Alber CargoMaster A 130 User manual

Operator’s Manual
CargoMaster A 130/131
A 281
O10

1 Table of Contents
2. Introduction
3. Brief Survey
3.1 General Information
3.2 Functional Concept
3.3 Functional Sequence
3.4 Description A130
3.5 Description A131
3.6 Description A281
3.7 Description O 10
4. Before Using the CargoMaster
4.1 Checking the Safety Brakes
5. Operating the CargoMaster
5.1 Safety Instructions
5.2 Parking Without a Load
5.3 Parking With a Load
5.4 Moving on Level Ground
5.5 Adjusting the Handlebars
5.6 Picking up Loads
5.7 Loading with the Adjustable Toe Plate
5.8 Loading a Vehicle
5.9 Unloading a Vehicle
5.10 Climbing Upstairs
5.11 Climbing Downstairs
5.12 Operation in Single Step Mode
6. Accessories
6.1 Horizontal Platform
6.2 Supporting Frame (only applicable to A281)
6.3 Portable Stairs
6.4 Spare Batteries
7. Maintenance
7.1 General Information
7.2 Retightening the Chain
7.3 Exchanging the Electrical Fuses
7.4 Exchanging the Batteries
8. Lead Batteries
8.1 General Information
8.2 Charging the Lead Batteries
9. Problems and Solutions
10. Warranty and Liability
10.1 Warranty
10.2 Liability
11. Appendix
Noise and Vibrations
Declaration of CE Conformity
Note
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98

2 Introduction
Congratulations, you acquired a powerful and versatile ma-
chine to transport loads.
The CargoMaster will shortly be an indispensable help to you.
However, in order to transport heavy loads effortlessly up-
and downstairs, it is necessary to acquire a certain skill in
using the CargoMaster.
For this reason we ask you to read the operator’s manual
carefully and pay particular attention to all warning and sa-
fety instructions before using the CargoMaster for the first
time.
We further suggest that, in order to get used to this stair-
climbing device, you practise handling it first without loads.
For safety reasons it is mandatory to observe strictly the
maximum limit for loads.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98

3 Brief Survey
3.1 General Information
Everybody who sees the CargoMaster in action for the first
time is fascinated by its climbing mechanism.
Precisely those people who are technically inclined end up
shaking their heads as they try to understand how it works.
If one did not see the CargoMaster actually climb up- and
downstairs, one would reach the conclusion that this
couldn’t possibly work, and yet it does.
3.2 The Functional Principle
The major focus lies at the axle (F) at the frame (A) of the
CargoMaster around which the lifting levers (E) together with
the big wheels (C) rotate (see 3.3 “Functional Sequence”).
The big wheels are not powered; instead they rotate freely
on the motor shaft. The small supporting wheels (B) are also
not powered but rotate freely.
The lifting levers are fixed to the motor shaft by means of
teeth. If the motor rotates, then the lifting levers inevitably
also rotate around the axis (D), which is both the axis of the
motor shaft as well as of the not powered big wheels. The
other ends of the lifting levers, as described previously, ro-
tate freely around the axis (F) attached to the frame of the
CargoMaster. This free rotation inevitably results in the clim-
bing process’ intended up or down movement of either the
big wheels or the frame of the CargoMaster on the stairs.
Depending on the constellation of the frame, lifting levers,
and big wheels to each other certain positions follow in
which one can either drive or park the CargoMaster.
How one can use the up and down movement of the big
wheels and the frame of the CargoMaster to climb stairs is
shown and described in detail as follows.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
A
B
C
D
E
F
FIGURE 1
D
F
FIGURE 2

3.3 Functional Sequence
For the purpose of describing the functional sequence, plea-
se assume that the CargoMaster is in the position “moving
on level ground.” More precisely, the moving gear and the
frame are in such a position to each other that one can easi-
ly drive on level ground. This starting position of the Cargo-
Master is called 0°. The lifting levers are in an approximately
horizontal position as shown in Figure 3. The rotating axis of
the lifting levers and the axles of the big wheels are on about
the same level.
The First Phase
Drive the CargoMaster to the first step of the stairs in the
position 0°. Push the up/down switch to “UP” and the motor
begins to rotate.
The motor shaft can rotate freely in the big wheels and, sin-
ce the lifting levers are connected with the motor shaft, the
lifting levers rotate around the axis of the big wheels, which,
in turn, inevitably lifts the frame.
The rotation moves from 0°
to 45° and at position 90°
one can see that the lifting
levers lifted the frame into
its highest possible positi-
on. The small supporting
wheels climbed along and
touch down on the next
step at approximately 135°
(see Figure 4). This conclu-
des the first phase.
The Second Phase
Once the supporting wheels touched down on the step, the
big wheels are moved up to the same step passing the posi-
tions 180° and 225° (see Figure 5).
At roughly 270° the big
wheels reach their hig-
hest possible position
and at about 315° they
take over the load of the
small supporting wheels.
In the meantime one pulls
the CargoMaster back to
the edge of the following
step. The final position
360° coincides with the
starting position 0°,
which concludes the se-
cond phase and the pro-
cess can be repeated.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 3
180° 225° 270° 315° 360°
FIGURE 5
45
°
0
°
90
°
135
°
FIGURE 4

