Wood's Powr-Grip PR4 Air-Powered Lifter with Rotator

Wood's Powr-Grip PR4 Air-Powered Lifter with Rotator Effortless 90° Rotation for Production Facilities

The Wood's Powr-Grip PR4 Air-Powered Lifter with Rotator is a compressed-air-driven vacuum lifting system engineered for use in production facilities that require consistent, high-throughput material handling. Available in two capacity configurations — 500 lbs [225 kg] (PR49AIRS) and 700 lbs [320 kg] (PR411LAIRS) — this lifter is built for repetitive lifting and rotating of flat or panel-type loads in controlled manufacturing environments. Powered by compressed air at 4.5 SCFM at 80 psi, the PR4 series provides powered 90° edgewise rotation with a cycle time of approximately 4 seconds, enabling fast, safe repositioning of heavy loads without manual effort. Both models are sold as special order items through authorized dealers.

Unlike manual or electric vacuum lifters, the PR4's air-powered rotator operates on continuous-duty rotation, making it well-suited for high-cycle production lines where speed and repeatability are critical. The system integrates a vacuum reserve tank, vacuum gauge, and vacuum line filter as standard, providing an added layer of reliability and safety monitoring that many competing units reserve as optional upgrades. The PR4 series is designed and manufactured to ASME B30.20 standards (BTH-1 Design Category "B", Service Class "0"), affirming its suitability for demanding industrial lifting applications.

Key Features & Benefits

Air-Powered 90° Edgewise Rotation

The PR4 delivers powered 90° rotation in approximately 4 seconds, enabling production workers to reposition large, heavy panels quickly without manual lifting or tilting. Continuous rotation duty means the system can handle high-cycle operations without rest intervals, reducing bottlenecks on the production floor. This translates directly into improved throughput and reduced operator fatigue.

Dual Capacity Configurations

The PR49AIRS handles loads up to 500 lbs [225 kg] with 4 standard 9" [23 cm] diameter spring-mounted pads and a standard pad spread of 23½" x 29½" [598 x 752 mm]. The PR411LAIRS steps up to 700 lbs [320 kg] capacity using 4 lipped 11" [28 cm] diameter pads with a spread of 26" x 32" [661 x 813 mm], providing greater surface contact for heavier or larger workpieces. Selecting the correct model ensures optimal vacuum seal performance across different load sizes and weights.

Vacuum Reserve Tank & Gauge

The integrated vacuum reserve tank maintains vacuum integrity during brief interruptions in air supply, providing a critical safety buffer that prevents unexpected load drops. The vacuum gauge gives operators real-time visibility into system vacuum levels, allowing immediate response if vacuum begins to degrade. These standard features reduce reliance on add-on safety accessories and support compliance with safe lifting protocols.

Adjustable-Position Lift Spool

The adjustable-position lift spool allows operators to fine-tune the attachment point and balance characteristics for different load profiles, reducing the need for repositioning between lifts. This flexibility accommodates variation in workpiece geometry within the same production run, supporting efficient multi-SKU operations without tool changes.

Spring-Mounted Pads with Blow-Off Quick Release

Spring-mounted vacuum pads conform to minor surface irregularities, maximizing contact area and vacuum seal quality on workpieces that may not be perfectly flat. The blow-off quick-release feature allows fast, controlled detachment of the load at the placement point, speeding up cycle times and improving operator ergonomics. This combination supports consistent, reliable lifting performance across varied surface conditions.

Vacuum Line Filter

The standard vacuum line filter protects internal components from particulates in the compressed air supply, extending service life and reducing maintenance intervals on the production floor. Clean air supply is critical for maintaining consistent vacuum levels and preventing premature wear on seals and valves. This built-in protection lowers total cost of ownership over the equipment's service life.

Common Applications

Glass Panel Handling

The PR4 is designed for lifting and rotating large glass panels in production environments, including architectural glass fabrication and insulated glass unit assembly. The spring-mounted pads and vacuum reserve tank provide the reliability required when handling fragile, high-value materials.

Stone and Countertop Production

Production facilities cutting, finishing, or installing granite, marble, or engineered stone slabs can use the PR4 to rotate heavy panels for edge profiling, polishing, or positioning. The 700 lb capacity model accommodates large-format stone slabs commonly encountered in countertop fabrication.

Millwork and Engineered Wood Panel Handling

The PR4 supports lifting and rotating MDF, particleboard, plywood, and other engineered wood panels during production, lamination, or assembly operations. Its adjustable pad spread accommodates a range of standard panel sizes encountered in cabinet and millwork manufacturing.

