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RECORD OF SATISFACTORY CONDITION (THE "RECORD")
Record the condition of the plate clamp before putting it into regular
service. Thoroughly photograph the unit. Include close range photos of
all labels and tags, the bale, the gripper and pad, and the lock
mechanisms. Measure the height and width of the bale opening.
Measure the gripper teeth. Measure the throat: A) With the mouth open
(distance between lowest point of gripper and pad); and B) Top to
bottom of the mouth. Record your measurements. Write a description of
the overall condition of the clamp. How much force is required to lock
and unlock the clamp? Lock the clamp. Try to manually move the
gripper. There should be definite resistance against movement while the
lock is engaged. Collect all photographs and writings in a single file.
Mark the file appropriately to identify it. The file is a record of the clamp
in satisfactory condition. Compare the results of all inspections to this
RECORD to determine whether the unit is in satisfactory condition. If
the clamp is not in satisfactory condition, repair it before returning it to
service. Purely cosmetic changes, like damaged paint/powdercoat, do
not constitute changes from satisfactory condition. However, touchup
paint should be applied to all affected areas as soon as cosmetic
damage occurs to prevent rusting and corrosion. If left unaddressed,
rust/corrosion will degrade the condition of the clamp and could make it
unsafe to use.
LOAD TESTS
After creating a
RECORD OF SATISFACTORY CONDITION
qualified person should conduct a load test. The test load should be 125% of the capacity of your clamp. For
example, the test load for an HPC-20 clamp is 2,000 x 1.25 = 2,500lb. (1136.4kg). Elevate the test load a few
inches above the ground for approximately 1 minute. Ground the load and disconnect it from the plate clamp.
Perform a Monthly Inspection as described in
person performing the test must compose a written report confirming the load rating of the clamp. The load rating
(capacity) should not be more than 80% of the test load. The clamp must undergo load testing whenever it is
repaired. Never modify the clamp.
INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential. Always inspect and maintain this product
in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
Apply all relevant inspection instructions in your copy of ASME B30.20 as well as the following instructions.
Inspections and maintenance should only be performed by qualified persons. Compare the results of each
inspection to the
RECORD OF SATISFACTORY
satisfactory condition. Replace parts that are not in satisfactory condition before returning the clamp to service.
Only use manufacturer-approved replacement parts to restore the unit to satisfactory condition. DON'T GUESS! If
you have any questions about the condition of your lifter, contact the
The phone number is provided on the cover page of this manual. Never make temporary repairs of damaged or
missing parts.
I. Disconnect the clamp from the hoist hook and tag it "Out of service".
II. Perform the appropriate inspection (A or B). If a component is not in satisfactory condition, repair it or replace it
as necessary to restore the unit to satisfactory condition. DO NOT modify the clamp.
A. Inspection before each use – The operator must inspect the clamp before every lift. Closely inspect the
bale mechanisms. Check the bale loop and bale pin for cracks, elongation, warps, and other forms of damage.
Confirm that the bale mechanism is securely pinned in place. Remove debris from the clamp surfaces. Check
the gripper teeth. Teeth must be sharp and free of foreign material.
-OR-
B. Monthly inspections – At least once per month a qualified person must perform the following inspections
and maintenance. Written reports should be prepared for every monthly inspection including inspections
following
LOAD
TESTS.
1. Surfaces: Look for forging fractures, weld fractures, significant wear, and deformations/distortions,
corrosion/rusting, and metal fatigue. If rusting is purely superficial, remove it with a steel bristle brush or
Table of Contents
Rev. 3/19/2021
INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE
CONDITION. Do not use the clamp unless all parts are in
Copyright 2021 Vestil Manufacturing
Gripper
A
Pad
and before using the lifter for the first time, a
(below). The (qualified)
TECHNICAL SERVICE
HPC MANUAL
Bale
opening
B
department.
Page 7 of 9
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