Using Envirocon's Hire Gravity Lifter

Envirocon offers a gravity lifter on hire for previous customers who purchased old Interbloc blocks without a lifting anchor. This article cover the safe use of this gravity lifter.

Health & Safety Checks Before Starting:

  • Always check all equipment to be used in the lifting process.
  • Check the forklift is safe to operate.
  • Check the lifter to be certain that it is in full working order.
  • Check for any damage or cracks on key welds.
    always get the production manager to verify the equipment is fully functional for any uncertainties.
  • Check the area in which you intend to lift the blocks and ensure there are no hazards that will make it unsafe to do so.

Process

Lifter Specifications:

 

Metric 

(mm-kg)

Imperial 

(Inch-lb.)

Grip range

150 – 1100

6” – 43.3”

Working load limit

3000

6614

Net weight

161

355

Gross weight

175

386

Setting Up The Lifter

  • Attach lifter to forklift/excavator.
    • The lifter should be securely attached to the lifting method chosen.
    • Be sure the hook/shackle on the lifter is fully engaged 
  • Check that the lifter is in full working order
    • Check for any cracks on the lifter
    • Check the rubber pads are not worn down/torn
    • Make sure the pads are locked on their tracks
    • If any damage is found do not use the gravity lifter. Any damage must be reported to the production manager

Picking Up the Block

  • When ready to begin picking up a block move the lifter over the top of the block
  • Be sure that the pads are adjusted so that they can grip the block tightly
  • Lower the lifter over the block and allow the lifter to sit fully down on the block
    • The lifter should release its internal lock automatically
    • DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE LIFTER AT ANY TIME to try to unlock it
  • Once the lock has disengaged, begin to lift the forks up
    • As you lift, the locking pin will rotate by itself allowing the arms to grip
    • If the lock did not disengage DO NOT try to unlock it with your hands
    • Re-lower the lifter down fully to allow the lifter to disengage
  • As the lifer moves up the pads will begin to squeeze the block and lift it up
  • Once the block is lifted off the ground begin to move to where you want to place it
    • Keep the block low to the ground until you need to lift it to place to reduce the risk of injury
    • When the block is in the air keep all body parts away from underneath

Placing The Block

  • Once the block is ready to be placed, begin to lower it down
  • Once the block is down, fully lower the lifter down to reengage the auto lock on the lifter
  • Begin to lift the lifter off the block
    • If the lifter does not disengage from the block, lower the lifter down fully to re-engage the lock
    • Do NOT attempt to re-engage the lock using your hands
  • Once the lifter has been taken off the block move on to placing your next block

Removing The Lifter

  • Once finished using the lifter, remove it from the forklift/digger by placing it down on the ground
  • Be sure the lifter is locked in the open position
    • If the lifter is not locked, lower it on the ground to lock it
  • Remove the lifter from the forklift/digger and inspect for any damage to the lifter
    • Any damage should be immediately reported so that the lifter can be assessed and repaired if possible

Visual Instructions:

Screen Shot 2023-10-02 at 1.54.11 PMScreen Shot 2023-10-02 at 1.54.23 PM