Metal Sheet and Plate Repositioning

In metal fabrication facilities, the PR4 enables operators to lift and rotate steel, aluminum, or composite metal sheets for welding, cutting, or finishing operations. The air-powered rotation eliminates manual handling of heavy plates, reducing injury risk and improving positioning accuracy.

Composite and Plastic Panel Manufacturing

The PR4 is applicable in facilities producing or processing fiberglass, acrylic, or other composite panels where precise, damage-free handling is required. Vacuum lifting avoids mechanical clamping that can mar finished surfaces, preserving product quality through the production process.

Production Line Integration

The continuous-duty rotator and rapid attach/release cycle times make the PR4 well-suited for integration into automated or semi-automated production lines where consistent, repeatable handling cycles are required. The compressed air power source simplifies integration with facility air systems already present in most production environments.

Compatible Materials

• Flat glass and tempered glass panels
• Granite, marble, and engineered stone slabs
• MDF, particleboard, and plywood panels
• Steel and aluminum sheet and plate
• Fiberglass and composite panels
• Acrylic and rigid plastic sheets
• Laminated and coated panel products
• Architectural and insulated glass units

Product Documents

• Troubleshooting — Generic Leak Test (PR49AIRS & PR411LAIRS)
• Specifications — PR4 AIRS Series (PR49AIRS & PR411LAIRS)
• Specifications — Option: Linear Pad Frame (Stock #57952)
• Instructions — Option: Vacuum Loss Warning Buzzer (Stock #93781SM)
• Specifications — Option: Vacuum Loss Warning Buzzer (Stock #93781SM)

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
• Risk of load detachment if vacuum is lost; monitor vacuum gauge continuously during operation.
• Do not exceed rated load capacity for the model in use.
• Ensure compressed air supply meets minimum operating requirements (80 psi, 4.5 SCFM) before lifting.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Hard hat required when working beneath suspended loads.
• Safety-toed footwear required in all lifting operation areas.
• High-visibility vest recommended in production environments with moving equipment.
• Safety glasses or face shield when working with fragile materials such as glass.

Safe Handling

• Inspect vacuum pads, hoses, and fittings before each use for signs of wear or damage.
• Verify vacuum gauge reading is within acceptable range before initiating a lift.
• Never leave a suspended load unattended.
• Only trained and authorized personnel should operate this lifter.
• Consult product instructions on WPG.com or contact a Technical Sales Representative for guidance on environmental conditions that may affect performance.
• Optional vacuum loss warning buzzer (Stock #93781SM) provides an audible alarm when a load is at risk of detaching; strongly recommended for high-cycle production environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the PR49AIRS and the PR411LAIRS?
A: The PR49AIRS has a maximum load capacity of 500 lbs [225 kg] and uses four 9" [23 cm] diameter spring-mounted pads with a standard spread of 23½" x 29½". The PR411LAIRS is the higher-capacity version rated to 700 lbs [320 kg], using four lipped 11" [28 cm] diameter pads with a spread of 26" x 32". The larger pads on the PR411LAIRS provide greater contact area suited to heavier or larger workpieces.

Q: Are these lifters available from stock?
A: Both the PR49AIRS (Stock #97220PM) and the PR411LAIRS (Stock #97225PM) are special order items. Please contact Diamond Tool Store or your authorized dealer representative to place an order and confirm lead times.

Q: What compressed air supply is required to operate the PR4 series?
A: The PR4 series requires a compressed air supply of 4.5 SCFM [127 liters/minute] at 80 psi [552 kPa]. Ensure your facility's air system meets or exceeds these requirements before installation and operation.

Q: What optional accessories are available for the PR4 series?
A: Available options include individual pad shutoffs (93011), a vacuum loss warning buzzer (93780AM or 93781SM with side mounting plate), a linear pad frame (Stock #57952) for handling longer narrow loads, adjustable vertical handles (special order), and 10" [25 cm] diameter lipped vacuum pads (HV11). Note that the linear pad frame must be ordered at the same time as the lifter.

Q: What does the vacuum loss warning buzzer do, and is it included as standard?
A: The vacuum loss warning buzzer (Stock #93781SM) provides an audible alarm when a load is at risk of detaching due to loss of vacuum. It is not included as standard and must be ordered separately as an option. It is available with a side mounting plate for easy installation on the lifter frame.

Q: What design standards does the PR4 series meet?
A: The PR4 series is designed to ASME B30.20 standards, specifically BTH-1 Design Category "B", Service Class "0". This classification governs the design and safe use of below-the-hook lifting devices and is the recognized industry standard for vacuum lifter compliance in North America.