3.4 Description A 130
1 = Handlebars
2 = Up/Down Switch
3 = Safety Belt
4 = Toe Plate
5 = Supporting Wheels
6 = Big Wheels
7 = Power Switch and Single
Step Switch (optional)
8 = Fuses
9 = Socket for the Recharger
10 = Fastening Lever
Technical Data: A 130
Dimensions
Height: 1120 mm
Width: 580 mm
Depth: 470 mm
Handlebars extendible up to 1770 mm
Weight (with batteries) 31 kg
Lifting Capacity 130 kg
Sealed Batteries 12 V / 10 Ah
DC Motor 12 V
Climbing Rate 13 steps per minute
Capacity with one charge of the batteries 10-15 stories, depending on the load
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
1
6
2
5
4
10
5
8
7
9
3
FIGURE 6

3.5 Description A 131
1 = Handlebars
2 = Up/Down Switch
3 = Safety Belt
4 = Toe Plate
5 = Supporting Wheels
6 = Big Wheels
7 = Power Switch and Single
Step Switch (optional)
8 = Fuses
9 = Socket for the Recharger
10 = Fastening Lever
Technical Data: A 131
Dimensions
Height: 1120mm
Width: 580 mm
Depth: 470 mm
Handlebars extendible up to 1770 mm
Weight (with batteries) 32 kg
Lifting Capacity 130 kg
Sealed Batteries 12 V / 13 Ah
DC Motor 12 V
Climbing Rate 17 steps per minute
Capacity with one charge of the batteries 15-30 stories, depending on the load
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
1
6
2
5
4
3
10
5
8
7
9
FIGURE 7

3.6 Description A 281
1 = Handlebars
2 = Up/Down Switch
3 = Safety Belt
4 = Adjustable Toe Plate
5 = Supporting Wheels
6 = Big Wheels
7 = Power Switch and Single
Step Switch (optional)
8 = Fuses
9 = Socket for the Recharger
10 = Fastening Screw Knob
Technical Data: A 281
Dimensions
Height: 1130mm
Width: 590 mm
Depth: 520 mm
Handlebars extendible up to 1800 mm
Weight (with batteries) 43 kg
Lifting Capacity 280 kg
Sealed Batteries 12 V / 13 Ah
DC Motor 12 V
Climbing Rate 7 steps per minute
Capacity with one charge of the batteries 15-30 stories, depending on the load
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
1
6
2
5
4
3
10
5
8
7
9
FIGURE 8

3.7 Description 0 10
1 = Handlebars
2 = Safety Belt
3 = Up/Down Switch
4 = Fastening Levers
5 = Fuse 2,5 A
6 = Socket for the Recharger
7 = Fuse 30 A
8 = Big Wheels
9 = Supporting Wheels
10 = Loading Fork
Technical Data: O 10
Dimensions
Height: 890mm
Width: 610 mm
Depth: 460 mm (250 mm fork folded)
Handlebars extendible up to 1400 mm
Weight (with batteries) 26 kg
Lifting Capacity 100 kg
Sealed Batteries 12 V / 12 Ah
DC Motor 12 V
Climbing Rate 17 steps per minute
Capacity with one charge of the batteries 15-30 stories, depending on the load
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
11
6
2
5
4
4
3
10
8
87
9
FIGURE 9

4 Before Operation
Before you use the CargoMaster for the first time, please
make sure the batteries are completely charged, as shown
in chapter 8.2 Charging the Lead Batteries.
+Please check the safety brakes each time before you use the CargoMaster.
4.1 Checking the Safety Brakes
First, put the CargoMaster in the parking position
by pushing the up/down switch, as shown in Figu-
re 10.
Then, tilt the machine so far towards you
that the loading surface of the frame is al-
most in a horizontal position; this movement
lifts the big wheels off the ground, so that
only the small supporting wheels still touch
the ground. At this point the safety brakes
hinge down, engage and block the supporting
wheels as shown in Figure 11.
If the machine cannot be pushed forward, but
only rolled backward, then the braking effect
for a safe use of the CargoMaster is achieved.
+If this braking effect does not set in, the CargoMaster may not be used under any circums-
tances. Please contact your local dealer or the manufacturer immediately.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 10
à à
FIGURE 11

