GENERAL OVERVIEW

The A Series Air Operated Materials Handling machines are capable of moving varying tons of smooth rolling weight on a level surface and configured with a Swivelling or Centre handle shaft. The swivelling handle allows the machine to roll forwards and pull backwards cylindrical objects (such as paper rolls, wire cable reels or the wheels of an aircraft or other heavy vehicle).

The top (drive) roller of the A-Series rolls the object to be moved, while simultaneously making contact with the bottom (support) roller that moves the A-Series unit (and therefore the object) forward. To pull, the A-Series machine may be brought behind the round object and the handle may be rotated forward to enact a pulling motion.

To overcome the inertia of a heavy load, load moving devices require a significant amount of traction – both with the load and the ground on which it is being moved. Regardless of the amount of power (or specifically „torque‟) generated, the load will not move without the necessary traction. The PowerHandler uses an entirely different approach then other companies, directing the weight of the load being moved down onto the drive roller to generate as much traction as the load requires. In the case of moving cylindrical loads, the small diameter, lighter loads are more of a problem. In these cases the weight of the load is directed more horizontally than vertically at the drive roller and there is a greater tendency for the drive roller to slip and spin against the load, rather than wedging in under it and rotating it. (Please refer to the “Trouble-Shooting” section for suggestions on how to address this issue if it occurs).

SERIES OVERVIEW

The A-Series is available in various models and versions as listed below:

• A25C: Push Model, Small Motor, Fixed Handle

• A25S: Push/Pull Model, Small Motor, Rotating Handle

• A30C: Push Model, Medium Motor, Fixed Handle

• A30S: Push/Pull Model, Medium Motor, Rotating Handle

• A40C: Push Model. Large Motor, Fixed Handle

• A40S: Push/Pull Model, Large Motor, Rotating Handle

INSTRUCTIONS UPON RECEIPT OF GOODS

Please note if there is any noticeable damage to the exterior packaging and if so, immediately inform U.M.S Pty Ltd of the damage. If possible also take digital photos of the damaged box and email them to sales@ums.net au

If there is no physical damage to the outside packaging, please place the box on the ground or worktable with the “THIS WAY UP” arrows pointing up and open from the top. Remove the top formed-foam layer to reveal the equipment inside. If at this time there is any noticeable damage to the equipment inside, such as from pieces making contact with each other during shipping (they are packed such that this should not be able to occur), please again inform U.M.S Pty Ltd.

If everything appears undamaged, remove all of the above from the shipping box and save the box along with all the interior packaging should you ever have the need to return the machine to U.M.S / PowerHandling for repair or any upgrades.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE ROLLING A LOAD

The A-Series should be operated on relatively level and smooth concrete (or similar) flooring, as is typical for indoor industrial applications. Operation on sloping (gradient) floors or in outdoor work areas is not recommended.

The compressed air line to the A-Series unit should be connected (such as from overhead retractable hose reels to reduce the likelihood of the operator tripping on the lines) and the unit located in its desired working area.

Before moving a load, ensure the path over which the load will travel is not occupied (by either people or obstacles) and a slope away from the load is not present (which could result in the load accelerating at an uncontrolled rate). Ensure if appropriate, a “Safety Stop” is in place to stop the load at the end of its intended travel.

Operator‟s should refer to the safety procedures of the facility in which the PowerHandler is being used as to all appropriate steps and precautions required in ensuring a clear path is available, sufficient warning or safety lock-out is affected, a Safety Stop or other intended obstruction is in place so as to ensure that moving the load will not result in damage or injury to property or person (either the operator or another person). Caution should also be exercised in rolling loads up inclines due to the risk of the load rolling back onto the operator.

Special Note: The PowerHandler in itself does not “control” any load it moves. It rolls the load forwards without braking or controlling that movement and therefore precautions must be taken to ensure such movement does not result in damage or injury to others.

ROLLING FORWARDS

Once all the appropriate precautionary measures have been taken and the load is ready to be moved, the operator should push down on the handle‟s air-valve to tilt the unit onto its rear wheels so it can be rolled up to the load. He then depresses the lever of the air-valve on the handle grip. The further the lever is depressed, the more air flow to the unit and more speed/torque the unit will generate. It is generally safest to engage the air flow gradually so as to prevent the possibility of accelerating the load too rapidly and rolling it beyond the intended travel distance (as a result of the momentum from a rapid acceleration).

