WPG MTA29AC User manual

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #350981
INTENDED FOR USE BY SKILLED
PROFESSIONALS • READ AND
UNDERSTAND BEFORE OPERATING
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS 908 W. Main • P.O. Box 368
Laurel, MT USA 59044
800-548-7341 (phone)
406-628-8231 (phone)
406-628-8354 (fax)
www.WPG.com
KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Q UA D R A- T I LT L I F T E R
WITH FIXED 2-PAD FRAME,
AC-VOLTAGE
Model numbers: MTA29AC, MTA2HV11AC, MTA211LAC
Serial number: ___________________________ (to locate, see serial label on the product)

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-222

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #350981
SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................3
SAFETY...................................................................................................4
OPERATING FEATURES............................................................................5
ASSEMBLY..............................................................................................6
INTENDED USE .......................................................................................8
LOAD CHARACTERISTICS.................................................................................8
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT............................................................................9
DISPOSAL OF THE LIFTER ...............................................................................9
OPERATION..........................................................................................10
BEFORE USING THE LIFTER...........................................................................10
Taking Safety Precautions .................................................................................................10
Performing Inspections and Tests .....................................................................................10
TOATTACH THE PADS TO ALOAD ..................................................................11
Generating Airflow............................................................................................................11
Positioning the Lifter on the Load.....................................................................................11
Reading the Vacuum Gauge..............................................................................................12
TOLIFT AND MOVE THE LOAD .....................................................................13
About the Tilt Linkage .......................................................................................................13
Interpreting the Vacuum Gauge .......................................................................................14
Monitoring the Vacuum Gauge.........................................................................................14
Controlling the Lifter and Load .........................................................................................15
In Case of a Power Failure.................................................................................................15
TOTILT THE LOAD ......................................................................................16
TORELEASE THE PADS FROM THE LOAD .........................................................18
AFTER USING THE LIFTER.............................................................................18
Storing the Lifter ...............................................................................................................19
Transporting the Lifter ......................................................................................................19
INSPECTIONS AND TESTS......................................................................20
INSPECTION SCHEDULE ................................................................................20
TESTING ...................................................................................................21
Lifter/Load Compatibility Test...........................................................................................21
Operational Tests ..............................................................................................................22
Vacuum Test......................................................................................................................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-222
Rated Load Test.................................................................................................................23
MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................24
VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE.......................................................................24
Pad-to-Load Friction Coefficient .......................................................................................24
Pad Inspection ..................................................................................................................24
Pad Cleaning .....................................................................................................................25
REPLACEMENT PARTS...........................................................................26
LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................................27
TOOBTAIN REPAIRS OR WARRANTY SERVICE...................................................27
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Product
Description
Designed for use with hoisting equipment, MTA2-AC lifters support loads using vacuum and
manipulate loads using 90° tilt motions.
Model
Number MTA29AC MTA2HV11AC MTA211LAC
Vacuum Pads
(two, standard rubber1
1...... Available with other rubber compounds for special purposes (see wpg.com).
)
9" [23 cm] nom. diameter
(Model VPFS9)
10" [25 cm] nom. diameter,
lipped (Model HV11)
11" [28 cm] nom. diameter,
lipped (Model G3370)
Maximum Pad Spread
(to outer edges)
9¾" x 21¼"
[25 cm x 57 cm]
11" x 23½"
[28 cm x 60 cm]
12" x 24½"
[31 cm x 62 cm]
Maximum
Load Capacity2
2...... The Maximum Load Capacity is rated at a vacuum of 16" Hg [-54 kPa] on clean, smooth, nonporous flat surfaces with a friction coefficient of 1. Pad
compound, load rigidity, strength, surface conditions, overhang, angle, center of gravity and temperature can also affect the lifting capacity. A “qualified
person” should evaluate the effective lifting capacity for each use (see definition under “Rated Load Test”).
Per pad: 125 lbs [57.5 kg]
Total: 250 lbs [115 kg]
Per pad: 150 lbs [68 kg]
Total: 300 lbs [135 kg]
Per pad: 180 lbs [82.5 kg]
Total: 360 lbs [165 kg]
Lifter
Weight 65 lbs [30 kg]
Power
Source See serial number plate for specific AC voltage, frequency and amperage.
Tilt
Capability Manual, 90° with four-bar tilt linkage that provides mechanical advantage
Product
Options See separate instructions about options.
Operating
Elevation Up to 6,000' [1,828 m]
Operating
Temperatures 32° — 104° F [0° — 40° C]
Service
Life 20,000 lifting cycles, when used and maintained as intended3
3...... Vacuum pads, filter elements and other wear-out items are excluded.
ASME Standard
BTH-1 Design Category "B", Service Class "0"
Troubleshooting
Guide4
4...... To view this guide, click the link at right. Additionally, you can search for your lifter's Model Number at wpg.com and select the "Troubleshooting" link on
the product page.
TST-016_GENERIC_LEAK_TEST_rev_2014-086.pdf
Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #350983
Note: A standard MTA2HV11AC is shown.
,
SPECIFICATIONS