5 Operating the CargoMaster
5.1 Safety Instructions
For the safe operation of the CargoMaster, it is imperative to
observe all requests for caution and all instructions of the
operator´s manual as well as all safety measures and in-
struction labels on the machine itself.
+The CargoMaster may only be used by a trained person.
+During operation, never put your hand underneath the
Toe Plate.
+Check the safety brakes before each time you use the
machine.
+The maximum load, see label on the machine, may never
be exceeded.
+Each load you transport must be secured with the sa-
fety belt.
+If any of the power-driven elements of the CargoMaster
lock, turn off the machine immediately.
+Never transport people with the CargoMaster.
+Only operate the CargoMaster in conjunction with the
safety devices that belong to the particular machine.
+Please turn off the CargoMaster, i.e. put the power
switch in position O, when you stop the machine or take
a break in transporting a load.
+Repair work on the CargoMaster may only be done by the
manufacturer or authorized dealers.
+Only use original spare parts by Alber.
+People under age are not allowed to operate the Cargo-
Master (except those over 16 who are trained under su-
pervision).
+Make sure that the fastening screw knobs or fastening
levers of the handlebars are always securely tightened,
particularly after adjusting the handlebars.
+Make sure that the lead batteries are recharged after
each operation.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98

5.2 Parking Without a Load
Put the wheels in such a position as shown in Figure 12;
then park the CargoMaster by resting it on the toe plate like a
regular sack trolley.
5.3 Parking With a Load
To park the CargoMaster with a load safely, all
four wheels, that is the big wheels and the
small supporting wheels, must touch the
ground.
Ideally the load´s center of gravity is between
the big wheels and the smaller supporting
wheels as shown in Figure 13.
If this is not the case, one can shift the load
accordingly, provided that your type of Cargo-
Master is equipped with an adjustable toe plate
as shown in chapter 5.7. If your machine has a
fixed toe plate, you can insert a wooden block
or something similarly suitable under the load.
The position of the load´s center of gravity de-
termines the angle of inclination in which the CargoMaster
plus load are balanced in the park position, in other words,
the equilibrium is retained and the CargoMaster rests secu-
rely on the floor.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 12
/
FIGURE 13

5.4 Moving on Level Ground
Push the up/down switch and bring the moving
gear in such a position as shown in Figure 14.
The lifting levers are in a roughly horizontal posi-
tion and point backward in reference to their
axis of rotation on the frame.
5.5 Adjusting the Handlebars
In order to drive, take up loads, and climb stairs with as little
effort as possible, the handlebars of the CargoMaster should
be adjusted to the operator’s height.
For the most comfortable and safe way to use the CargoMas-
ter, adjust the height of the handlebars to height of the ope-
rator’s shoulders, as shown in Figure 15.
Depending on your type of CargoMaster, adjust the handle-
bars by loosening either the fastening levers or the faste-
ning screw knobs on the frame and push the handlebars into
the desired direction.
Make sure that the handlebars are always sufficiently inser-
ted into the frame, that is, do not pull them out too far.
With models featuring round pipe handlebars this is guaran-
teed, if the slits in the clamping pipes of the frame are al-
ways filled out by the handlebars. With models featuring
rectangular pipe handlebars, such as model A 281, stop
bolts keep you from pulling out the handlebars too far. With
these models stop bolts also lock the handlebars, even if
they are completely pushed in.
+After adjusting the handlebars, always make sure that
they are securely fastened.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 15

5.6 Picking up Loads
Put the wheels in the position shown in Figure 16 and move
the shovel of the CargoMaster under the load you want to
transport.
+Secure the load with the safety belt (see Figure 17).
You pick up the load by pushing your foot against
the motor axle - the other foot rests firmly on the
ground - while pulling at the handlebars tilting the
CargoMaster with its load toward you. See Figure
18.
+Please make sure to push with your foot
only against the motor axle, never against
the black drive gear box
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 16
FIGURE 18

