by David Peters
The trouble with troubleshooting and maintenance is that it can be, well, a lot of trouble. After borrowing this tool from one neighbor, and that part from another (not to mention multiple trips to the hardware store), you get the job done - maybe. Often, the results are less than ideal.
Maintaining and troubleshooting your vacuum lifter can pose the same problems. If you don't have the right tools and materials, the results can be less than ideal - they can be dangerous! A poorly maintained vacuum lifter can cost you in downtime and breakage, as well as endanger the operator and other workers on the site.
To help protect you, your employees, your lifter and your bottom line, Wood's Powr-Grip offers the
Equipment Leak Test Kit, an essential element in the tool kit of all vacuum lifter owners.
The Leak Test Kit consists of 5 crucial elements:
- 25 ft [7.6 m] of vacuum tubing - for diagnosis and repair of the vacuum system
- 8 vacuum test caps - to close off vacuum circuits during system testing
- 4 vacuum hose plugs - to plug vacuum hoses during diagnosis
- 1 ball valve w/gauge - to accurately measure system vacuum levels
- 1 special pliers - for removing vacuum tubing from fittings
Each one of these components is necessary for precise testing of your lifter's vacuum system. Trying to make do with third party parts or tools may seem like a quick work-around, but not having the appropriate tools can cost you valuable time and money. In the field, the Equipment Leak Test Kit will simplify troubleshooting, getting your crew back to work on the spot.
The special pliers are truly a must have!
Designed to work in tight spaces, the jaws of these pliers open when the handle is squeezed, applying just the right amount of pressure to safely remove hose from the fittings. The hoses are necessarily tight on the fittings to maintain a sealed vacuum circuit. Using the wrong tool to remove them can damage the tubing or fittings on the vacuum lifter. The pliers help you get the job done rapidly without unnecessary frustration or damage to your equipment.
Finding vacuum leaks is easier with test caps and hose plugs!
Test caps and vacuum hose plugs properly seal off circuits of the vacuum system, enabling more rapid isolation of vacuum leaks. The ball valve and gauge yield consistent and accurate test results, allowing you to quickly zero-in on the location of the problem. Bad information makes it difficult to diagnose and properly repair your lifter's vacuum system. The gauge in the Leak Test Kit takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting with measurements you can reliably reproduce and verify.
The Equipment Leak Test Kit is an investment that will pay for itself many times over. The ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment in the field will save man hours, time on the site and help to prevent unnecessary damage to loads. Operator safety will be enhanced by preventative testing and maintenance of your vacuum lifter. Proper maintenance will save money in the long run and help prevent downtime caused by sending the lifter away for repair.
At Wood's Powr-Grip, we have embarked upon making illustrated vacuum system troubleshooting and repair guides available on line. Check your lifter's product page for the correct guide.
David Peters had more than 35 years experience in sales and marketing. He was a marketing associate for Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc., responsible for interactive marketing, tracking, market research and new product introduction.
