Vacuworx’ SL 2 System

As winter sets in for many counties, road and utility repair requires quick action from maintenance crews. Crews can make quick work of covering open trenches or roadways in need of repair with the SL 2 subcompact vacuum lifting system attachment from Vacuworx, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here’s how it works:

While the vacuum lifting system can be used to handle a variety of materials weighing up to 4,400 pounds—such as saw-cut concrete, marble slabs, paving stones—we’ll use the example of moving steel plates for pavement maintenance work.

Using the example of placing steel plate over damaged or removed pavement, the maintenance crew first mounts the 125-pound SL 2 lifter to the front of a skid steer or mini skid steer using quick-connect hydraulic hoses. Universal mounting plates are designed to work with virtually all skid steer models, but the lifter can also be connected to small excavators, backhoes and cranes using the clevis hook connection provided.

Next, the vacuum pump operates using the host machine’s auxiliary hydraulics (a minimum of 10 gpm is required with maximum 300 psi). A factory pre-set control valve ensures optimal performance. The system’s vacuum reservoir continues to provide vacuum in the event of a power failure.

The operator lowers the SL 2 onto the steel plate to be moved. He engages the vacuum to create a positive seal. The gauge on the vacuum pad indicates when there is enough pressure for a safe lift.

With a secure connection between the pad and steel plate, the operator lifts and moves the steel plate into position over the area needing to be covered. When the plate is in place, the operator presses a button to release the seal. Again, the gauge indicates when the pressure is released and it is safe to move the SL 2 to its next task.

For more information, call (918) 259-3050 or visit www.vacuworx.com.