Vestil A-LIFT-R User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR HAND WINCH LIFT TRUCKS
MODELS COVERED:
A
-
Lift
-
R
A
-
Lift
-
S
A
-
Lift
-
CB
MODEL NO.________________________
SERIAL NO.________________________
VESTIL MANUFACTURING CORP.
2999 NORTH WAYNE STREET,P.O. BOX 507, ANGOLA,IN 46703
TELEPHONE:[phone] -OR-TOLL FREE [phone]
FAX:[phone]
URL:WWW.VESTILMFG.COM EMAIL:[e-mail]

Each hand winch lift truck conforms to the generalized specifications disclosed in this manual and
fulfills our demanding standards for quality, safety and durability. This manual adopts relevant
provisions of ANSI/ITSDF standard B56.10-2006, “Safety Standard for Manually Propelled High Lift
Industrial Trucks”.
SAFETY PRINCIPLES
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. recognizes the critical importance of workplace safety. Each person
who might participate in the assembly, use, inspection or maintenance of the product must read the
entire manual and fully understand the directions BEFORE assembling, using, inspecting or
maintaining the A-Lift. If you do not understand an instruction, contact Vestil for clarification. Failure
to read and adhere to all of the directions in this manual prior to assembly, use, inspection or
maintenance is a misuse of the product and could lead to serious personal injury or death.
Vestil is not liable for any injury or property damage that occurs as a consequence of failing to
apply the safe operation and maintenance procedures explained in this manual or that appear on
labels affixed to the product. Similarly, failure to exercise good judgment and common sense may
result in property damage, serious personal injury, or death, and are not the responsibility of Vestil.
This manual applies the hazard identification methods recommended for instruction manuals by
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in ANSI standard Z535.6-2006. In accordance with
ANSI guidelines, this manual identifies personal injury risks and situations that could lead to property
damage with SIGNAL WORDS. These signal words announce an associated safety message. The
reader must understand that the signal word chosen to identify a particular hazard conveys
information about the seriousness of that hazard according to the following convention:
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, WILL result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY. Use of this
signal word is limited to the most extreme situations.
These symbols
identify hazards
that may result in
personal injury
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, COULD result in DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, COULD result in MINOR or MODERATE injury. Although
Z535.6-2006 approves the use of “CAUTION” without an
accompanying safety alert symbol (black equilateral triangle with
yellow exclamation point) as an alternative to “NOTICE”, this manual
differentiates between hazards that pose a risk of personal injury and
those that create mere property damage situations. CAUTION
appears exclusively in conjunction with the safety alert symbol
to identify injury risks.
Identifies practices not related to personal injury, such as operation
that could damage the A-Lift. Note: No safety alert symbol (equilateral triangle with
an exclamation point inside) accompanies this signal word.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SafetyPrinciples 2
ProductIntroduction 4
SafetyGuidelines 5
Assembly and Operation Instructions 7-11
Maintenance & Inspections 12
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIG. 1A: HP &EHP Telescoping Mast 5
FIG. 1B: Diagram of Assembled A-Lift 6
FIG. 2: Label Placement Diagram 13

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Hand Winch Lift Truck (“winch lift,”
“A-Lift,” or simply “lifter”) made by Vestil Manufacturing Corporation
(“Vestil”). Our winch lifts are durable, high-quality products that
combine safety features and rigorous engineering. Although the
winch lift’s operation is relatively intuitive, all personnel must
familiarize themselves with the instructions provided in this manual.
Each A-lift is constructed from steel and aluminum parts, a combination of
materials that provides strength and reduces weight. The lift improves efficiency and
prevents injuries that could occur while lifting and moving materials. Use your A-Lift to
move materials like boxes and office equipment.
The design includes lifting mechanisms actuated by a manual winch with a foldable
handle. One complete, clockwise revolution of the handle raises the forks by 1 inch.
