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How do I select the right vacuum lifter for my application?
Do you lease below-the-hook vacuum lifters?
Once my lifter is ordered, how long before I receive it?
What happens if a power failure occurs while using a lifter?
Why won't my DC-powered vacuum pump turn off/on?
Why doesn't my lifter generate as much vacuum as it used to?
I think my vacuum system is leaking; how do I diagnose and fix it?
How long will my battery's charge last?
I've lost my instructions; can I get another copy?
Is my Powr-Grip lifter still covered under warranty?
Where can I find definitions for the terminology used by Powr-Grip?
Why was I charged a handling fee on my invoice?

How do I select the right vacuum lifter for my application?
To begin the process, follow this link to learn more about Selecting Vacuum Lifters. Our Technical Sales department is also available to help you choose the most appropriate vacuum lifter for your application. Additionally, we can design custom vacuum lifters for your unique purposes or applications. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Do you lease below-the-hook vacuum lifters?
Wood's Powr-Grip and many of its dealers have below-the-hook lifters available for lease. Please contact our technical service department for information about dealers that currently lease Powr-Grip vacuum lifters. Click on this link for more information about Leasing Powr-Grip Equipment.

Once my lifter is ordered, how long before I receive it?
There are a variety of factors that influence the length of time it takes to receive your below-the-hook lifter. Generally, standard lifters do not take as long as custom designed lifters. However, delivery time is also affected by market conditions and simple supply and demand. Related to this are back-orders and other supplier factors. At Wood's Powr-Grip, we do our utmost to insure prompt delivery while maintaining high quality and reliability standards, as well as a safe and efficient workplace. Our target delivery times for standard below-the-hook lifters F.O.B. our factory is 3-6 weeks, and 8-plus weeks for custom designed lifters. Although Wood’s Powr-Grip makes every attempt to meet delivery schedules and expedite all orders in a timely fashion, during periods of high demand lead times may be extended. Please contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative for current lead times.

What happens if a power failure occurs while using a lifter?
When your vacuum lifter leaves our factory, it has been tested under controlled conditions to hold a vacuum for an extended period of time in the case of power loss. However, the length of time it can maintain a vacuum under normal operating conditions varies. Conditions that affect the length of time that vacuum is maintained include: the cleanliness of the load surface and vacuum pad, the roughness or smoothness of the load surface, the porosity of the material being lifted, and the condition of the vacuum pad, lines and pump. Most lifters feature a vacuum reserve tank which effectively increases the length of time that vacuum is maintained. However, on rough, porous or heavily contaminated surfaces, where a good seal cannot be maintained during a power outage, immediate loss of the load may occur. For these applications, a 12-volt/DC vacuum back-up system is recommended. To ensure optimum performance of your lifter during a power failure, it is best to test your vacuum system periodically. The procedure for testing the vacuum system can be found in the instruction manual that came with the lifter. If you have additional questions, please contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative.

Why won't my DC-powered vacuum pump turn off/on?
If you have a battery-powered vacuum lifter, one of its principal components is a vacuum switch, which turns the pump on and off as required to maintain an adequate vacuum level. It does this to reduce unnecessary drain on the battery, thereby extending the time the battery can be used between charges. In some cases, especially in high elevations, the atmospheric pressure is insufficient for the vacuum switch to function properly. In other cases, the switch simply comes out of adjustment. The instruction manual provided with the lifter outlines how to check and adjust the vacuum switch. If you have additional questions, please contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative.

Why doesn't my lifter generate as much vacuum as it used to?
Vacuum loss can be caused by normal wear and tear of the pump, contamination in the pump, vacuum leaks, or a combination of these or other factors. To ensure optimum performance of your lifter, it is best to test your vacuum system periodically and perform regular maintenance. Directions can be found in the Maintenance section of the instruction manual that came with the lifter. If you have additional questions, please contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative.

I think my vacuum system is leaking; how do I diagnose and fix it?
Begin by referring to the Maintenance section found in the instruction manual that came with the lifter. If this does not resolve the problem, please contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative.

How long will my battery's charge last?
DC lifters use a vacuum switch that turns the pump off and on at preset vacuum levels to help conserve the battery's charge. This energy-saving feature makes it possible for a battery to power a lifter throughout a typical work day. However, the charge may be depleted more rapidly due to various factors, including rough, porous or contaminated load surfaces, leaks in the lifter's vacuum system, or a vacuum switch that is out of adjustment. To help conserve the battery's charge, always make sure the vacuum pads, lines and pump are in good condition; clean the contact surfaces of the load and the vacuum pads prior to attaching the lifter; press the lifter against the load surface before starting the vacuum pump; and make sure the vacuum pads have attached properly. Refer to the Maintenance section of the instruction manual provided with the lifter to ensure that the vacuum switch is set properly. The best way to keep your gel-cell battery in good condition is to use it frequently and not allow it to become completely discharged. Otherwise, it can lose its ability to accept and hold a charge. If your battery does not work as well as it used to, a replacement may be obtained from a local battery shop, your dealer or Wood's Powr-Grip.

I've lost my instructions; can I get another copy?
Yes! To find current instructions for many standard Powr-Grip products, click on the following link to Product Info Downloads. If the instructions for your Powr-Grip below-the-hook lifter cannot be located on our site, contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative, or the dealer from which you purchased the product, to obtain a replacement copy.

Is my Powr-Grip lifter still covered under warranty?
Powr-Grip below-the-hook lifters are carefully constructed, thoroughly inspected at various stages of production, and individually tested. They are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Follow this link to learn how to obtain Warranty service for your lifter.

Where can I find definitions for the terminology used by Powr-Grip?
For those who are not familiar with some of the terms used in Wood's Powr-Grip publications or on our website, the following link provides definitions for most of our specialized vocabulary.

Why was I charged a handling fee on my invoice?
A handling fee is assessed when special services are requested or required to process an order. For example, when products are sent in for repair or exchange but are not accompanied by complete and legible return shipping information, extra time is required to correctly identify the customer and address. Other special services may include (but are not limited to) requests for faxing or mailing copies of invoices or other documents, etc. If you feel you were charged a handling fee in error, please contact our Customer Service Department.