Rev 11.3/1-17
17
MRTALPR4-DC: #35057
WARNING: Lift point must be adjusted so as to prevent interference between
adjustable lift point tube and load.
Note: If the load would extend higher than the lift point when lifted or tilted upright, the lift
point must be adjusted to prevent interference between the adjustable lift point tube and the
load (see ASSEMBLY: T
O
S
ET UP THE
L
IFTER
). Failure to do so could damage the lifter or load, and
may result in an unexpected load release.
Sealing the Pads against the Load
Firm pressure at the center of the lifter helps the vacuum pads begin to seal against the load.
Press the apply button ( ) on the lifter or the optional radio transmitter to make sure the apply
function is activated. This energizes the vacuum pump, causing air to be drawn at the pads
immediately. In addition, the low vacuum warning buzzer sounds an alarm and the red strobe
light flashes, to warn the operator and other personnel when vacuum is insufficient for lifting the
maximum load weight (see T
O
L
IFT AND
M
OVE THE
L
OAD
: Interpreting the Warning Buzzer and
Lights to follow). The lifter must remain in the apply mode throughout the entire lift.
WARNING: Keep apply function activated throughout lift.
Note: If a vacuum pad has been lying against a hard object (as during shipping), it may be
slightly distorted. Although initially it may be difficult to apply the pad to a load, this condition
should correct itself with continued use.
Reading the Vacuum Gauges
The lifter is equipped with 2 vacuum gauges, which indicate the current vacuum level in each
circuit of the lifter’s vacuum system. The
green range indicates vacuum levels sufficient for
lifting the maximum load weight, whereas the
red range indicates vacuum levels that are not
sufficient for lifting the maximum load weight. Both gauge needles should show a sudden surge
in vacuum as the vacuum pads seal against the load. If it takes more than 5 seconds for the
vacuum level to reach 5" Hg [-17 kPa] on either vacuum gauge, press on any pad that has not
yet sealed.
Vacuum Level on Optimal Surfaces
When the lifter is attached to clean, smooth, nonporous load surfaces, it should be able to
maintain a vacuum level in the green range on both vacuum gauges, except when used at high
elevations (see SPECIFICATIONS: Operating Elevation). If not, make sure the vacuum switches
are adjusted correctly (see MAINTENANCE: V
ACUUM
S
WITCH
A
DJUSTMENT
). If either vacuum switch
cannot be adjusted to maintain a vacuum of 16" Hg [-54 kPa], perform the V
ACUUM
T
EST
(see
MAINTENANCE) to determine whether there is a deficiency in the vacuum generating system.
Vacuum Level on Other Surfaces
When the lifter is attached to contaminated, rough or porous load surfaces, it may not be able to
maintain a vacuum level in the green range on both vacuum gauges, due to leakage in the seal
between the vacuum pads and the load surface.
11
In the case of contamination, thoroughly
clean the contact surfaces of the load and the vacuum pads (see MAINTENANCE: V
ACUUM
P
AD
11
Contaminated loads can also cause the vacuum pump to run frequently or continuously. Since excessive pumping quickly
reduces battery energy, the operator should clean the load when possible, to minimize pumping.
