Moving on Slopes & Ramps - "Hand Truck Tips & Tricks"

Posted by Contributing Editor on Thu, Mar 19, 2015

For more than 35 years, L P International Inc., the manufacturer of PowerMate, has worked with their customers providing custom safety lifting solutions for moving loads up to 1 500lb or 680kg. Over the years they have developed many different value-added solutions and discovered even more ways to make moving heavy loads safer, easier, and more efficient; some may even say, "Magical!"

 

Climbing Slopes and Ramps:

If you have ever used a hand truck of any kind to go up a slope or ramp into a vehicle, then you know first-hand this can require a significant amount of effort and energy for the operator. PowerMate can help!

While this may not be the fastest way to get to the top, you can do it safely, with less effort, and with the operator or operators 100% in control of both the machine and the load. PowerMate trainers endearingly refer to this technique as the PowerMate Crawl.

The second application for this technique can be a real life saver! If you have ever been stuck in snow, mud, or sand with a conventional hand truck you can relate. By using the PowerMate Crawl technique, outlined above, you can get yourself out of just about any "sticky" situation. The repeated opening (making larger) and closing (making smaller) of the PowerMate frame as detailed above will ensure you should never get stuck, despite the terrain.

For the heaviest of loads, you will find the M-Series Wheel Brakes create more stability and further reduce the operator effort by as much as 30%. The Wheel Brakes create a larger surface area; especially helpful when you are bearing down to close the machine going up a grade.

Descending Slopes and Ramps:

This does not require a great deal of explanation. PowerMate offers the option of either hand operated wheel brakes or "shoe" style wheel brakes for all their stair climbers.

The Trick?

What many people are unaware of is: the most common way PowerMate users slow down or stop on a slope or ramp is with the help of the "open" button on the PowerMate! By pressing the open button and making the frame larger, the toe plate will touch the ground and act as a brake, slowing down or stopping the machine on grade. This braking technique works for any PowerMate stair climbing model, with or without wheel brakes, big wheels, and even the retractable dolly in place!

PowerMate stair climbers feature a full length bottom rubber guard. This unique bottom rubber guard not only offer the advantage of protecting flooring surfaces of all kinds, but when descending slopes and ramps, acts as an ideal brake!

Sometimes the simplest solutions can work the best! Keep these "tricks" in mind he next time you are challenged with moving up or down a slope or ramp. PowerMate recommends practising these techniques yourself so that when you need them, you will be confident and proficient in how to use them.

Interested in learning more tips and tricks? Check back to the PowerMate Blog for the next post on the topic, or better yet, contact your local PowerMate Partner to schedule on-site operator training for you and your people. Take advantage of more than 35 years of safety lifting experience and learn all the tips and tricks from a qualified PowerMate factory trained team member!

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Tags: lifting dolly, wheel brakes, ramps, slopes, powermate, dolly, stair climber

Stair Climber Maintenance Tip - Ball Screw Lubrication

Posted by Contributing Editor on Wed, Aug 06, 2014

Little things can help a lot, like choosing the right oil and grease lubrication for your PowerMate® ball screw technology. To ensure the maximum benefit of your PowerMate® stair climbing and LiftGate equipment, correctly complete the minor routine scheduled maintenance, which can help you realize: the lowest total cost of ownership, improve your PowerMate® experience, and maximize your return on investment (R.O.I.)!

PowerMate® Ball Screw Technology

Keep you ball screw assembly thoroughly clean before lubricating and re-lubricating. The objective is to keep the ball screw assembly and drive screw clear of any debris that may increase friction, torque, or decrease efficiency that could have a negative impact on the life of the assembly.

In order to achieve this, the use of a light weight, three in one machine oil, like you would use for sewing machines, is recommended. Today there are many lubricant products on the market that are ideal and offer an operating range of -65ºF to 375ºF or -54ºC to 190ºC.

The ball screw manufacturer cautions not to use penetrating lubricants or other lubricants that contain either molydisulfide or graphite. Further, the manufacturer also warns that failure to regularly lubricate the ball screw assembly can result in as much as a 90% reduction in the potential life of the assembly - it is that important!

When applying or reapplying lubricant, make sure to wipe the assembly down thoroughly with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth approximately every 40 hours of use. For most PowerMate® users that is about once every two weeks. Lubricant can be applied generously so that a light film covers the entire drive screw. If your PowerMate® equipment is exposed to a dirty work environment, you may have to clean and lubricate your PowerMate® more frequently. If the operator notices the machine is not running smoothly throughout the entire stroke, or a visual inspection reveals signs of contaminants or debris, it is time to clean and lubricate the ball screw assembly.

When applying the lubricating oil, cycle the ball nut along the drive screw by “opening and closing” the PowerMate® stair climber several times.

