FLEX VLP 18 Cordless Vacuum Lifter Instruction Manual

FLEX VLP 18 Cordless Vacuum Lifter Instruction Manual

Symbols used in this manual

Instructions for use

WARNING!
Denotes impending danger. Nonobservance of this warning may result in death or extremely severe injuries.
CAUTION!
Denotes a potentially hazardous situation. Non-observance of this warning may result in injury or damage to property.
NOTE
Denotes hints on use and important information.

Symbols on the device

Before switching on, read the operating manual.
Wear protective gloves!
Wear eye protective!
Disposal information for the old tool (see page 29)

Important safety information

WARNING!
Before using the power tool, read the following and act accordingly:

• These operating instructions
• The “General safety instructions” for handling power tools in the enclosed booklet (leaflet no.: 315.915)
• The currently valid site rules and regulations for the prevention of accidents

This power tool is state of the art and has been assembled in accordance with the acknowledged safety regulations. In spite of this, the power tool may pose a danger to life and limb of the user or a third party when in use, or the power tool or other items could become damaged. The power tool may be operated only

• for its intended use,
•  in perfect working order.
  Faults which compromise safety must be repaired immediately.

Intended use
The rechargeable vacuum lifter VLP 18 is designed for:
commercial use in trade and industry

• lifting, moving and positioning items such as tiles, slabs, drywall panels, glass and furniture with a maximum weight of 130 kg
• use with dry, rough and lightly porous material

The rechargeable vacuum lifter VLP 18 is not designed for:

• as a loose load handling attachment for cranes, hoists or other hand-guided manipulators,
• climbing or securing the human body in any way
• climbing or carrying the weight of a person
• lifting, moving or positioning items made of very porous, soft/flexible or crumbly material, e.g. simple cardboard boxes, polystyrene, dry-cast paving slabs, pressed sand or poor quality concrete.

WARNING!
Use of the tool for climbing or any other nonintended application can result in injuries or fatality

Safety instructions

WARNING

• Read all safety notices and instructions. Failure to comply with the safety notices and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injuries. Keep all safety notices and instructions in a safe place for future reference.
• This product is not intended to be used by persons (including children) with physical, sensory or mental disabilities or by persons without the relevant experience and/or knowledge.
• The device may only be used by persons who are familiar with its operation, have been trained in safe handling of the device and understand the dangers associated with it. The device is not designed for use by children.
• Children must be supervised to ensure that the device is not used incorrectly. Do  not allow unsupervised children to clean the device or perform maintenance tasks on it.
• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate power tools in an explosive atmosphere, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite dust or fumes.
• Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in anyway. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or  entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of a RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Stay alert, watchwhat you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, a hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a power source and/or battery and picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Removal of dust can reduce dustrelated hazards.
• Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn on and off easily. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintainpower tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
• Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations. Safety instructions for vacuum lifter
• Do not deliberately try to rip the load off with extreme force. There is a risk of the load crushing feet and hands and damaging the object and tool.
• Do not lift objects weighing more than 170 kg (375 lbs). There is a risk the weight can fall off.
• Risk of load crushing feet and hands and damaging the object and tool. Do not shake the tool while lifting, moving and placing objects. Do not swing or shake the load while lifting, moving and placing objects. Do not use the tool when the seal is worn out. Lift and carry the load with uniform speed without sudden sharp and strong movements.
• Do not use the tool while the battery is low. There is a risk of injury and damage to the materials being lifted.
• If the sealing force begins to noticeably decrease while the battery is fully charged, check the rubber foam seal for wear and tear or damage. Do not attempt to lift anything with the tool until you have replaced the seal.
• Use caution when lifting large thin flexible sheets, like drywall, cardboard, plastic, plywood, thin sheet metal etc. Thin sheets bend and flex and can unexpectedly change curvature above their limit and detach.
• Do not attach the tool to surfaces with visible puddles ofwater. Internal components are not waterproof. If water is sucked into the air ducts it can cause permanent damage to the tool. The tool is not waterproof and therefore extreme caution should be taken when using it in the rain or wet conditions.
• Do not drop the tool from heights above 1.5 meter above the ground (chest level). If dropped by accident, inspect the seal side lips for damage.
• Do not place heavy objects on topof the tool.
• D o not place the digital display indirect sunlight or near strong heat sources for prolonged periods. Extreme heat may damage the display and it may become unreadable. A damaged display does not necessarily impact the functionality of the tool.
• T o avoid overheating, do not cover the tool.
• Ensure the switch is in the off-position before transporting the tool and when in storage. Be mindful that the tool is not switched on accidently.
• U se only original batteries with the voltage indicated on the type plate of your power tool. The use of other batteries, e.g. imitations, reconditioned batteries or other makes, increases the risk of injury and material damage by exploding batteries.