Caution should be exercised in this respect as the operator builds up familiarity with the machine, as the extremely compact size of the PowerHandler can deceive the operator into thinking it does not have much torque. However the torque output of the PowerHandler is considerable and as such the operator should be aware that there is the possibility of over-driving a load and creating a potentially dangerous scenario.

PULLING BACKWARDS

Pulling backwards is not unlike rolling forwards, however it is essential additional caution is exercised to ensure there are no obstacles to the operator as he walks backwards, pulling the load with him. Tripping/falling while pulling the load could result in the operator unintentionally depressing the air-valve lever as he falls, accelerating the load backwards and onto himself. To minimize the risk of such circumstance, at a minimum the following additional precautions should be implemented:

1. The path checked for obstacles or other potential encumbrances to the operator's travel

2. The operator walking “outboard” of the load being rolled backwards

3. A Safety Stop to be used to limit the travel of the load

Special Note: On first use, an operator‟s natural tendency may be to “lean into” or push the PowerHandler against the roll. However the addition of the operator‟s weight to the torque the PowerHandler already generates is negligible. This practice should be avoided as not only does it offer very little assistance to moving of the load, it also unnecessarily strains the components at the pivot point of the handle shaft, potentially creating maintenance issues in addition to potentially straining the operator‟s back or resulting in other soft-tissue injuries.

TROUBLE-SHOOTING

The drive roller turns okay when not under load, but once engaged, won’t move the load - Determine whether the issue is torque (drive roller stops turning when engaged with the load) or grip (drive roller spins against the load, not moving it), then read the appropriate suggestions for that problem below.

1. The drive roller stops turning when it engages with the load
This is typically because of insufficient torque being provided to the drive roller and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
 

The bushing inside the drive roller worn out or jammed;
 The vanes on the motor are dirty and needing cleaning or worn out and needing replacing;
The load being moved or lifted is too great for the capacity of this device.

2. The drive roller spins against the load, not moving it

• This is typically because of insufficient traction between the drive roller and the load being moved and can occur for a number of reasons, including:
  On a brand new machine, there is often a problem with initial grip until the drive roller becomes “worn in”. This should only take a day or two, during which time the grip is not quite as good, but the machine will still work. The best way to “wear in” the drive roller is to use it – on loads that do not slip (e.g. larger diameter). Using it on rolls or other product that does slip will only delay the roller wearing in.

• The geometry may be exacerbating an existing traction problem. Reference the explanation in the 'Overview Section' on page 3 describing how too small of a diameter load results in less of the inertial resistance of the load being downward (vertical) and instead being backward (horizontal). A small diameter can be moved if there is plenty of friction contact and a large diameter load can be moved even with very little friction contact, but the combination of a small diameter and low friction greatly increases the likelihood of slipping.

• The drive roller has oil, grease or other low viscosity material embedded into or otherwise making contact with it, reducing its ability to achieve a friction contact. Note also as the drive roller makes pressure contact with the support roller while the machine is operating, it may pick up oil and/or grease from the floor and deposit it onto the drive roller.

• To address low friction issues and reduce the impact of lubricants that end up interfering with the rollers, the application of Borax (Hydrated Sodium borate – an inexpensive cleaning agent, ref www.borax.com) to the drive roller is recommended. All new PowerHandlers and replacement drive rollers are sent out with Borax already applied.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

1. The air supply must be clean (i.e. filtered).
   Large contaminants in the air supply will clog the screens in the PowerHandling air valve and at the inlet to the air motor. This will reduce the air volume delivered to the vanes and result in reduced torque and speed. Small contaminants in the air supply will pass through these screens and enter the vanes and cylinder of the air motor. Some will be immediately exhausted but others will remain, causing damage and premature wear of the vanes, bearings and seals. The effect of this accumulated debris will be diminished torque and speed and ultimately motor failure.

2. The air supply must be dry.
   Moisture in the compressed air supply will result in corrosion inside the air motor‟s vanes and precipitate the need for replacement of the vane kit. The effect of moisture will be diminished torque and speed and ultimately motor failure.
   Lubrication to be provided to air motor and planetary gear set.