Additionally, a pivoting carriage latch can be used to secure the fork carriage in a safe
position for transport. Further product specifications appear in the following table:
Overall Size in Inches Maximum Rated Net Weight
Model (W x L x H) Load in Pounds in Pounds
A-Lift-R 24 x 35 x 68 500 (~227kg) 136 (~62kg)
A-Lift-R-HP 24 x 35 x 68 400 (~182kg) 140 (~64kg)
A-Lift-S 29 x 43 x 68 500 (~227kg) 140 (~64kg)
A-Lift-S-HP 29 x 43 x 68 400 (~182kg) 145 (~66kg)
A-Lift-S-EHP 29 x 43 x 79 350 (~159kg) 154 (~70kg)
A-Lift-CB 29 x 47 x 68 500 (~227kg) 396 (~180kg)
A-Lift-CB-HP 29 x 47 x 68 400 (~182kg) 418 (~190kg)
A-Lift-CB-EHP 29 x 47 x 79 350 (~159kg) 449 (~204kg)
A-Lift-DK (Deck Platform) 20-1/2 x 24-1/4 25 (~11kg)
A-Lift-PN: 10in. pneumatic rear wheels 20 (~9kg)
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. created this manual to acquaint owners and users of
our winch lifts with safe use and maintenance procedures. However, employers are
responsible for instructing employees to use the product properly. Employees and any
other persons, who might foreseeably use, install, or perform maintenance on the
A-Lift, must read and understand every instruction before using it. Furthermore,
persons who use the Lifter should have access to the manual at all times, and should
consult the directions before each use. Contact Vestil for answers to any question you
have after reading the entire manual.
Although we strive to identify the foreseeable hazardous situations that could arise,
this manual cannot address every conceivable danger. The end-user is ultimately
responsible for exercising sound judgment at all times.
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SAFETY GUIDELINES
Read the entire manual before you use the Winch Lift for the first time and before each subsequent use.
Refer to the manual for safe use and maintenance procedures described on p. 7-13. If questions remain
after you finish reading the manual, contact Vestil for answers. DO NOT attempt to resolve any problems
with the Lift unless you are certain that it will be safe to use afterwards. NEVER modify the product in any
way without the express, written approval of Vestil.
•Electrocution Risk: DO NOT contact electrical wires with the winch lift or load! Be aware of all
overhead obstacles and take precautions to avoid contact with them.
•ALWAYS inspect the Lifter before each use according to the inspection instructions on p. 12. DO NOT use
the Lifter unless it passes the inspection.
•Prior to each use, ALWAYS inspect the area where you intend to use the lifter. Inspect the area for unusual
conditions that might require special precautions. See “Notice” on p. 10.
•DO NOT use a malfunctioning lifter. Always perform the “Function Test” described in the Notice on p. 10
before each use.
•Regardless of whether the lifter is loaded or unloaded, DO NOT stand or travel under the forks and DO NOT
allow any other person to stand or travel under the forks.
•Inform all persons in the area that you are going to use the Lifter, and instruct them to stay clear of the device
and the supported load during operation.
•ALWAYS make sure that your clothing and body do not contact the mast structure, lifting mechanisms, or
carriage during operation. ONLY operate the lifter from the “Operator’s Position,” shown on p. 10. DO NOT
move the lifter or raise or lower the forks unless you are in the operator’s position.
•DO NOT allow people to ride the lifter.
•ALWAYS load the A-lift according to the list of recommendations that appears below. Failure to properly
position a load on the forks (or platform) might cause the lifter to tip over and you could be injured as a
consequence.
1. DO NOT exceed the A-Lift’s maximum rated load. The rated load (capacity) of your Lifter is posted on
a product label as shown in Fig. 2 on p. 13.
2. ONLY move loads using the forks or the optional deck platform (“load-engaging means”).
3. DO NOT handle off-center loads or loads that cannot be centered. ALWAYS properly center the load.
4. Start and stop gradually to avoid upsetting the load from the forks/platform.
5. NEVER tilt the lifter while carrying a load. All four castors must maintain contact with the ground when
a load is on the forks/platform.
FIG. 1A: HP & EHP models have telescoping mast frame
7
6
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FIG. 1B: Diagram of Assembled A-Lift
5
3
4
2
11
10
8
12
26
1
7
14
21
22
25
9 or 23
28
R Models
27
27
2
14*
S Models
13
15
9 or 23 16
14
20
15 17
19
18
CB Models
“Standard Units” refers to A-Lift-R, -S, & -CB models; “HP Units” means A-Lift-R-HP, -S-HP, and -CB-HP models; “EHP
Units” indicates A-Lift-S-EHP and –CB-EHP models.
