August 2009 Vol. 236 No. 8

TechNotes

Compact Vacuum Pipe Lifter Claims 6,600-Lb Capacity

Vacuworx International has announced the new MC3 “mini” lifter vacuum system with a dry tool weight of 900 lbs.

It is described as small only in its compact size with a 6,600-lb. lifting capacity.

The MC3 is said to be a groundbreaking new fully self-contained lifter designed with the underground utility contractor in mind. According to the company, since the lifter is self contained, the user’s options for the host machine are endless. The lifter attaches to normal size host machines, as well as mini excavators, skid steer loaders and others. The company says the MC 3 is rated up to three-ton capacity, enabling the lifting and moving of steel and poly pipe, steel plate, concrete slab and landscape rock.

Contractors and manufacturers today are faced with ever growing demands for a safer and more efficient job site. Vacuworx International says it has the solution to meet these demands, and is a global leader in vacuum lifting for many industries, including field applications, manufacturing facilities and storage facilities.

Vacuworx reports it has more than 20 years of experience in vacuum lifting, operating in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tulsa, OK. The company says it has built its reputation by providing companies around the world with safe and efficient solutions to material handling.

The company says its lifters can be attached to a number of carriers such as excavators, wheel or track type loaders, cranes, pipelayers, forklifts as well as many others. The lifters are designed to operate with a material-specific pad assembly that can accommodate many types of material such as steel pipe, plastic pipe, concrete pipe, flat steel plate, concrete slab, steel tanks and coated pipe.

The Vacuworx Lifting System eliminates the problem of damaged coatings. All of the lifting pads utilize a special seal material to protect the coating from any damage while providing a secure and safe lift. The company says its system uses a closed-frequency wireless remote control system that gives the equipment operator the ability to maneuver the material being lifted from the host machine with great precision and no additional personnel required. Many additional failsafe features are also incorporated, including visual and audible low vacuum alarms as well as a reserve vacuum tank. The company offers models from three-ton capacity up to 20-ton capacity and beyond.