is listed in its instructions or can be found on our website on its product page. Capacity depends on cup size, cup condition, and the load surface. Using multiple cups provides greater lifting capacity.
In good conditions: about two hours. Cup condition, local elevation, the porosity of the load, and the cleanliness of the pad and contact surface affect the length of attachment time. Learn more at how Powr-Grip hand cups work or troubleshoot your cup by following the instructions listed on its product page.
Each has its advantages:
| Industrial-Grade Plastic Handle | Metal Handle |
| Lighter | Heavier |
| Lower Initial Cost | Higher Initial Cost |
| Strong Enough for Normal Applications | Long-Lasting under Vigorous Use |
| Resistant to Rust | Eligible for Exchange Program |
| Must Replace Parts (More Cost over Time) | |
| Vulnerable to Chemicals |
Air pressure decreases with increasing elevation, reducing the grip of vacuum pads, especially above 5000 feet (1524 meters). If you frequently work at high elevations, consider the N4100 Hand Cup, specifically designed for high elevation work.
Hand Cups are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for one year from the date of purchase.
Below-the-Hook Vacuum Lifter FAQ
Use the Selecting Vacuum Lifters worksheet to find the right standard lifter. WPG also designs custom vacuum lifters for unique needs. Contact us for further assistance.
Yes! If based in the US or Canada, visit Leasing Powr-Grip Equipment to learn more. For all other countries, find a dealer near you.
Standard Below-the-Hook Lifters: 3-6 weeks
Custom Design Lifters: 8+ Weeks
We try to meet all delivery schedules and expedite orders. Lead times may be extended during periods of high demand. Contact us for current lead times.
The lifter is designed to hold the load for a short time during a power failure. However, immediate load loss can happen if the lifter is not in good condition or if the load is dirty, rough or porous. Attention to these conditions and performing vacuum tests regularly (see lifter instruction manual) can maximize the emergency hold time.
You may be operating the lifter at too high of an elevation or the switch may be out of adjustment. Use the lifter’s instruction manual to check and adjust the vacuum switch.
Normal wear and tear, pump contamination, and vacuum leaks can lower vacuum. In many cases, it is possible to rebuild the pump and/or replace leaking parts to restore higher vacuum levels – see lifter’s instructions and maintenance documents.
Refer to the Maintenance section in the lifter’s instruction manual or the maintenance document provided on your lifter’s product page.
Yes! Call to let us know you will be sending it in. Once we receive it, a representative will contact you with a cost estimate.
Typically, a charge should last for an entire workday. However, charge can be lost quickly due to:
- Rough, porous and dirty load surfaces
- Leaks in the lifter’s vacuum system
- When the vacuum switch is out of adjustment
Charge battery regularly, and never allow the battery to completely lose charge. The battery will lose capacity over time and will eventually need to be replaced.
Below-the-hook lifters are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for one year from the date of purchase.
Yes! Since nearly every curved application is different, we recommend completing the Selecting Vacuum Lifters worksheet.
Yes, operating temperatures are 32°to 104° F (0° to 40° C). Keep battery warm and maintain a minimum of 50% charge.
We recommend soapy water only (no vinyl or tire cleaners and nothing petroleum-based). Use a clean sponge or lint-free cloth to apply the cleaner. Wipe away all residue and allow it to dry.
Other Products, Services and Information FAQ
WPG only sells through authorized dealers. Purchase parts directly from our website.
Use our Dealer Locator tool.
Read this helpful article: About Vacuum.
Yes! Current instructions are located on your equipment’s product page on our website.
- Always inspect vacuum pads before use and replace if damaged.
- Clean and dry the pads and the load surface between each lift.
- We recommend workers use below-the-hook lifters (rather than hand-held cups) when routinely lifting loads over 51 lbs [23kg].
- Follow all instructions carefully and consult the following guidelines: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-122/.