Diagram
Number Description Part Number Quantity Diagram Number Description Part Number Quantity
1 Operator Handle A-Lift-1 1 15 Leg Lock Pin A-Lift-CB-15 2
2 Loading Wheels A-Lift-2 2 16 2 inch Castor A-Lift-S-16 2
3 Upper Pulley A-Lift-3 1 17 4 inch Fixed Wheel A-Lift-CB-17 2
4 Cable Anchor Bolt A-Lift-4 1 18 Adjustable Leg A-Lift-CB-18 2
5
Cable (Standard Units) Cable (HP Units)
Cable (EHP Units)
A-Lift-5
A-Lift-HP-5
A-Lift-EHP-5
1 19 5 inch Swivel Castor A-Lift-CB-19 2
6 Telescoping Mast Frame
(only HP & EHP Units) A-Lift-6 1 20 Counterweight Support Weldment A-Lift-CB-20 1
7 Mast Frame A-Lift-7 1 21 Castor A-Lift-R-21 2
8 Decal Plate A-Lift-8 1 22 Standard Support Legs A-Lift-R-22 2
9 Pneumatic Wheel A-Lift-S-9 2 23 Solid Rear Wheel A-Lift-23 2
10 Carriage A-Lift-10 1 24 Brake A-Lift-24 1
11 Carriage crossbars A-Lift-11 2 25 Fork Lock Pin A-Lift-25 4
12 Fork A-Lift-12 2 26 Winch Mounting Bracket A-Lift-26 1
13 Adjustable Leg S A-Lift-S-13 2 27 Winch A-Lift-27 1
14
14* Lower Pulley A-Lift-14 A-Lift-S-14 1 28 Deck Platform A-Lift-Deck 1

Assembly Instructions
Vestil ships winch lifts to its customers in a mostly assembled form. The minimal assembly that is required differs by
model, so follow the directions that correspond to your lifter.
If you purchased an A-Lift-R or A-Lift-S, you will receive 3 pieces:
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Support leg
openings
1). Main Assembly
3). Box 2 contains:
forks (2).
2). Box 1 contains: standard support legs (2),
fork retaining pins (4), winch handle (1).
Step 1: Connect the support legs to the main assembly by following instructions (a) through (e).
(a) Insert a support leg into each of the
openings in the main assembly.
(b) One at a time, pull the retaining pegs
to allow the legs to slide further into
the openings.
(c) Slowly release the pegs. You may
have to wiggle the leg to get the peg
to drop.
(d) Pull upwards on each of the support
legs to verify that they are held in
place by the pegs. The legs should
not be able to slide out of the opening
(e) If a leg comes out of the opening, the
corresponding peg did not engage
p
ro
p
erl
y
. Re
p
eat
(
a
)
thou
g
h
(
d
)
.
Spring-loaded retaining peg
Step 2: Lift the assembly to the upright position (photo a), lock the brakes (photo b) and fasten the winch handle to the
winch body (photos c – f).
Engage the brakes by
pressing down on the
brake actuator Remove the handle
retaining bolt and washer
(circled)
c
b
a
Handle connector
Winch body with bolt and
washer removed
d

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e
Step 3: Attach the forks to the carriage.
Step 4: Turn the winch handle counterclockwise to lower the forks. Lower the forks until they are a few inches above
the support legs (22), and then push the lifter to the desired location.
Counterbalanced lifters (A-Lift-CB):
Step 1: Attach the 5 inch swivel castors (19) to the counterweight support weldment (20).
f
Set the handle latch pin (circled) to lock
the handle, and then fasten the handle to
the handle connector with the bolt and
washer that you removed in step (c).
Note: It may be necessary to secure
the washer against the bolt head with
a nut BEFORE you fasten the bolt to
the connector. This technique will
prevent the bolt from loosening when
the handle is rotated counterclockwise
to lower the forks.
c
b
d
Instructions as shown in the
photographs to the right:
b.
A
lign the holes in the
forks with the carriage cross-
bars (11); then push the
forks until they contact the
carriage. Note: It may be
necessary to tap the forks
into place with a rubber
mallet.
c. Slide fork retaining pins
(25) through the holes in
each of the carriage
crossbars.
d. Lock the pins into place
by swinging the ring portion
of each pin downward
Nylock nut
Bolt
Slide the handle onto the
handle connecto
r
Grasp the
operator handle
(1) with one
hand; turn the
winch handle
clockwise with
the other hand.