WARNING!
If the safety precautions are not heeded, the load could fall without warning. The power tool generates a strong vacuum. Failure of this kind can occur very suddenly and without any tangible indication or prewarning if the seal is damaged or the maximum permissible weight is exceeded or another factor occurs resulting in spontaneous loss of the vacuum. There will be no indication of the load detaching itself and there will be no means of stopping or catching it. This represents a high risk, particularly with heavy loads. All possible safety precautions should therefore be taken in full.
NOTE
Due to the high pressure generated by the power tool, it is strongly recommended not to attach the power tool to glass less than 6 mm thick. Glass thinner than 6 mm can break.

Use and safety of foam seals The foam seal consists of two parts: the black foam and the red silicone seal. The Black rubber foam is mostly used to create initial vacuum. After it compresses, the red seal holds the longest and strongest seal. As long as the initial seal is created to get suction, the “strong” seal will also be created. The rubber foam seal uses patented technology and is one of the main components of the tool. It should be handled with caution as it directly impacts the overall performance and safety.

• The seal can withstand an estimated 900 compression cycles, depending on forceand duration of compression, without any damage.
• Avoid rubbing the seal over rough surfaces. Seal material is very prone to parallel wear (moving parallel to rough surface in ironing motion). Lift perpendicularly on very rough surfaces. Rubbing the seal over a smooth surface such as granite in the presence of thick abrasives (thick sand) will damage the seal and may cause unexpected detachment.
• Surfaces with very sharp edges should not be lifted in parallel hold. Edges sharper than 45 degrees may damage the seal and lead to sudden vacuum loss and sudden detachment. The motor should always be on.
• Always store the seal covered with a hard  cover. The seal can be easily damaged bysharp corners and edges when in storage. The seal should not be stored with any sharp tools or in contact with any hard objects (e.g. inside a toolbox).
• Do not dip the seal in water. The rubber foam seal is slightly water absorbent. Unless it is fully dipped in water and soaking wet, slightly soaking the seal with water will not damage its performance. If it is soaked in water, it can be squeezed by hand like a sponge to dry without damage. It is advisable to use a dry seal to avoid water getting sucked into air ducts and inside the body.

CAUTION!
Do not dip or use the seal in the presence of any oil-based products. Oil and oil products (machine oil + lubricants) will permanently damage the seal and cannot be removed. If the seal has absorbed any oil, it should be disposed of safely, the base should be cleaned, and the seal replaced.

CAUTION!
Do not use or store the seal in the presence of chemical solvents. Kerosene, acetone, turpentine, benzene, acids, etc. and even their fumes in closed spaces or thin layers on surfaces can melt the seal and damage its structure and cause failure. Safety instructions for handling batteries

• Do not open the battery. Danger of short circuit.
• Protect the battery against heat, including prolonged sunlight, fire, water and moisture. Danger of explosion.
• A damaged or incorrectly used battery may result in the emission of fumes. Ensure a supply of fresh air and consult a doctor if you feel unwell. The fumes may irritate the respiratory tracts.
• Liquid may leak out of the battery if the battery is used incorrectly. Avoid contact with such liquid. In the event of accidental contact, rinse with water. If liquid gets into the eyes, seek medical attention as well. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Use FLEX rechargeable batteries only in connection with FLEX tools and FLEX accessories. Only in this way is the rechargeable battery protected against dangerous overloads.
• Recharge batteries using only chargers recommended by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery may create a fire hazard if used with another battery.
• The battery could be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force exerted on it externally. This may give rise to an internal short circuit, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.

Additional safety notices

• Use only adhesive signs to label the power tool. Do not drill any holes into the housing.
• The mains voltage must match the voltage specification on the factory plate. Noise and vibration

NOTE
Values for the A-rated noise level as well as the total values pertaining to vibration can be gleaned from the table “Technical data”. The noise and vibration values have been determined in accordance with EN 60335.

WARNING!
The specified measured values apply to new power tools. Daily use causes the noise and vibration values to change.

NOTE
The vibration emission level stated in these instructions has been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN 60335 and may be used to compare one tool with another.
It can also be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure. The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool.
However, if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or poor maintenance, the vibration emission level may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period.
However if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or is poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly decrease the exposure level over the total working period.
Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: Maintain the power tool and accessories, keep hands warm, organise work patterns.

CAUTION!
Wear ear defenders at a sound pressure over 85 dB(A).

Technical data

A-bewerteter Geräuschpegel entsprechend EN 60335 (siehe „Geräusch und Vibration“):
Schalldruckpegel LpA| dB(A)| 59
Schallleistungspegel LWA| dB(A)| 70
Unsicherheit K| db| 3,0
Schwingungsgesamtwert entsprechend EN 60335 (siehe „Geräusch und Vibration“):
Emissionswert ah| m/s2| <2,5
Unsicherheit K| m/s2| 1,5

Overview

1. Foam seal

2. Air filter mat

3. Spacer

4. Air filter sealing ring

5. Base plate

6. Securing tabs

7. Handle

8. Pump start button (black)

9. Vacuum release button (red)

10. Button
    For switching the power tool on and off

11. Battery charge level indicator (device)

12. Selector button for unit of measure

13. Display with selected unit of measure

14. Operating status indicator

15. Li-ion battery (2.5 Ah/5.0 Ah/8.0 Ah)

16. Battery release button

17. Battery status indicator (battery)

WARNING!
Before working on the tool, remove the battery.
Before initial operation
Unpack the device and accessories and check that no parts are missing or were damaged during transport.
NOTE
The batteries are not fully charged on delivery. Prior to initial operation, fully charge the batteries. Refer to the charger operating manual.

