Beta Max Beta Lite Manual

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Beta Max Portable Hoists Operating and Maintenance Procedures Manual
www.betamaxhoist.com
1-800-233-5112

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Chapter 1
Introduction and General Description
1.1 Description .......................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Cautions, Warnings, and Notes.......................................................... 1-3
1.3 Required Repair Tools ....................................................................... 1-4
1.4 Understanding Electricity................................................................... 1-5
Connectors..................................................................................... 1-6
Voltage........................................................................................... 1-6
Electrical Cables/Strain Reliefs..................................................... 1-7
Chapter 2
Safety
2.1 Safety Responsibilities....................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Safety Instructions.............................................................................. 2-3
2.3 Safety Precautions.............................................................................. 2-4
Pinch Points................................................................................... 2-5
Electrical Shock ............................................................................. 2-5
Eye Protection................................................................................ 2-5
2.4 Personal Safety Equipment ................................................................ 2-6
2.5 Operator Safety Precautions............................................................... 2-7
2.6 Safety Checklist ................................................................................. 2-8
General .......................................................................................... 2-8
Wire Rope, Hooks, and Clasps ...................................................... 2-8
Electrical Power Source and Cables............................................. 2-9
Scaffold .......................................................................................... 2-9
2.7 Safety Labels.................................................................................... 2-10

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Chapter 3
Components
3.1 Motor and Brake ................................................................................ 3-2
3.2 Transmission and Drum ..................................................................... 3-3
3.3 Wire Rope .......................................................................................... 3-4
Important User Information Required for Safely Using Wire Rope
and Wire Rope Slings..................................................................... 3-4
Nominal Strength (or Catalog Strength) ....................................... 3-5
Design Factor (or Safety Factor) .................................................. 3-5
Maximum Working Load Capacity ................................................ 3-6
Conditions or Situations to Avoid.................................................. 3-6
Inspection....................................................................................... 3-7
Conditions Leading to Wire Rope Damage ................................... 3-8
3.4 Shrouds and Mounting Tops .............................................................. 3-9
Shrouds .......................................................................................... 3-9
Mounting Tops ............................................................................. 3-10
3.5 Hoist Mounting Options................................................................... 3-12
Vertical Post ................................................................................ 3-13
Sliding Trolley.............................................................................. 3-14
Scaff-Trac..................................................................................... 3-15
Mac-Trac ..................................................................................... 3-16
Trestle Monorail .......................................................................... 3-18

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3.6 Methods of Anchoring the Trestle Monorail ................................... 3-19
Trestle Monorail Ceiling Brace................................................... 3-19
Floor Tie-Down Clamps .............................................................. 3-19
Ballast .......................................................................................... 3-19
Counterweight.............................................................................. 3-19
3.7 Control Box...................................................................................... 3-20
3.8 Control Pendant................................................................................ 3-21
Chapter 4
Specifications
4.1 Wire Rope and Lifting Specifications................................................ 4-2
4.2 Hoist Specifications by Model ........................................................... 4-3
4.3 Electrical ............................................................................................ 4-5
Chapter 5
Operation and Setup
5.1 Operating the Hoist ............................................................................ 5-2
Before You Begin ........................................................................... 5-2
Hoist Operation ............................................................................. 5-2
Load Rotation ................................................................................ 5-3
5.2 Single-Rope Rigging.......................................................................... 5-4
Maximum Working-Load Capacity................................................ 5-4
5.3 Double-Rope Rigging ........................................................................ 5-5