5.7 Picking up Loads with the Height-Adjustable Shovel
If your CargoMaster is equipped with the optional,
height-adjustable shovel, you need to put the shovel in the
position at which the load’s center of gravity is positioned
between the big wheels and the smaller supporting wheels
as described in the chapter 5.3 “Parking with a Load.”
To adjust the height-adjustable shovel, unlock the particu-
larly provided spring-urged stop bolts (see Figure 19).
Pull out the stop bolt as shown in Figure 20.
Turn it by 90° (see Figure 21), at which point the stop bolt
snaps into a small indentation securing it against turning at
its own.
Adjust the shovel to the appropriate position and turn the
stop bolts again by 90°, at which point they snap back into
their groove.
You might have to slide the shovel back and forth in its gui-
ding device to make sure that the stop bolts snap into their
grooves securely.
+The nose must be fully inserted into the groove, see Figure 19
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 20
FIGURE 21
FIGURE 22
FIGURE 19

5.8 Loading of a Vehicle
Drive straight to the edge of the loa-
ding platform and bring the CargoMas-
ter with its load into the parking
position as shown in Figure 23.
Then loosen the safety belts.
Bring the CargoMaster in its highest possible
position.
Drive the CargoMaster to the edge of the vehi-
cle’s loading platform as shown in Figure 24
and tilt the load onto it.
+For your safety and convenience we recommend to use the Alber portable stairs (see
Chapter 6.3 “Portable Stairs”) when loading platforms.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
à
FIGURE 24
FIGURE 23

5.9 Unloading of a Vehicle
Push the load as far as possible over
the edge of the loading platform.
Bring your CargoMaster into its hig-
hest possible position, see Figure 25,
and drive with the shovel as closely as
possible under the load to the edge of
the loading platform. Then tilt the
load onto the CargoMaster.
Put the CargoMaster in park
position and secure the load
with the safety belt as
shown in Figure 26.
+For your safety and convenience we recommend to use the Alber portable stairs (see
Chapter 6.3 “Portable Stairs”) when loading platforms.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 26
à
FIGURE 25

5.10 Climbing Upstairs
You will manage the climbing process without
problems and in next to no time, if you follow in-
structions closely. At first you should practice
climbing stairs up and down with the CargoMas-
ter without loads to get familiar with the device
and how it works.
1.To climb stairs, drive with the CargoMaster
backwards toward the stairs and climb 2 to 3
steps. Please make sure that the CargoMas-
ter´s big wheels are touching the edge of the
lowest step as shown in Figure 27.
+During the entire climbing process, always pull the CargoMaster slightly backwards to-
wards you, i.e. keep the device always under tensible force.
2. Push the up/down switch to “UP“ in-
itiating the climbing process. The motor
and the lifting levers begin to rotate and
uplift the frame plus load (see Figures 28
and 29).
+Imitate this powered climbing process of the frame with your arms and consequently
with the handlebars. Hereby you keep the CargoMaster in a sufficiently steep angle so
that the supporting wheels can touch down on the next higher step.
3. The climbing process takes place in two
sections per step. The first section is finished
when the small supporting wheels touch down
on the next step (see Figure 30) and take over
the load from the big wheels.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 30
FIGURE 27
FIGURE 29
FIGURE 28

4. At this point a load alternation takes
place. You can clearly feel a pull forward at
the handlebars. Compensate this move-
ment of the CargoMaster by pushing the
handlebars downward, thus decreasing its
angle of inclination as shown in Figure 31.
+Make sure the handlebars are not
held too low because in such case the
supporting wheels do not reach the
next higher step.
5. The second section begins with
the lifting or pulling up of the big
wheels as shown in Figure 32; it is fi-
nished when the big wheels touch
down, next to the small supporting
wheels, on the following step.
At this point there is another load al-
ternation, which is compensated, in
turn, by lifting the handlebars holding
the CargoMaster at a steeper angle.
By keeping the CargoMaster always slightly
under tensible force, it rolls automatically
to the next step (see Figure 33). The clim-
bing process repeats itself as described
above.
+If your CargoMaster is equipped with
a single step device and it is in ope-
ration, then the climbing process is
automatically interrupted at this
point. To continue the climbing pro-
cess, release the up/down switch
and start again at point 3.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 32
FIGURE 33
à
FIGURE 31

5.11 Climbing Downstairs
+Notice that only the small supporting wheels are equipped with brakes; the big wheels
don’t have brakes..
1. Bring the big wheels in
the position as shown in Fi-
gure 34 and rest the Cargo-
Master on its small
supporting wheels by pus-
hing the handlebars down.
Hold the device precisely at
such a position that the big
wheels do not touch the
ground anymore.
2. Push the CargoMaster all the way up
to the edge of the step until the braking
wheels just reach over said edge (see Fi-
gure 35); however, the safety brakes
should not be activated.
+Do not use the safety brakes as a kind of “stopper.“ The safety brakes are intended, if
the case arises, to keep the small supporting wheels from rolling over the edge of the
step.
CargoMaster
A130 GB 7/98
FIGURE 35
FIGURE 34