Beta Max Beta Lite, Operating And Maintenance Procedures

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7-3
Brake Adjustment
Through normal hoist operation and wear, the brake may occasionally need
adjustment. The reasons for performing adjustment are listed below.
• Hoist will not lift the load from a stopped, suspended position.
• Hoist will operate in the up direction without a load, but will not lift a normal-
rated load.
• Without a load attached, hoist will not respond to either the UP or DOWN push
buttons when they are pressed.
• A normal-rated load slips downward when the hoist is stopped.
NOTE: Before performing any adjustments, make indicator marks on the unit for
reference in the event readjustment is necessary.
If the brake needs adjustment, there are only two adjustments available. One is the
tension spring adjustment and the other is the air gap adjustment. The tension
spring adjustment controls the amount of force applied to press the brake into the
brake end cap and provides load-holding ability. The air gap adjustment sets the
distance between the rotor and the motor brake end cap. The correct air gap setting
is important because it has a direct influence on the magnetic force required to pull
the brake away from the motor brake end cap. If the gap is too great, the magnetic
force will be too weak to disengage the brake and the load will not move. If the
gap is too little, the magnetic force will be too strong and the load may not stay in
place when the hoist is stopped.
Air gap and tension are two separate adjustments, yet interrelated. This means a
change in one will affect the other. As an example, if the air gap is over 0.30 inches
(7.62 mm) and the tension adjustment locknut is excessively tightened, the
magnetic force cannot overcome the tension across the large air gap, and the brake
will not release.