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5.4 Mounting System Setups and Installations ........................................ 5-6
Vertical Post Mounting Options .................................................... 5-6
I-Beam Mounting ......................................................................... 5-10
Scaff-Trac Mounting .................................................................... 5-14
Scaff-Trac Models Available ....................................................... 5-15
Scaff-Trac and Scaff-Trac Extension Assembly and Mounting ... 5-16
Scaff-Trac Parts List.................................................................... 5-17
Installing Scaff-Trac Monorail .................................................... 5-17
Scaff-Trac Extension Parts List ................................................... 5-18
Attaching the Scaff-Trac Monorail Extension ............................. 5-18
Mac-Trac Mounting..................................................................... 5-19
Mac-Trac Parts List..................................................................... 5-21
Installing the Mac-Trac ............................................................... 5-22
Trestle Monorail Mounting.......................................................... 5-23
Parts List for 1200-Pound (544-kg) Capacity
Trestle Monorail .......................................................................... 5-25
Assembling the 1200-Pound (544-kg) Capacity
Trestle Monorail .......................................................................... 5-25
Parts List for 2000-Pound (907-kg) Capacity
Trestle Monorail .......................................................................... 5-27
Assembling the 2000-Pound (907-kg) Capacity
Trestle Monorail .......................................................................... 5-27

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5.5 Methods of Anchoring the Trestle Monorail ................................... 5-28
Trestle Ceiling Brace................................................................... 5-28
Floor Tie-Down Clamps .............................................................. 5-28
Ballast .......................................................................................... 5-29
Counterweight.............................................................................. 5-29
5.6 Mounting Hoist on a Monorail/Trac System ................................... 5-30
5.7 Counterbalancing of Monorail Systems........................................... 5-31
Counterbalancing Calculations................................................... 5-31
Chapter 6
Maintenance and Care
6.1 Care and Storage ................................................................................ 6-2
Motor and Electrical Connectors .................................................. 6-2
Wire Rope (General)...................................................................... 6-2
Transmission.................................................................................. 6-3
Roller Mounting Tops .................................................................... 6-3
6.2 Removal of Wire Rope....................................................................... 6-4
6.3 Installing Wire Rope .......................................................................... 6-5
Preliminary Information................................................................ 6-5
Installing Wire Rope ...................................................................... 6-6

Beta Max Portable Hoists Operating and Maintenance Procedures Manual
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Chapter 7
Periodic Maintenance
7.1 Motor.................................................................................................. 7-2
7.2 Brake .................................................................................................. 7-2
Conical Brake Operation............................................................... 7-2
Brake Adjustment........................................................................... 7-3
General Adjustment Guidelines ..................................................... 7-4
Adjusting the Spring Tension......................................................... 7-4
Adjusting the Air Gap .................................................................... 7-4
Adjusting Brake without Previous References............................... 7-7
7.3 Transmission and Drum ..................................................................... 7-7
7.4 Wire Rope .......................................................................................... 7-8
Chapter 8
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 8-1
Chapter 9
Accessories
9.1 Hoist Lifting Accessories................................................................... 9-2
9.2 Mounting Top Accessories ................................................................ 9-6
9.3 Electrical Accessories ........................................................................ 9-7

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Chapter 10
Parts
10.1 Brake Components........................................................................... 10-2
10.2 Transmission and Drum Components.............................................. 10-4
10.3 Motor and Brake Assembly ............................................................. 10-6
10.4 Parts by Model ................................................................................. 10-8
Beta Lite Plus (50-29/50-31) ....................................................... 10-8
Scorpio Plus (50-34).................................................................... 10-9
Scorpio Plus XL (50-33-1)......................................................... 10-10
Gemini Plus (50-11)................................................................... 10-11
Gemini Plus (50-8)..................................................................... 10-12
New Yorker (50-18) ................................................................... 10-13
Leo Single-Phase (50-40) .......................................................... 10-14
Leo Three-Phase (50-2) ............................................................. 10-15
Leo XXL (50-25) ........................................................................ 10-16
Chapter 11
Optional Equipment
11.1 Wireless Remote Control ................................................................. 11-2
11.2 Variable Frequency Drive Controller............................................... 11-3
Chapter 12
Warranty ...................................................................................................... 12-1