If you choose to use cleaning fluid or solvent to remove excess dirt from the ball grooves, remember to flush the ball grooves thoroughly before cleaning and re-lubricating.

 

Like any tool or piece of equipment, take care of it and it will take care of you for many years to come! With care and minor routine maintenance your PowerMate® can last for years and years.  L P International Inc. has been in the business of building and distributing PowerMate® stair climbing and LiftGate products for over 35 years.

Click here to schedule an appointment for service or re-certification, or to inquire about a “do it yourself” Preventative Maintenance Kit from PowerMate® today!

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Tags: lifting dolly, training, ball screw assembly, maintenance, LiftGates, powermate, stair climber

Moving Heavy Loads On & Off Vehicles - "Hand Truck Tips and Tricks"

Posted by Contributing Editor on Tue, Aug 05, 2014

For more than 35 years, L P International Inc., the manufacturer of PowerMate®, has worked with their customers providing custom safety lifting solutions for moving loads up to 1 500lb or 680kg. Over the years they have developed many different value-added solutions and discovered even more ways to make moving heavy loads safer, easier, and more efficient; some may even say, "Magical!" 

The PowerMate® Hook Box Can Make Moving Safe and Simple!

 

Another value-added accessory PowerMate® has created as the result of working with their customers is the PowerMate® Hook Box Part #400090.

This small and often over-looked value-added accessory was created to assist customers moving heavy items, such as larger white goods, safes, vending machines, boilers, commercial water heaters, etc., by securing the PowerMate® M-Series Stairclimber and load to the bed of the delivery or service vehicle. Customers using the Hook Box tell PowerMate® they do now know how they did without it!

Deploy the hook bar (the bottom part of the retractable dolly attachment - found on all M-Series PowerMate® machines) and turn the "hook" up to a 90º angle as illustrated in the image above, then slide the hook bar into the hook. Now the PowerMate® and load are safely locked in place; giving the operator the assurance the load is not going anywhere but safely onto or off of the vehicle!

The Hook Box is an ideal solution for any vehicle the PowerMate® can climb into and out of. To remove the hook bar from the hook, simply release the hook and move the PowerMate® towards you (the operator) until the bar is free. With the machine in a balanced position, return the hook bar to the locked position on the PowerMate dolly and the operator can be safely on their way. It is that simple!

Sample Installation (above) in the bed of a pick-up truck.

In most cases, the installation of the Hook Box into a vehicle can be completed by your regular automotive mechanic in approximately 30 minutes. Many mechanically inclined PowerMate® customers have even installed their own Hook Boxes utilizing the detailed and easy to follow instructions provided with this accessory and documented in your M-Series Operating Manual. If you have any questions about the installation of your Hook Box, or where you can get it installed locally, contact PowerMate® or your local PowerMate® Partner.

With the Hook Box retailing for less than the price of dinner and a movie, many PowerMate® customers with multiple vehicles often have a Hook Box installed in each of them; preparing themselves to move safely and efficiently on and off any vehicle in their fleet.

Remember to include your PowerMate® Hook Boxes in your new machine order or you can have them shipped to you via overnight courier today!

Interested in learning more tips and tricks? Check back to the PowerMate Blog for the next post on the topic, or better yet, contact your local PowerMate Partner to schedule on-site operator training for you and your people. Take advantage of more than 35 years of safety lifting experience and learn all the tips and tricks from a qualified PowerMate® factory trained team member!

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Tags: lifting dolly, accessories, training, hook box, safety moving equipment, powermate, stair dolly

Charging your Motorized Dolly - New Chargers!

Posted by Contributing Editor on Mon, Jul 14, 2014

With a commitment to continuous improvement, there are a number of product initiatives underway at L P Intentional Inc., the manufacturer of PowerMate®. All of these initiatives are happening with the goal of making PowerMate® even more efficient and maintaining their current, competitive pricing structure for their valued customers - both past and future!  The first involves the introduction of new battery charging units for all PowerMate® stair climbing dollies.

Standard Wall Charger:

All PowerMate® stair climbing hand trucks come complete with the standard wall charger –

Part# 400210 or 400211.

STANDARD WALL CHARGER – 400210

The Part# 400210 or 400211 charger comes standard with all PowerMate® Stair Climbers. It is safe and strongly recommended to leave all PowerMate® machines plugged in when not in use. The battery will not overcharge and has a built-in automatic shut off feature!

# 400210

# 400211

In-Vehicle Chargers:

Customers that use their PowerMate® as a shared resource often opt for the #400215 or #400217 in-vehicle charger as it affords them the flexibility to move the charger and PowerMate® machine from vehicle to vehicle as required on any given day!

