Wood's Powr-Grip VL2MAN Manually-Powered Vacuum Lifter

Wood's Powr-Grip VL2MAN Manually-Powered Vertical Lift Hand Cup Frame Lightweight, Affordable Vacuum Lifting for Hoisting Applications

The Wood's Powr-Grip VL2MAN is a manually-powered vertical lift hand cup frame designed to bring the proven performance of WPG hand-held vacuum cups to crane and forklift hoisting operations. Engineered for professional equipment operators, this lifter provides a cost-effective solution for vertically handling smooth-surfaced loads up to 300 lbs (135 kg) when paired with N6292 Hand Cups (sold separately). Its lightweight construction and simple design make it accessible across a wide range of jobsite environments where powered vacuum systems are unnecessary or impractical. The VL2MAN is sold through authorized dealers and is intended exclusively for use by trained trades professionals and contractors.

Unlike heavier powered vacuum lifters, the VL2MAN combines the sturdy frame architecture of Wood's Powr-Grip's larger machines with the convenience and economy of manually-operated hand cups, delivering a functional and affordable system without sacrificing structural integrity. Its sliding mount system allows operators to reposition hand cups along the frame to accommodate varying load sizes and pad spreads, offering flexibility that fixed-mount alternatives cannot match.

Key Features & Benefits

Lightweight Frame Construction

At just 25 lbs (12 kg) with hand cups installed, the VL2MAN is significantly lighter than powered vacuum lifter alternatives, making it easier to transport between jobsites and position within crane or forklift rigging setups. Reduced unit weight translates directly to less operator fatigue and greater accessibility in tight or elevated work areas.

Sliding Adjustable Mounts

The sliding mount system allows operators to reposition hand cups at multiple locations along the pad frame, enabling a wide variety of load-positioning configurations. This adjustability accommodates different load widths without requiring additional hardware or tool changes on-site.

Broad Hand Cup Compatibility

The VL2MAN is compatible with three WPG hand cup models — N4950, N5450, and N6292 — providing operators with the ability to select the cup size that best matches their load capacity and surface requirements. Load capacities range from 180 lbs (80 kg) with N4950 cups up to 300 lbs (135 kg) with N6292 cups, all sold separately.

Upright-to-Upright Load Movement

The VL2MAN is purpose-built for vertical (upright-to-upright) load movement, keeping loads in a consistent orientation throughout the lift cycle. This characteristic is essential for handling materials such as glass, stone slabs, or sheet goods that cannot be tilted or rotated during transport.

Optional Adjustable Center Arm

The optional Adjustable Center Arm (Stock# 97933) increases the pad spread of the hand cup frame, providing added security during lifts by expanding the contact footprint across the load surface. Note that the addition of the Center Arm does not increase the rated load capacity of the lifter.

ASME B30.20 Design Compliance

The VL2MAN is designed to ASME B30.20 standards (BTH-1 Design Category "B", Service Class "0"), as established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Compliance with these industry standards provides contractors with the documentation and assurance required for professional and regulated jobsite environments.

Common Applications

Glass Panel Handling

The VL2MAN is well-suited for lifting and positioning large glass panels in commercial glazing, curtain wall, and storefront installation projects where smooth, non-porous surfaces allow reliable vacuum cup adhesion.

Stone and Tile Slab Lifting

Contractors working with granite countertops, marble slabs, or large-format tile can use the VL2MAN with a crane or forklift to safely transport heavy, smooth-faced stone materials without manual carrying risk.

Sheet Metal Positioning

The lifter is effective for handling smooth sheet metal panels during fabrication, installation, or HVAC ductwork applications where consistent vertical orientation is required throughout the move.

Precast and Architectural Panel Placement

When working with smooth-faced precast concrete or architectural cladding panels, the VL2MAN enables precise crane-assisted placement without the need for slings or chains that could damage finished surfaces.

Crane-Assisted Material Staging

On commercial construction sites, the VL2MAN can be rigged to a crane for lifting smooth-surfaced materials from delivery vehicles or ground-level staging areas to upper-floor installation zones.

Forklift-Assisted Load Transfer

The VL2MAN's compatibility with forklift rigging makes it a practical tool for warehouse and job-site material handling where smooth panel goods need to be transferred between rack positions or staging areas.

Compatible Materials

• Float glass and tempered glass panels
• Polished granite, marble, and natural stone slabs
• Smooth-faced precast concrete panels
• Painted or bare sheet metal
• Large-format ceramic and porcelain tile
• Smooth architectural cladding panels
• Other clean, smooth, non-porous surfaces suitable for vacuum cup adhesion

Product Documents

• Operating Instructions (VL2MAN)
• Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Repair Guide
• Technical Specifications Sheet

Application Instructions

Before Using the Lifter

1. Read and understand all operating instructions before operating the equipment.
2. Perform a full inspection of the hand cups: verify the felt filter is in place, check the plunger assembly and handle for dents or cracks, confirm the pad face feels grippy (not slick), and inspect sealing edges for cuts or roughness.
3. Perform a Lifter/Load Compatibility Test to confirm the hand cups are compatible with the specific load surface before beginning production lifts.
4. Perform Operational Tests including a Vacuum Test and a Rated Load Test per the inspection schedule in the operating instructions.
5. Confirm the load surface is clean, smooth, and free of contamination. Wipe the surface clean if necessary and allow it to dry before attaching cups.
6. Position the hand cups on the sliding mounts at appropriate spacing for the load dimensions.