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Chapter 1
Introduction and General Description
Thank you for choosing the Beta Max portable hoist.
The intended purpose of this manual is to inform, guide, and educate the owner/operator on
the safe operation and maintenance of the portable hoist. This manual applies to seven models
of portable hoists (Beta Lite, Scorpio Plus, Scorpio Plus XL, Gemini Plus, New Yorker, Leo,
Leo XXL) and will note model-specific topics where applicable.
All Beta Max hoists meet or exceed ANSI, CSA, OSHA, and UL specifications.
Page
1.1 Description............................................................................................ 1-2
1.2 Cautions, Warnings, and Notes............................................................. 1-3
1.3 Required Repair Tools .......................................................................... 1-4
1.4 Understanding Electricity..................................................................... 1-5
Beta Max, Inc. reserves the right to make design changes at any time, and the
information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Beta Max,
Inc. is not liable for errors in this manual or for any incidental/consequential damages
that may result from the use of the material in this manual.

Introduction and General Description
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1.1 Description
The Beta Max portable electric utility hoists are general-purpose hoists designed
for the construction industry. These hoists are also suitable for other applications
that require a compact, lightweight, easy to handle, and efficient hoisting unit. The
hoists can be mounted in a variety of ways to serve various applications. Beta Max
portable hoists are powered by either a 110V or 220V AC reversible electric
motor. Large units may use three-phase power and standard units use single-phase
power. Units are NOT field changeable between 110V AC and 220V AC.
A conical brake system is incorporated into the design that will hold the maximum
load in place when electrical power is lost or when the load is intentionally
suspended or stopped by the operator. The motor is fan cooled and all electrical
components are protected from the weather. The gear reduction system is
completely enclosed in a die-cast aluminum housing with a sealed lubrication
system. Gears and bearings operate in an oil bath. All Beta Max portable hoists
have an emergency UP limit switch, which stops the hoist motion when the load
has reached the upper limit of travel.
Beta Max portable hoist lifting capacities range from 200 pounds (90 kilograms) to
2000 pounds (907 kilograms), depending on the model. Lifting speeds range from
25 feet per minute (7.6 meters per minute) to 80 feet per minute (24.4 meters per
minute). And load lifting heights range from 30 feet (9.1 meters) to 450 feet (137.2
meters). All hoists are factory equipped with rotation-resistant wire rope for load
and lifting stability.
Before contacting technical support, please locate and write down the model and
serial number for reference. The technician will ask for this information to help
resolve the issue in a timely fashion. The model name and serial number are shown
on the black and white decal on the control box. The serial number is also stamped
on the transmission casting.
DISCLAIMER, PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING: Failure to follow
the guidelines in this manual is the sole responsibility of the equipment end user/
operator. Beta Max, Inc. is not and will not be held responsible or liable for injury
or damages resulting from the end user/operator not following the guidelines set
forth in this manual.

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1.2 Cautions, Warnings, and Notes
Throughout this manual, the use of WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES will
be used to identify certain areas, tasks, or conditions that require special attention.
WARNINGS and CAUTIONS will always appear directly before the task or issue
of concern. Please read and understand the complete Safety section of this
manual before attempting to operate the equipment.
An example of a WARNING is shown below and will always appear with the same
symbol wherever it is used in this manual. A WARNING indicates that personal
injury or death could result if the WARNING is not followed.
WARNING
Failure to observe a safety instruction noted by WARNING could result in severe injury or death.
An example of a CAUTION is shown below and will always appear with the same
symbol wherever it is used in this manual. A CAUTION indicates that personal
injury or equipment damage could result if the CAUTION is not followed.
CAUTION
Failure to observe a safety instruction noted by CAUTION could result in injury or damage to the
equipment.
An example of a NOTE is shown below.
NOTE: Used throughout this manual, NOTES provide useful additional data, but are
never used to communicate safety hazards.

