Texas-Sized Lifter Solves Curtain Wall Problem in Houston

by David Peters Over the years, Wood's Powr-Grip has been engaged to build custom vacuum lifters for rather unique jobs. From the Skywalk over the Grand Canyon to the control tower at O'Hare International, we have faced the challenge and risen to the task. As manufacturing processes become more sophisticated, contractors have noticed a steady increase in the size of curtain wall panels used in commercial buildings. The length and width have expanded to the point where some jobs require "special" treatment. Recently, Haley Greer, a contractor based out of Houston, Texas, approached Wood's Powr-Grip seeking a solution to their curtain wall lifting needs. After careful analysis, Powr-Grip engineers designed a below-the-hook vacuum lifter that would withstand the stress and rigors of the project without breaking the budget. The net result: In just a short period of time, the PR2811LDCS was born. The PR2811LDCS is a marvel to look at, sporting twenty-eight 11" [28 cm] diameter lipped vacuum pads, boasting a maximum length of over 23 feet [7 meters] and a maximum width of over 9 feet [2.8 meters]. The main rotation gear in this monster lifter is over 2½ feet [76 cm] in diameter, giving it the ability to manipulate loads weighing up to 3,400 lbs [1540 kg]. In order to achieve this capacity, the frame had to be robust, and when completed, the PR2811LDCS tipped the scales at 3,285 lbs [1490 kg]. This workhorse features a DC power supply for the vacuum generating system and another DC power supply for the rotation system, enabling continuous 360° edgewise rotation with adjustable speed control. After a brief maiden voyage over the Wood's Powr-Grip parking lot, the PR2811LDCS was shipped off to Texas for active duty. Haley Greer has been using this vacuum lifter now for several months to place the windows in the new Methodist West Houston Hospital. One of our many standard lifters may well suit your needs, but if you need something extraordinary to tackle the job, Wood's Powr-Grip excels at designing and manufacturing vacuum lifters--it's what we do.

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David Peters had more than 30 years experience in sales and marketing. He was the marketing associate for Wood's Powr-Grip Co., Inc., responsible for interactive marketing, tracking, market research and new product introduction.