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-224
SAFETY
Wear personal protective
equipment that is appropriate for
the load material. Follow trade
association guidelines.
Do not remove or obscure safety
labels.
Do not make any modifications to
the lifter (see “LIMITED
WARRANTY”).
Use the lifter only in an approved
“OPERATING ENVIRONMENT”(see
“INTENDED USE”).
Do not use a lifter that is damaged,
malfunctioning, or missing parts.
Do not use a lifter if the sealing
edge of any vacuum pad is cut or
otherwise damaged.
Do not use a lifter to lift cracked or
broken glass.
Do not exceed the Maximum
Load Capacity or lift loads the
lifter is not designed for (see
“INTENDED USE”).
Do not use a lifter if the
Maximum Load Capacity or
any safety label appears to be
missing or obscured.
Make sure the contact surfaces of
the load and vacuum padsare clean
before attaching the lifter (see
“MAINTENANCE”).
Position the vacuum pads correctly
on the load before lifting (see
“OPERATION: Positioning the Lifter
on the Load”).
Do not lift a load if any vacuum
indicator shows inadequate
vacuum.
Keep unauthorized personnel away
from the lifter, to avoid injury in
case of an unintended load release.
Do not touch the vacuum release
controls during a lift.
Do not allow people to ride on the
lifter or the load.
Do not lift a load higher than
necessary or leave suspended loads
unattended.
Do not position a loaded or
unloaded lifter over people.
Before servicing a powered lifter,
place the power control in the
inactive position and, when
possible, disconnect the power source.

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #350985
Features shown here are underlined on their first appearance in each section following.
1 LIFT POINT 2 VACUUM GAUGE
3LIFTBAR 4 VACUUM PAD
5VACUUMPUMP 6 AIR FILTER
7 PAD FRAME 8 VACUUM RELEASE BUTTON
9 CONTROL HANDLES 10 POWER SWITCH
Note: A standard MTA2HV11AC is shown. Although some of the following photos do not show
this specific lifter, they all illustrate how this kind of lifter functions.
For information about specific parts, see “REPLACEMENT PARTS” and/or any separate
instructions for Product Options.
OPERATING FEATURES

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-226
ASSEMBLY
1) Remove all shipping materials and save them with the shipping container for future use.
2)
Make sure power source has ground fault circuit
interrupter.
Connect the power cable:
2.1)
Wiring must be performed by
qualified service personnel, taking
all appropriate safety precautions.
Wire the female connector provided
to an appropriate power source, as
indicated on the label attached.
2.2) Route the power cable so that it does not become damaged during operation.
2.3)
2A 2B
Insert the power cable’s male
connector into the female
connector and twist to secure
them together (fig. 2A-B).
3) Suspend the lifter from appropriate hoisting equipment:
3.1)
Select a crane and/or hoist rated for the Maximum Load Capacity plus the
Lifter Weight.
Note: Any lifter use must comply with all statutory or regulatory standards for
hoisting equipment in your region.
3.2)
3.3)
3C 3D 3E
Attach the hoisting hook
to the lift point (fig. 3C).
Make sure hook
has restraining
latch (see arrow in
fig. 3D).
Only use rigging rated for Maximum
Load Capacity plus Lifter Weight.
Note: Use rigging (fig. 3E) as
needed to make sure the hook does
not interfere with the load.

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #350987
3.4) Use the hoisting equipment to remove the lifter from the shipping container. Avoid
damaging the vacuum pads.
4)
4A
Remove the pad covers (fig. 4A) and save them for future use.
5) Perform tests as required under “TESTING”.
ASSEMBLY

