INTRODUCTION
READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
OF YOUR LIFT MAGNET PRODUCT.
If used carelessly or improperly, there is a possibility that property damage or personal injury
can result. The responsibility for safe operation ultimately rests with the operator.
WORKING LOAD LIMIT (WLL):
Your Lift Magnet has a stated Working Load Limit (WLL) which is sometimes referred
to as the Lift Capacity. The stated Working Load Limit value is calculated by applying
a De-rating (Design) factor to the maximum value of the Lift Magnet. The maximum
value is determined by pulling a new magnet in a perpendicular motion off of a thick, newly
machined, piece of steel. This method of testing is conducted under what is considered
“ideal conditions”. The amount of force it takes to break the Lift Magnet away from the steel
test surface under these conditions is the Lift Magnet’s maximum value.
The stated Working Load Limit value is for the benefi t and safety of the user. Ideal
conditions rarely exist in the fi eld. Conditions such as worn or damaged magnet poles and
steel surfaces that have mill scale, oxidation, dirt, or other coatings will cause a reduction in
performance of the Lift Magnet.
DE-RATING (DESIGN) FACTORS:
2:1 = 50% of maximum value - BasicLift™
3:1 = 33% of maximum value - Creative Lift
®
, DynamicLift™, PowerLift
®
, VersaLift™
LOSS OF MAGNETISM:
Under normal use conditions, a permanent magnet can experience a decrease in its original
Working Load Limit. The most common factors which can cause a loss of strength include:
• Everyday wear and tear on the Lift Magnet’s face such as: fi ne metal buildup on or between
the Lift Magnet’s poles, nicks or gouges in the magnet’s poles, rust buildup, etc.
• Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
» Basiclift™ and Creative Lift
®
operating range is -76ºF (-60ºC) to 300ºF (148ºC).
» DynamicLift™, PowerLift
®
and VersaLift™ operating range is -10ºF (-23ºC) to 180ºF
(82ºC).
• Severe blow or shock to the Lift Magnet
• Exposure to electrical current
• Exposure to vibration
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Installation and start-up are very simple and safe provided that the load limits and the
application standards of the Lift Magnet are observed for handling suspended loads.
1. Remove the Lift Magnet from packaging and set on a non-ferrous fl oor or support structure.
This operation is to be done with a crane or hoist of appropriate capacity by hooking to the
lift lug the top of the Lift Magnet. Check the Lift Magnet for missing parts, loose bolts or
damage. Tighten where necessary or contact the manufacturer.
2. Clean the area where the Lift Magnet will touch. Take care when handling Lift Magnet
models that have an exterior mechanical release, such as a roller cam, as they are “Always
On” and will engage the steel automatically when the Lift Magnet poles are in close proximity
to steel. With a crane or hoist of appropriate capacity, position the Lift Magnet in the center of
the load to be moved. Be careful to make sure that the load to be lifted does not exceed the
Lift Magnet’s Working Load Limit for the steel’s thickness. See the Safety Precautions
section for more information.
3. Make sure the magnetic poles are in full and perfect contact with the load and that the cam
release device of the Lift Magnet, if applicable, is properly located on the load to be lifted.
The cam release is the mechanical device that breaks the Lift Magnet free from the load.
Improper placement of the cam release on the load to be lifted can make releasing the
load diffi cult.
“On/Off” magnet models feature an internal mechanism to control the Lift Magnet’s
magnetism. These magnets will be functionally on or off when the handle is in the
corresponding locked “On” or “Off” position. See the Handle Operation Instructions
section for more model specifi c information.
4. Proceed to move the load observing applicable standards for handling any suspended load.
See the Safety Measures for general safe lifting protocols.
5. Set the load on the fl oor or an appropriate support and ensure that the load is perfectly
settled before releasing the Lift Magnet from the load.
6. See the Handle Operation Instructions section more model specifi c information on how to
release the Lift Magnet from the load.
SAFETY MEASURES
ALWAYS use the entire pole surface of the Lift Magnet.
ALWAYS keep contact pole areas perfectly fl at & parallel on the surface of the load.
ALWAYS keep contact pole areas and surface of the load clean and free of debris.
ALWAYS protect pole surfaces from oxidation after use by treating with some oil.
ALWAYS store magnet in a dry environment.
ALWAYS check the magnetic poles to make sure they are fl at and not damaged.
DO NOT place any body part between the Lift Magnet’s face and steel. Sudden magnetic
attraction may occur causing bodily harm.
DO NOT hoist a load weighing more than the Lift Magnet’s stated Working Load Limit
or capacity.
DO NOT attempt to engage the Lift Magnet before resting it on the steel to be lifted.
If you have an “Always On” Lift Magnet use, hold the release handle in the
release position while lowering the Lift Magnet onto the load to prevent sudden
attraction of the Lift Magnet and the steel material.
DO NOT hoist the load before locking the handle in the “ON” position (if applicable) or
making sure the release handle is not interfering with the load or hoist/crane.
DO NOT hoist a load if it is fl exing or unbalanced. Load must not be angled more than 5
degrees from horizontal. Magnet peel-off may occur and the load may fall.
DO NOT hoist a load before ensuring perfect magnetic contact. First make a TEST lift of
2 or 3 inches (5-7.5 cm) to ensure proper magnetic holding force.
DO NOT disengage the Lift Magnet before fi rmly setting down the load on the fl oor or
appropriate support and making sure the load is secure.
DO NOT weld in close proximity to the Lift Magnet or use the Lift Magnet as a part of the
ground circuit during a welding operation.
DO NOT place the magnet directly onto a grounded fl oor. Use a non-conductive spacer.
DO NOT lift people or loads with people on them
DO NOT leave suspended loads unattended.
DO NOT operate a Lift Magnet that is missing parts, damaged or malfunctioning.
DO NOT remove or obscure product labeling.
DO NOT lift loads higher than necessary or over people.
DO NOT center the Lift Magnet by pounding on the sides of the Lift Magnet with a
hammer or other blunt instrument.
VERSALIFT™ - RARE EARTH LIFT MAGNET
OPERATION MANUAL
CONFORMS ASME B30.20 STANDARDS
BTH:1 DESIGN CATEGORY B SERVICE CLASS 3
TOLL FREE: 888.582.0822
Toll Free: 1-888-582-0822 • Fax: 231-582-2704