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1.3 Required Repair Tools
The following list of tools will be needed to perform maintenance work on the
portable hoist. Many of the tools listed are only required by trained technicians
working on the hoist.
1. Metric, long, T-handle-type, Hex Head (Allen) Wrenches:
• 4-mm, 5-mm, 6-mm
2. Metric sockets and wrenches (6-point and 12-point):
• 10-mm, 11-mm, 12-mm, 17-mm, 19-mm, 22-mm
3. Standard sockets and wrenches:
• 7/16-inch, 7/8-inch
4. Flat tip screwdrivers:
• 1/4-inch, 3/16-inch
5. Phillips head screwdrivers:
• #1-size and #2-size
6. Retaining snap ring (external) pliers
7. Diagonal cutting pliers
8. Bearing pullers (as needed)
9. Feeler gauge set
10. Wire rope servicing tools
11. Nicopress®Crimping Tools:
• 1/16- in ch, 3/16- inch, and 1/4-inch (or equivalent wire rope terminating
tools or clamps)
12. AMP pin and socket removal tools:
• 9-pin AMP socket removal tool .......................#453300-1-0
• Brake pin removal tool ..................................#1-305183-1-b
• Brake socket removal tool ................................#1-305183-2
• Remote cable pin and socket tool ......................#1-305173-r
13. Voltmeter

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1.4 Understanding Electricity
The electricity that powers your Beta Max hoist is as important as the hoist itself.
Electricity may seem complicated, and an easy-to-understand explanation would
be helpful. The following is an attempt to help explain and simplify electricity.
Let us compare electricity to water in a way everyone can understand. Electricity
is like water passing through a hose or pipe and controlled by a faucet.
The following is a list of terms and their explanations:
• CHARGE is a group of particles gathered together.
• VOLTAGE is CHARGE that flows and builds up pressure. The higher the
voltage, the more charges flow.
• AMPERAGE is the measurement of the charge.
• RESISTANCE is restricting or limiting the flow of charge.
In using the example of water in a pipe, the amount of pressure in the pipe is the
equivalent to the VOLTAGE. The amount of water flowing through the pipe
(volume) can be thought of as the AMPERAGE. And finally, RESISTANCE can
be described as the interaction of the faucet (power supply) and the size of the hose
(length and gauge of electrical cable).
The measured voltage at the electrical outlet may be 110V AC or 220V AC with
nothing plugged in or just a couple of pieces of equipment running. In the context
of the water pipe, if the shower is in use, the dishwasher machine is running, and
the lawn sprinklers operating, then the pressure (VOLTAGE) will be less for all of
the water faucets.
Electrical power in American cities is not always perfect. When a couple of pieces
of equipment are plugged into one circuit and drawing a high AMPERAGE, the
VOLTAGE will drop. The VOLTAGE (pressure) will not always remain constant,
it will decrease. How much the voltage drops depends on the electric power
company, specific wiring to the job site, and the length and type of extension
power cable (hose size) being used.
What about the faucet (RESISTANCE)? If the faucet is rusted, corroded,
undersized, or located a long distance from the source, the water pressure
(VOLTAGE) will not be as strong as desired. Likewise, with electricity, if the
electrical connections are corroded, the electrical extension cable is undersized or
too long, or any combination of these circumstances exist, then the VOLTAGE at
the hoist may be too low to lift the load, and the hoist could become damaged.

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Beta Max electrical hoists are high energy and can lift large loads at high speeds
which requires a lot of AMPERAGE (water volume). Therefore, a lot of
continuous VOLTAGE (pressure) is required. As the load increases, more
AMPERAGE is needed. Beta Max hoists require more AMPERAGE than a simple
rotary saw or drill because of the extra work being performed.
NOTE: Beta Max portable hoists require 20 to 30 amperes for the 110V AC models
and 10 to 20 amperes for the 220V AC models.
Connectors
Beta Max hoists are supplied with interlocking plugs because they are safer and
more efficient conductors of electrical current. The hoists are also fitted with 20-
ampere or 30-ampere service due to the higher energy (amperage) requirements.
Beta Max suggests no less than 10 gauge (10/3 S.O.) for 110V AC models and 12
gauge (12/3) for 220V AC models. Heavier electrical cable is required for Beta
Max hoists and will allow a longer distance between the power source and hoist
without causing an excessive resistance to the current flow. A result of an increase
in resistance is the buildup of heat.
Voltage
There is a distinct difference between 110V AC power and 220V AC power. An electric
motor wired for 110V AC will not run if connected to a 220V AC circuit and vice versa .
This is true of all Beta Max portable hoists. Electric motors wired for 220V AC
have the advantage over 110V AC motors because they can use longer extension
cords due to less resistance. An added benefit for 220V AC motors is they require
less AMPERAGE to operate and, as a result, are able to run cooler and longer than
110V AC models.
CAUTION
Using excessively long electrical cable and/or incorrect wire gauge size will generate high
resistance, heat, and the potential for a fire hazard. Use only the correct length and gauge as
recommended by Beta Max.