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-228
INTENDED USE
LOAD CHARACTERISTICS
Do NOT lift explosives, radioactive
substances or other hazardous materials.
Make sure the vacuum lifter is intended
to handle each load according to these
requirements:
• The load weight must not exceed the Maximum Load Capacity.
• The load must be a single piece of relatively nonporous material with a flat and
relatively smooth contact surface.1, 2To determine whether the load is too porous or
rough, perform the “Lifter/Load Compatibility Test”.
• The load's contact surface must be able to obtain a friction coefficient of 1 with the lifter's
vacuum pads (see “Pad-to-Load Friction Coefficient”). Otherwise, the capacity should be
derated appropriately.
• The load's surface temperature must not exceed the Operating Temperatures.3
• The load's minimum length and width are determined by the current Pad Spread
(see “SPECIFICATIONS”).
• The load's maximum length and width are determined by its allowable overhang.4
• 1½" [3.8 cm] is the allowable thickness at Maximum Load Capacity.5The load must
be positioned correctly on the lifter (see “OPERATION”). If not, the allowable load
thickness would be reduced.6
Note: Standard vacuum pads can stain or deform load surfaces with light colors or soft coatings.
Test such surfaces for damaging effects before using the lifter on them.7
1..... Although concave vacuum pads can also attach to some curved loads, curvature can reduce lifting capacity. Contact WPG for more information.
2..... A “single piece” of material includes curtainwall assemblies, unitized glazing systems and similar construction units.
3..... Vacuum pads made from a heat-resistant rubber compound can enable you to lift loads with higher surface temperatures. Contact WPG or an
authorized dealer for more information.
4..... The allowable overhang is the amount of load material that can extend sideways beyond the vacuum pad without breaking or otherwise being
damaged. This depends on the load material, its thickness, and the angle of handling (if any). Since every material has different physical
properties, the allowable overhang must be evaluated separately for each load type. Contact WPG or an authorized dealer for more
information.
5..... However, the allowable thickness increases as load weight decreases. Contact WPG for more information.
6..... Pad Spacers can reduce the stability of upright loads and allowable load thickness. Contact WPG for more information.
7..... Alternative rubber compounds are available for these purposes. Contact WPG or an authorized dealer for more information.

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #350989
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Make sure the vacuum lifter is intended for use in each work environment, given the following
restrictions:
•
Never use lifter
in dangerous
environments.
This lifter is not intended for any environment that is
dangerous to the operator or damaging to the lifter. Avoid
environments containing explosives, caustic chemicals and
other dangerous substances.
Metal particles and similar environmental contaminants could result in
vacuum pump failure.
• The work environment is limited by the Operating Elevation and Operating
Temperatures.1, 2
• The lifter is not designed to be watertight.
Moisture can result in
reduced lifting capacity.
Do not
use it in rain or otherunsuitable conditions.
CE/UKCA — A secondary positive holding device is required to lift loads on construction sites.
DISPOSAL OF THE LIFTER
After the Service Life of the vacuum lifter has ended (see “SPECIFICATIONS”), dispose of it in
compliance with all local codes and applicable regulatory standards.
1..... Although lifter use may be possible at higher elevation, lifting capacity is reduced whenever the lifter is unable to attain vacuum in the green
range on the vacuum gauge. Contact WPG for more information.
2..... Special provisions may allow the lifter to operate outside the specified temperature range. Contact WPG for more information.
INTENDED USE

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-2210
OPERATION
BEFORE USING THE LIFTER
Determine whether the vacuum lifter is capable of each intended task (see “SPECIFICATIONS”
and “INTENDED USE”). Then complete the following preparations:
Taking Safety Precautions
•
Read all directions and safety rules before using
lifter.
Always wear appropriate personal protective
equipment.
Be trained in all industry
and regulatory standards
for lifter operation in your
region.
• Follow trade association
guidelines about precautions needed for each load material.
Performing Inspections and Tests
• Follow the “INSPECTION SCHEDULE”and “TESTING”.
•
Examine air filter regularly
and service when needed.
Examine the air filter and perform service
whenever its bowl contains liquid or other
contaminates or its element appears dirty (see
“AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE” in SERVICE MANUAL).1
1..... Lifters used on wet load surfaces must be equipped with 2 or more filters connected in series. See “OPERATING ENVIRONMENT”for restrictions.

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #3509811
TOATTACH THE PADS TO ALOAD
Generating Airflow
Place the power switch in the “on” position ( ), to engage the vacuum
pump.
Keep pump running
throughout lift.
The lifter is designed for the vacuum pump to run continuously. Placing the
power switch in the “off” position ( ) during lifter operation could result
in a load release and personal injury (see “In Case of a Power Failure”).
Positioning the Lifter on the Load
1)
1A
Make sure the contact surfaces of the load and vacuum pads
are clean (fig. 1A; see “Pad Cleaning”).
2)
2A
Center the pad frame on the load (fig. 2A).1
1..... The lifter is designed to handle the maximum load weight when the load’s center of gravity is positioned within 2" [5 cm] of the pad frame’s
center point. Uncentered loads may tilt unexpectedly.
OPERATION