Raise the
carriage (10) to a
comfortable work
height.
a
Drop bolts through
each of the holes.
Secure each bolt with a
nylock nut. Tighten all
of the connections with
a pair of wrenches.
Turn the weldment over so that
the underside faces upwards.
Align the castors with the bolt
holes in the weldment.
a
b

Step 2: Attach the weldment to the main assembly.
Step 3: Install and position the forks by following R & S model fork installation steps 3 & 4 on p. 8.
Operation Instructions:
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The operating instructions in this manual are meant to supplement the operation recommendations of ITSDF
standard B56.10-2006. According to the standard, the A-Lift is a, “Manually propelled high lift industrial truck”. Safe
operation of this type of device is the operator’s responsibility.
DO NOT operate the winch lift until you read AND understand all of the instructions. If you do not
understand an instruction, contact Vestil for clarification.
•Review ALL of the safety guidelines on p. 5 before each use;
•ALWAYS use proper lifting techniques;
•Enlist a coworker to help you lift, load, and unload the A-lift;
•DO NOT use the lifter on stairs.
g. Fasten the bolts in
place using a flat washer,
followed by a lock washer
and then a nut.
f. Set the four counterweights on the weldment; then insert the
counterweight retaining bolts beginning with the outermost weight.
e. Bolt the
weldment to
the main
assembly, and
then secure
the bolts with
nuts.
d. Align the
bolt holes in
the weldment
with the holes
present in the
weldment
brackets
(circled in
p
hotos c & d
)
.
c. Lay the
main
assembly
- winch
side up -
on the
ground.
b. Lock both of the castors
a

An “Operator” is a person who is trained and authorized to control a manually propelled high lift industrial
truck. ONLY persons who have successfully completed the suggested training program outlined in B56.10-2006, at
4.17 on p. 4, and 4.18.1-.4 on p. 4-5 should operate the A-Lift. Operators must:
•Develop safe working habits and an awareness of hazardous conditions occurring or present during operation of
the lifter;
•Inspect the area where the lifter will be used before each use to identify unusual operating conditions.
Implement additional safety precautions as conditions require. Such conditions might include:
1. Irregularities in the floor/surface;
2. Debris or other obstructions on the floor/surface;
3. Unsound surfaces or surfaces that cannot support the weight of yourself, the lifter and the load either
together or separately;
•Perform the following function test before each use:
1. Test the winch: raise and lower the forks;
2. Test the brakes: press down on the brake actuator to engage the brakes; then attempt to push the lift forward.
3. Test the castors: push the lifter to test the castors.
The end-user bears responsibility for verifying that the lifter complies with all regulations, codes, and standards
that apply in the location where it is used.
Inspect the lifter as recommended in the “Maintenance and Inspection” section of this manual (p. 12-13). Use the
lifter ONLY IF the lifter passes the inspection and is deemed safe to use by designated inspection personnel.
Step 1 (for S and CB Models): Adjust the legs to provide the desired wheel base. Set the brake (S models) or lock the
castors (CB models). Remove the forks and lock the carriage using the pivoting carriage latch (photo a). Slowly tilt
the lifter backwards until the loading wheels contact the ground. Pull the leg adjustment peg (photo b) and slide the
leg in the desired direction. Reset the peg in the first or second adjustment setting (photo c) as the job requires.
2
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Step 2: Always maneuver the A-lift from the “Operator’s Position” using the Normal Maneuvering Stance shown
below.
Step 3: Move the lifter to a position near the intended load and lock both of the locking castors.
Raise the
forks to a
comfortable
height.
a
1
b
c
b. Walk behind the lifter and keep your
feet clear of the castors.
DO NOT place one
foot on the counterweights and propel
the lifter with the other foot. Doing so
will make the lifter more difficult to
control.
a. Grasp the
operator handle at
each end. This
will provide the
greatest degree of
steering control.
a
b
Lower the
forks until the
load is a few
inches above
the adjustable
leg (shown by
arrow in
photo above).
Set the
load on the
forks. The
load must
rest against
the back of
the forks.

Step 4: Move the load to the desired location.