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Electrical Cables/Strain Reliefs
Electrical cables, whether hanging from a height or stretched out along a flat
surface, will have strain. Strain will damage the cable by either pulling apart the
connectors or separating the wires inside. A strain relief is a securing device on an
electrical cable that allows the cable to move freely without separating it from the
connector or power supply. The strain relief allows flexibility in the cable without
putting stress on attachment points. Beta Max strongly recommends the use of
strain relief devices on the electrical cables to protect the hoist, connectors, and
power supply from damage.
NOTE: Beta Max requires a 50 percent duty cycle for portable hoists. This means the
hoist should be in continuous operation for only 20 minutes out of every 40 minutes.
WARNING
Failure to observe a safety instruction noted by WARNING could result in severe injury or death.
Ensure all supporting structures and load-attaching devices used in conjunction with this
equipment provide an adequate safety factor to handle the rated load plus the weight of the
equipment. Consult the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) for guidance in safely erecting the
scaffold. If in doubt, consult a qualified structural engineer. This equipment is not to be used for
lifting, supporting, or transporting people or lifting or supporting loads directly over the top of
people. Beta Max, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the incorrect or unsafe use of this equipment.
WARNING
This hoist is not designed for lifting or transporting people. This hoist is intended to be used for the
sole purpose of lifting or lowering materials and equipment directly between the ground and a roof,
intermediate floor, or scaffold. The hoist should be used only on flat, level roofs or masonry floors.
When mounting to scaffold, the scaffold must be erected to OSHA and ANSI standards. Any other
use of this equipment voids the manufacturer’s warranty and is the sole responsibility of the owner/
user, should any damage or injury occur.

Introduction and General Description
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Chapter 2
Safety
This chapter contains safety guidelines for operating the Beta Max portable hoist. It describes
safety instructions included throughout this manual, lists safety precautions to follow when
operating or working on the machinery, and describes machine safety devices.
This chapter contains the following sections:
Page
2.1 Safety Responsibilities .......................................................................... 2-2
2.2 Safety Instructions................................................................................. 2-3
2.3 Safety Precautions ................................................................................ 2-4
2.4 Personal Safety Equipment................................................................... 2-6
2.5 Operator Safety Precautions................................................................. 2-7
2.6 Safety Checklist..................................................................................... 2-8
2.7 Safety Labels....................................................................................... 2-10

Safety
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2.1 Safety Responsibilities
This chapter contains information that must be followed to ensure personal safety,
as well as safe operation and maintenance of the Beta Max portable hoist. Any
modification of this machine in any way may result in damage to the machinery or
injury to personnel. Beta Max, Inc. is not and will not be responsible or liable for
any incident or injury resulting from negligence, equipment modification, or
failure to follow the safety guidelines.
Operators and maintenance personnel must use the following safety guidelines and
procedures before either operating or working on the Beta Max portable hoist.
• Read and understand the contents of this manual before trying to operate the
equipment.
• Be familiar with all safety procedures and safety devices.
• Know the locations of all emergency stop push buttons or power disconnects.
• Observe all safety precautions.
• Always disconnect the power supply before attempting any repair or
maintenance.
• Take up slack in wire rope slowly.
• If hoist is mounted with an optional Roller Top or I-Beam Trolley Top
mounting system, move or slide the hoist slowly to prevent load shifting and
moving.
• Pull slack wire rope off the drum when in the down direction.
• Perform a daily visual inspection for any signs of obvious equipment damage
and, if found, correct the area(s) before attempting operation of the hoist.