Attaching the Pads to a Load

1. Position the VL2MAN frame so the hand cups are aligned with the load surface in the desired lifting location.
2. Attach each hand cup to the load surface by pressing firmly and actuating the pump per the hand cup operating instructions.
3. Verify that the red-line vacuum indicator on each cup is hidden, confirming adequate vacuum has been established.
4. Pump each cup to the required vacuum level before initiating any lift.

Lifting and Moving the Load

1. Monitor the red-line vacuum indicators on all hand cups continuously throughout the lift and move operation.
2. If the red line appears on any cup during the lift, set the load down safely and repump the affected cup immediately before continuing.
3. Use only where cups can be monitored and repumped if necessary — do not use in applications where cups cannot be visually monitored during the lift.
4. Control the lifter and load to prevent swinging, spinning, or uncontrolled movement during transit.

Releasing the Pads from the Load

1. Set the load down safely in its final position before releasing the hand cups.
2. Release each hand cup from the load surface per the hand cup operating instructions.
3. Confirm the load is fully supported and stable before removing the lifter from the area.

After Using the Lifter

1. Inspect hand cups and frame for damage after each use.
2. Clean vacuum pads if contamination is present: remove the felt filter, apply soapy water or a mild cleanser with a clean sponge or lint-free cloth (never use solvents or rubber conditioners), hold cup facedown or cover the suction inlet during cleaning, rinse thoroughly, and reinstall the felt filter after drying.
3. Store the lifter in a clean, dry location. Transport carefully to avoid damage to pads, plunger assemblies, or the frame.

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.
• Use only where hand cups can be continuously monitored and repumped if necessary — do not use in applications where monitoring is not possible.
• If the red-line vacuum indicator appears on any cup during a lift, set the load down immediately and repump before continuing.
• Do not exceed rated load capacity for the hand cup model in use.
• Addition of the optional Adjustable Center Arm does NOT increase the rated load capacity.
• Intended for use by professional equipment operators only — not for consumer use.
• Any pad exhibiting a gap or excessive roughness on a sealing edge must be replaced before use.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear appropriate PPE as required by jobsite safety standards and applicable regulations when operating hoisting or lifting equipment.
• Keep all personnel clear of suspended loads at all times during lift operations.

Safe Handling

• Inspect the hand cups before every use: verify felt filter is present, check plunger and handle for damage, confirm pad face is grippy, and inspect sealing edges for cuts or roughness.
• Perform a Lifter/Load Compatibility Test before beginning production lifts with a new load surface or new hand cups.
• Never use solvents or rubber conditioners to clean vacuum pads — use only mild soap and water with a clean sponge or lint-free cloth.
• Replace vacuum pads at least once every two years, or sooner if the pad face is slick, worn, or damaged.
• Store the lifter in a clean, dry location. Transport carefully to prevent frame, pad, or plunger damage.
• Periodically perform leak tests by attaching the cup to a clean, smooth, scratch-free piece of glass or metal for approximately 2 hours and confirming the red line does not appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are hand cups included with the VL2MAN?
A: No. Hand cups are sold separately. The VL2MAN is compatible with WPG N4950, N5450, and N6292 hand cups. The published load capacity of 300 lbs (135 kg) applies when the N6292 hand cups are used.

Q: What is the maximum load capacity of the VL2MAN?
A: The maximum load capacity is 300 lbs (135 kg) when used with N6292 Hand Cups. Capacity varies by hand cup model: 180 lbs (80 kg) with N4950 cups and 220 lbs (100 kg) with N5450 cups.

Q: Can the VL2MAN be used with a forklift as well as a crane?
A: Yes. The VL2MAN is designed for use with hoisting equipment including cranes and forklifts, making it versatile across both crane-rigged and forklift-assisted material handling applications.

Q: Does adding the optional Adjustable Center Arm (Stock# 97933) increase the load capacity?
A: No. The Adjustable Center Arm increases the pad spread of the hand cup frame and provides added security during lifts, but it does not increase the rated load capacity of the VL2MAN.

Q: Can the VL2MAN be used in any orientation, or only vertical?
A: The VL2MAN is designed exclusively for vertical (upright-to-upright) load movement. It is not rated or intended for horizontal or rotating load orientations.

Q: What should I do if the red-line vacuum indicator appears during a lift?
A: Set the load down safely and immediately repump the affected hand cup to restore vacuum before continuing the lift. The VL2MAN should only be used in locations where cups can be continuously monitored and repumped if necessary.