When a 12V accessory outlet is not available or the PowerMate® is a dedicated resource to a vehicle, customers chose the #400216 or #400218 battery charger and never have to worry where the charger is when they need it! PowerMate® users cite the use of either of the two in-vehicle charging systems as the reason they do not need to purchase an extra battery pack to get through even the busiest of work days!

IN-VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS (IVCS) – 400215 & 400217 or 400216 & 400218

PowerMate® smart charging system keeps your PowerMate® charged while you are running your vehicle. It will never draw below 75% of your vehicles battery charge, so your vehicle will always have enough power to start your vehicles engine every time! Part# 400215 and 400217 plug into a 12V accessory outlet and Part# 400216 and 400218 are hard wired directly to your 12 Volt vehicle battery.

# 400215

# 400217
 

# 400216

 

# 400218


PowerMate® Stair Climbers with a Serial # less than 36000

For current and past customers with PowerMate® models having serial numbers earlier than serial number 36000, your charger will continue to serve you well. When it comes time for replacement, or your charger is misplaced, a conversion kit is available that will allow you to upgrade to the new charger!

PowerMate® Stair Climbers with a Serial # greater than 36000

All new PowerMate® stair climbers manufactured and shipped with serial numbers greater than 36000, are going out complete with the new charging system.

PowerMate® Battery Charger Reference Table:

 

Serial # < 36000

PART #   

 Serial # 36000+

PART #   

STANDARD WALL CHARGER 400210  400211
IN-VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS (Outlet)   400215  400217
IN-VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS (Hard-Wired) 400216  400218

Conversion Kit for machines manufactured Pre June 1st, 2014 and having a serial # lower than 36000 : COMING SOON

Not sure where to find the serial number for your PowerMate®?
Where do I Find the Serial # for my PowerMate®?

As always, for the many PowerMate® International customers the conversion kit is also available. When you are placing an order for a standard wall charger, be sure to specify the style of the male end of the charger, (that plugs into the wall), you need based on local requirements.

In summary, it is a commonly shared belief that the new chargers will increase efficiency, help maintain the current PowerMate® price structure and most importantly, enhance the PowerMate® user's experience! Check back again soon to learn more about product enhancements at L P International Inc.

 

 

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Tags: lifting dolly, powered dolly, battery charger, powermate, safety moving system

Turning in Tight Spaces - "Hand Truck Tips and Tricks"

Posted by Contributing Editor on Fri, Jun 27, 2014

 

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Tags: lifting dolly, accessories, training, powermate, stair climbing hand trucks, stair dolly

What is the (Cost) Return on a PowerMate?

Posted by Contributing Editor on Wed, Sep 25, 2013

What does a PowerMate COST?

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Tags: lifting dolly, labor savings, ROI, investment, cost, powermate

Take Tomorrow for A Test Drive

Posted by Contributing Editor on Mon, Sep 23, 2013

Take tomorrow for test drive is the theme of the upcoming International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) Demo  Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky October 1st to 3rd, 2013 at the Kentucky Convention Center. As a first time exhibitor, PowerMate® Motorized Stair Climbers & LiftGates is excited about being there!

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Tags: lifting dolly, LiftGate, ICUEE, utilities, powermate

Unique LE-1 Motorized Dolly

Posted by Contributing Editor on Tue, Sep 03, 2013

The PowerMate® model LE-1 Is truly a one-of-kind motorized stair climber. One of the questions we get most frequently asked is: What makes the LE-1 so different and why is it priced more than many of the other PowerMate® models.

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Tags: lifting dolly, electric dolly, PowerMate LE1, powermate, safety moving system

Residential Water Heater Changes - Be Prepared!

Posted by Contributing Editor on Tue, Aug 20, 2013

In January of 2010, PowerMate® Dolly was there to help contractors to minimize the costs and labor impact with the introduction of the new SEER rated air conditioning units. While the new more energy efficient units had their obvious benefits to users and the environment, the larger, heavier units required a solution to make moving them easier for the installer and mostly, a one person job. The PowerMate® Model LE-1 was there to help keep labor costs to a minimum and eliminate one area of concern making moving and installing the new A/C units a virtual non-issue!

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Tags: lifting dolly, residential water heater, powermate, safety moving system

Say, "Hello Dolly!"

Posted by Savannah Jeavons on Wed, Jul 17, 2013

Look what we found in the basement we thought we'd like to share with you! Here's a blast from the past: A late 1970's Hello Dolly brochure that was created to highlight the benefits of a PowerMate® moving pianos. Our PowerMate® dolly has been getting the job done for over 30 years.

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Tags: lifting dolly, powered dolly, electric dolly, powered hand truck, powermate, powered hand trucks