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Step 5: Return the lifter to its storage location. Engage the brakes, fold the winch handle, fully lower the forks, and
set the handle latch pin to lock the winch handle
To store the lifter, choose a location:
1. where the unused lifter cannot interfere with or obstruct other traffic or operations;
2. that is protected from weather;
3. where the surface is smooth and level;
4. that is free of debris including liquids.
Using the Attachable Deck:
After you arrive at the unloading
destination:
•Lock the castors or set the
brakes;
•Unlock the winch handle and
turn it clockwise until the
load is positioned at a
comfortable height;
•Lock the winch handle;
•Remove the load.
•Lower the forks until they are
a few inches above the legs.
b
a
Slide the connecting channel (indicated with an arrow)
under the lower carriage cross bar. Set the connecting channel on top of the lower carriage cross bar
;
let the deck rest on to
p
of the forks.
After you finish using the deck, remove it and store it in a dry location.
Transporting the lifter: before loading the A-lift into a transport vehicle, perform the following steps to minimize the
chance of damaging the lifter:
1. Remove the forks and store the
forks and fork retaining pins.
2. Lower the carriage completely.
3. Rotate the pivoting carriage
latch as shown by photos a & b
to the right.
a
b

Maintenance and Inspections:
According to ANSI B56.10-2006only trained, authorized persons should be allowed to perform inspections of and
maintenance on the lifter. The end-user is responsible for ensuring that the lifter is properly inspected and
maintained.
Inspections: DO NOT use the lifter if structural damage exists. Structural damage includes, but is not limited
to, cracked welds, warping or other deformation of the mast frame, the forks or deck attachment or the carriage
Restore the lifter to normal operating condition BEFORE using it again.
Inspection and maintenance personnel should engage the brakes and immobilize the carriage with the pivoting
carriage latch before conducting inspections or performing maintenance on the A-Lift.
The person(s) authorized by the end-user (your employer, for instance) to inspect the A-Lift must do so before it
is used for the first time, and before each subsequent use. If the lifter is infrequently used, inspect the unit at least
once every 2 weeks. Inspect the A-Lift for:
1. Fraying of or damage to the cable, such as a marked decrease in cable diameter;
2. Structural damage or deformation;
3. Proper functioning of the latch mechanism;
4. Unusual noise, binding or rough movement of the carriage when the winch handle is rotated;
5. Excessive wear of any part(s);
6. Noisy or rough operation of the castors;
7. Dirt or other matter on the surface of the lifter.
Maintenance: the end-user/your employer must implement a maintenance program to ensure the proper function
and safety of the lifter. Page 9 of ANSI/ITSDF standard B56.10-2006 describes some recommended maintenance
procedures, and the following steps should be utilized in conjunction with those recommendations.
The end-user (your employer) is responsible for selecting and training employees to work on the
lifter. “Work on” refers to operating, loading, cleaning, servicing, maintaining, or repairing the product. ONLY
trained, authorized maintenance personnel or contractors should perform inspection, maintenance, or repair work.
Step 1: Tag the A-Lift, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Conduct a “Before each use”. If deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of structural members
is present, DO NOT use the A-Lift. Contact Vestil for instructions. If the carriage does not move smoothly
or makes noise as it moves up or down the mast, apply a silicon wax or silicon spray to the inside of the
mast frame.
Step 3: Remove any dirt or other matter from the forks and other lifter surfaces.
Step 4: Perform all other necessary adjustments and/or repairs. DO NOT modify the lifter.
The reader should understand the significant difference between necessary adjustments and
repairs, and modifications.
An adjustment is a simple correction that restores the lifter to normal operating condition, such as tightening
loose fasteners, or removing dirt or other debris from the surface of the dumper; a repair refers to replacing
worn parts with new replacement parts.
¾DO NOT use the A-Lift if adjustments and/or repairs are incomplete! Return it to service ONLY after
finishing all necessary repairs and adjustments.
A modification is a change that alters the lifter from normal operating condition, like bending the structural
members or removing a part or several parts. NEVER modify the unit without the express, written approval
of Vestil. Modifications may render the lifter unsafe to use.
Step 5: Make a dated record of the repairs, adjustments and/or replacements made.
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Markings:
Only use the A-Lift if ALL labels are readable and undamaged. Contact Vestil for replacement labels.
FIG. 2: Product label placement
Consolidated warning label (on back side
of warning label plate)
Product model name
and weight label
Tip over hazard warning label:
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