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Launched in early 2007 as a Magnetic Manhole Lifter the Manhole Buddy Manhole range now boasts three additional attachment methods - key based, vacuum lifting and simple chain attachment - plus an accessory for lifting kerbstones. Specification information, images and video footage for all variants can be accessed through webpage http://www.pwm-distribution.com/html/manhole_lifter.html on this website.
The following summarises some of the general issues arising from the practice of lifting manhole and drainage covers and in doing so, will create a better understanding of why the Manhole Buddy manhole lifters were created and how this new approach makes the work of lifting manhole and drain covers both safer and faster.
Lifting manhole and drainage covers is arduous and sometimes dangerous work, particularly when performed without appropriate tools. The weight of a typical drain cover far exceeds Health & Safety Executive guidelines for single person lifting. The size and shape of the cover make it difficult to adopt good lifting posture and the required lifting and twisting actions are fraught with danger. The risk of trapping hands or feet is high and a slip in close proximity to an open drain could have severe consequences. Doing such work by hand involves a high risk of personal injury and is thoroughly inadvisable.
Manhole Buddy has made handling most covers a safe one-person operation. All Manhole Buddy configurations comprise only two items, a portable Lifting Trolley and a cover attachment - Magtec, KeyTec, VacTec or ChainTec. Once the attachment is in position, simply unfold and engage the trolley, whereupon lifting can commence. There is no physical lifting effort required from the user. Instead a downward force is applied, which is multiplied 2.25 times by the mechanical advantage inherent in the trolley. So heavy loads can be lifted and moved with ease, whilst the risk of lifting and twisting injuries is largely eliminated. And at all times, the lone operator stands well away from both the raised cover and the open chamber.
Unseating a jammed cover is a regular drainage challenge, yet it is here that the Manhole Buddy is at its most impressive. All attachment systems have access to a high leverage lifting point on the lifting trolley. This facility delivers more than 5 times the input effort, thereby creating a high ‘unseating’ or ‘breakout’ force, shifting all but the most stubborn covers.
Manhole Buddy achieves a high level of acceptance due to its portability, simplicity and ability to handle a wide range of manhole covers quickly and safely. Set-up time across all methods is minimal, most notable being the MagTec solution, where work can commence in a matter of seconds. The compact form of the equipment makes minimal demands on space in vehicles and permits it to be carried comfortably by hand. The vast majority of drain covers are only raised for a quick visual inspection – then it’s on to the next one to find where the blockage or problem is. The time saved with the Manhole Buddy in such situations is considerable, as is the cumulative reduction in physical effort required when lifting multiple covers.
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