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-2212
3)
3A
Make sure all vacuum pads will fit on the
load and will be loaded evenly (fig. 3A).
Consult the Per-Pad Load Capacity.
4) Place the vacuum pads in contact with the load surface until they begin to seal.1
Reading the Vacuum Gauge
A vacuum gauge shows the current vacuum level in positive inches of Hg and negative kPa:
•
1B 1C
Green range (>16" Hg [-54 kPa]): Vacuum level is
sufficient to lift the maximum load weight (fig.
1B).
• Red range (<16" Hg [-54 kPa]): Vacuum level is not
sufficient to lift the maximum load weight (fig.
1C).
If it takes more than 5 seconds for the vacuum level to
reach 5" Hg [-17 kPa], press on any vacuum pad that has not yet sealed.
Once the pads have sealed, the lifter should be able to maintain sufficient vacuum for lifting,
except when used above the maximum Operating Elevation.2If it does not, perform the
“Vacuum Test”.
1..... Although a vacuum pad may become distorted during shipping or storage, this condition should correct itself with continued use.
2..... If the lifter is used above the maximum Operating Elevation (see “SPECIFICATIONS”), it may not be able to maintain sufficient vacuum for lifting.
Contact WPG for more information.
OPERATION

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #3509813
TOLIFT AND MOVE THE LOAD
About the Tilt Linkage
Unbalanced loads may tilt
unexpectedly during lifter operation.
Make sure load is positioned
correctly on lifter.
The tilt linkage minimizes operator effort and
automatically holds a balanced load in either
the upright or the flat position. However, an
unbalanced load may tilt unexpectedly,
resulting in load damage or personal injury.
To minimize these risks, make certain before lifting any load that it has appropriate “LOAD
CHARACTERISTICS”and is attached to the vacuum lifter as previously directed.
OPERATION

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-2214
Interpreting the Vacuum Gauge
Never lift load unless vacuum
gauge registers in the green
range, because premature lifting could
result in load release and personal
injury.
Vacuum is sufficient to lift the Maximum
Load Capacity whenever the vacuum gauge
registers in the green range.
1B
Monitoring the Vacuum Gauge
Monitor the vacuum gauge (fig. 1B) throughout the
entire lift.
Make sure vacuum gauge remain completely
visible.
The vacuum pump runs continuously to maintain
sufficient vacuum for lifting the maximum load weight.
However, if the vacuum gauge shows a level less than 16" Hg [-54 kPa] :
1)
Stay clear of any
suspended load while
gauge warn of insufficient
vacuum.
Keep everyone away from a suspended load until it
can be safely lowered to a stable support.
2) Stop using the lifter until the cause of the vacuum loss
can be identified: Conduct the “Pad Inspection” and
perform the “Vacuum Test”.
3) Correct any faults before resuming normal operation of the lifter.
OPERATION

Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #3509815
Controlling the Lifter and Load
1A
When the lifter is ready, use the hoisting equipment to raise
the lifter and load as needed.
Use a control handle (circled in fig. 1A) to keep the lifter and
load in the required position.
Once there is enough clearance, you may move the load as
required.
In Case of a Power Failure
A vacuum reserve tank helps maintain vacuum temporarily in the event of a power failure.
Although the lifter is designed to support the load for at least 5 minutes without power, this
depends on many factors, including the “LOAD CHARACTERISTICS”and the condition of the vacuum
pads (see “VACUUM PAD MAINTENANCE”).
Stay clear of any suspended
load during power failure.
If a power failure occurs, keep everyone away from a
suspended load until it can be safely lowered to a stable
support. Correct any faults before resuming normal
operation of the lifter.
OPERATION

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-2216
TOTILT THE LOAD
Keep hands and fingers away
from tilt linkage.
1) Make sure the load has enough clearance to tilt without contacting anyone or anything.
Use the control handles to keep the load under control at all times.
3)
3A
Lift upward or
press downward
on the tilt control
handle to tilt the
load as desired
(fig. 3A).1
Note: See “LOAD CHARACTERISTICS”about allowable load overhang.
1..... Due to the tilt linkage design, load force on the control handle changes direction during the tilt.
OPERATION
1)
2)

1A
Rev 19.1/7-22 MTA2-AC: #3509817
A load with overhang
may force you to release
the control handle as
the load approaches the
flat position. In this
case, use a hand cup
(circled in fig. 3B) or
other appropriate
means to control the
load.
OPERATION

MTA2-AC: #35098 Rev 19.1/7-2218
TORELEASE THE PADS FROM THE LOAD
Make sure load is at rest and fully supported before releasing
vacuum pads.
1)
1A
Push the vacuum release button ( — fig. 1A), to break
the vacuum seal.
2)
Do not move lifter until pads release
completely, because such movement
could result in load damage or personal injury.
Continue to hold the release button
until the vacuum pads release the
load completely. Otherwise, the
lifter will automatically reattach.
3) Before you lift another load, perform the Every-Lift Inspection (see “INSPECTION SCHEDULE”).
AFTER USING THE LIFTER
1) Place the power switch in the “off” position ( ).
2) Use the hoisting equipment to lower the vacuum lifter gently onto a
stable support. Then detach the hoisting hook from the lift point.
Caution: Do not set the lifter on surfaces that could soil or damage vacuum
pads.
OPERATION