Manhole Buddy in the kitchen!

25 second video clip showing the Manhole Buddy KeyTec unseating and lifting a close-fitting non-metallic cover in a food preparation area.

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Slide Show

User Guide

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

On-line Purchasing

Lifting Trolleys

Two Manhole Buddy trolleys are available, in Steel or Aluminium. These are convenient to carry and store, yet unfold fully in two simple movements.The lifting trolley is essentially a mobile lever, pivoting on the wheels and delivering a mechanical advantage of 2.5:1. Therefore a modest downward force of 20 kg on the trolley handle translates into a 50 kg lifting effort.

Maximum effort is usually required for unseating the cover.
For this purpose, a secondary High Leverage lifting point on the trolley gives a mechanical advantage greater than 5:1.

In the picture (centre-right), by placing the MagTec magnet close to the edge, the High Leverage facility can deliver maximum effort for unseating the manhole cover. Pictured far right is the High Leverage facility being applied to the KeyTec spreader bar. This facility greatly extends the potential for safe lone-worker operation. See Unseating Covers in the Video Gallery.
Click here for specification detail on the lifting trolleys

MagTec Lifting Attachment

A high percentage of manhole and drain covers are only lifted for inspection.
Magnetic attachment is quick and simple. Considerable time is saved not having to deal with clogged or damaged keyholes in the manhole cover. The freedom to place the magnet anywhere on the manhole cover provides greater flexibility than fixed keyhole positions.
Two magnet strengths are available. No external power or recharging is needed. A simple lever with a safety interlock provides On-Off control.
The magnets have proven to be effective on a wide range of patterned surfaces and have safely lifted split manhole covers and gratings. For maximum productivity on metallic covers, they are untouchable. Click here for more detailed information on the MagTec manhole lifting solution.

KeyTec Lifting Attachment

A key-based solution is offered for use on non-metallic covers, or for large split covers where the two elements need to be held in alignment. Compared to the MagTec approach, it will be slower to deploy, as the keyholes need to be cleaned out. A selection of keys will probably be required to fit the various key slots. However, where it is the preferred method, the KeyTec implementation will generally out-perform other key-based systems in two critical areas. Firstly, it retains the High Leverage lifting facility which is a major contributor to fast and easier raising of covers. And uniquely amongst key-based systems, the cover can be approached from any position you choose, due to the inbuilt rotation in the lifting hanger.
Click here for more detailed information on the KeyTec manhole lifting solution.

ChainTec Lifting Attachment

This solution was first created as a low-cost method of lifting concrete-topped pavement covers, having ovalised 20 mm key slots. With four fully adjustable chain legs, the system can be adjusted to suit any layout or positioning of the key slots. The universality of a lifting hook opens up a range of possibilities for the user. Most notably, it has been deployed successfully for releasing secondary (sub-surface) storm gratings and silt traps. As with the other Lifting Attachments, it features a rotating lifting hanger, which gives greater freedom in positioning the lifting trolley. High Leverage capability can also be accessed in a number of ways.
Click here for more detailed information on the ChainTec manhole lifting solution.

A number of accessories are available for use with the standard lifting trolleys, some of which extend the use of the product beyond lifting manhole and drainage covers. Numerous existing manual handling products can be coupled with the trolley for safer use.
The Kerb Buddy lifting attachment is best used with the steel trolley, which has additional lifting arm positions. Click here for more details of the Kerb Buddy.
Standard wheels are suitable for use on roadways and pavements. Optional off-road wheels are advisable if you will be operating on grassed or gravelled areas.
Whilst most gratings can be lifted with the MagTec, a three leg (fixed length) chain set is also available.

Manhole Buddy has been used to raise and move a wide range of manhole and drain covers in many differing situations. Some examples are shown in the Photo Gallery. Please Contact Us for further information on the many uses to date.

The Manhole Buddy Manhole Lifter has introduced a radically new approach to the age-old task of lifting manhole and drain covers. To appreciate the significance of its capabilities and the benefits it delivers, it is worth considering the different ways in which manhole covers are currently lifted. For a more detailed examination of this subject, go to www.manholecoverlifter.co.uk

Click on the image alongside to open a printable PDF copy of the Manhole Buddy summary leaflet

Manhole Buddy is available in the USA through US Saws Inc.
Click Here to access their website