3. To maximize the life of your air motor the air supply should be “continuous oil lubricated”. Failing this, bi-daily insertion of a few drops of oil into the air line should be included in the maintenance procedures of the plant. In addition, the planetary gearbox (gear-sets and bearings) should be greased in conjunction with a regular overhaul.

4. Recommended air pressure and volume.
   The A-Series air motors consume up to 32 cfm at 85 psi (6 bar). Generally, standard “factory supply air” will accommodate this recommended pressure and flow rate, however special attention should be paid to point 5 below, regarding the internal diameter of air lines, connectors and fitting.

5. Air lines and connectors should not limit or constrict air flow (volume).
   All airlines, connectors and fittings should be a minimum of 1/2” (12 mm) internal diameter to achieve continuous full motor output. Less than 1/2” (12 mm) will limit air volume supply and reduce torque and speed.

6. General mechanical maintenance.
   The A-Series has been designed to be as robust and maintenance-free as possible. However, the following items should be checked periodically for wear and the relevant parts repaired or replaced (with original parts from U.M.S / PowerHandling) as necessary:
   
   a. Check the drive and support rollers for wear. Replace once the urethane wear is to a degree that unit performance is being adversely affected. Ideally these rollers should both be replaced at the same time.
   
   b. Check the air valve for correct operation. Clean filter-screen if partially blocked, remove contaminants if present, replace as necessary.
   
   c. Periodically check all bearings to ensure all still offer smooth, unhindered rotation. Clean or replace as necessary.
   
   d. Check the rear wheels for wear and/or bearing failure, replace as necessary.
   Generally appraise performance of unit to ensure performance. Ideally, establish a “benchmark” of the load that can be moved with a new/overhauled A-Series unit (until motor stall) and periodically compare the performance of all units in service to this benchmark.

TIP-PREVENTER INSTALLATION FOR A & B SERIES

1. Remove top bolt on motor side

2. Install tip preventer on axle shaft and install bolt and spacer into top bolt hole on motor side

3. Install tip preventer onto the axle shaft and install bolt and spacer into top bolt hole on non-motor side

1. Remove top bolt on motor side
2. Install tip preventer on axle shaft and install bolt and spacer into top bolt hole on motor side
3. Install tip preventer onto the axle shaft and install bolt and spacer into top bolt hole on non-motor side

WARRANTY/GUARANTEE (Machine, Parts/Materials and Labour)

U.M.S. Pty Ltd / PowerHandling Inc. hereby warrants and guarantees that all of its material will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of (6) months from the date the user receives same unit(s).

The warranty is conditional upon the following:

• The unit(s) being used in the normal manner and for the purpose(s) for which the unit(s) were intended.
   

• The unit(s) being used in accordance with PowerHandling's recommended operation and maintenance instructions, as outlined in the Operations and Maintenance Manual for the machine model being used.
   

• The unit(s) being fitted with replacement parts manufactured or provided by U.M.S. Pty Ltd / PowerHandling Inc. and these parts being correctly installed (either by U.M.S. Pty Ltd, and authorised dealer or workshop, or the customer

Any or all defects due to improper use, negligent maintenance or as a result of normal wear and tear are not covered by this guarantee.

In the event of a claim being made under the terms of this warranty, the customer must first obtain a Return Authorisation from U.M.S. Pty Ltd's Customer Services Manager. The unit(s) must then be forwarded to U.M.S. Pty Ltd', freight pre-paid, for servicing or replacement. All spare parts and labour costs incurred for the repair and /or replacement of the warranted unit(s) will be provided at no charge to the customer.

U.M.S. Pty Ltd / PowerHandling Inc. and it's distributors, agents, resellers etc. assume no other responsibility beyond the scope of this warranty. The repair or replacement of the said unit(s) will constitute the limit of U.M.S. Pty Ltd / PowerHandling's liability to the customer and without limitation of the foregoing, U.M.S. Pty Ltd / PowerHandling Inc. specifically disclaims and excludes rescission as a remedy, or the payment of compensatory or consequential damage, attorneys fee's or costs of litigation.

In the event a machine or part provided by U.M.S. Pty Ltd / PowerHandling Inc. is found to be defective, it is at PowerHandling's discretion to replace said part or machinery at PowerHandling's cost, or take delivery of the failed parts and refund the customer the funds originally received by it for that sale.