Inserting/changing the battery

• Push the charged battery into the device until it engages fully.
  

• To remove, press the release button (1.) and pull out the battery (2.).
  
  

CAUTION!
When the device is not in use, protect the battery contacts. Loose metal parts may short-circuit the contacts; explosion and fire hazard!

Battery charge level

• Press the button to check the charge level via the battery charge indicator LEDs
  
  The indicator goes out after 5 seconds. If one of the LEDs flashes, the battery must be recharged. If none of the LEDs light up after the button is pressed, the battery is faulty and must be replaced.

Switching on and off

• Press button (10) to switch on.
  

• Press button (10) again to switch off.
  

Working with the vacuum lifter

• Switch on the device.
• The operating status indicator on the device lights up red and the digital display shows the available charge and the current pressure.

NOTE
As soon as the last bar of the battery charge indicator on the device flashes red, charge the battery of the device.

CAUTION!
If the device is used with a low battery charge, injuries can ensue and damage to the material being lifted can be caused. It is recommended to completely charge the battery before using the device.

Attaching the device to the object

• If required, press the selector button for the unit of measure to change from bar to psi for pressure and from kg to lbs for weight.
  

• Place the device firmly on the surface of the object to be lifted.
  

• Press the black pump start button. The operating status indicator flashes red. The pump starts and within a few seconds the tool adheres to the load. Once the vacuum reaches the maximum value, the operating status indicator turns green and the motor stops automatically.
  

• Lift and move the object.

NOTE
If objects with dusty, dirty or damp surfaces need to be lifted, first remove as much of the dust and dirt as possible. The tool switches the pump on and off automatically to maintain the necessary pressure for safe lifting.

NOTE
For maximum safety, switch the display to weight units (kg/lbs) and compare the displayed values with the load to be lifted, see table “Maximum lifting force”. Do not lift loads that are heavier than the displayed value.
Ending lifting
After lifting and safely placing the object down:

• Press the black pump start button to stop the vacuum pump (1.).
• Then press the red vacuum release button to sever the bond and detach the tool from the object (2.)
  

Securing the carrying strap
To transport objects with the tool easier and more safely, a carrying strap can be attached. The carrying strap is available as an accessory.

• Secure the carrying strap with the hook to two of the retaining tabs as required.
  

Operating instructions Lifting capacity
NOTE
The tool has been tested under ideal testing conditions with a maximum lifting force of 260 kg (570 lbs). This value is the failure limit, however, and should never be reached in real situations.
The official permissible load-lifting capacity at a ratio of 2:1 on non-porous surfaces is 130 kg.
The permissible load-lifting capacity of 130 kg is half of the maximum lifting force (260 kg) tested under ideal conditions and should be adhered to irrespective of the maximum lifting force.

Under no circumstances, should more than 130 kg be used for lifting.

Load-lifting capacity: 130 kg on nonporous surfaces Always keep an eye on the pressure/force shown on the LED display if different materials are being lifted. Do not rely just on the table with the estimated maximum lifting forces. Various factors may reduce the lifting capacity of the tool depending on the specific scenario

Maximum lifting forces (estimated), tested on various materials:

| Senkrechte Haltekraft (kg)| Parallele Haltekraft (kg)
---|---|---
Glas| 170| 120
Keramikfliese| 170| 120
Metall| 110
Plastik| 100
Holz| 100| 65
Unterbeton| 80
Trockenguss- Pflastersteine| 80
Gipskarton| 75| 65

NOTE
If the vacuum drops below -0.65 bar (-65 kPa), the tool starts the pump automatically (if the pump is switched on) and achieves the pressure necessary for use in this way.
For very uneven objects, a flexible seal is available as an accessory

Lfting techniques

NOTE
Think about what you want to lift and how you are going to lift it. Observe the weight of the object when doing this.

• Consider whether the object can be lifted alone.
• Ensure that the working area is flat, dry and free of obstacles.
• Check the route. Ensure that the path is clear. Remove trip hazards and obstacles.
• Check for wet or smooth surfaces.
• Use ergonomic equipment.
• Use lifting aids such as fork-lift truck, sack truck, equipment trolley, pallet truck or lifting platform.
• Make sure that you are suitably trained before using the equipment.
• Request assistance if necessary. Bulky or heavy loads should be lifted by two persons. Lift evenly and keep the load straight.

Lifting diagonally
NOTE
Use this essential lifting technique for small items by positioning yourself over the load and lifting with legs apart.

• Get as close to the item as possible.
• Stand with legs apart, one foot in front of the item and one foot to the side of the item to maintain a good balance.
• Keep your back straight and press your buttocks out. Bend with your legs and hips down to the item.
• Bring the item as close to yourself as possible.
• Place your hand (on the same side as the foot that you placed in front of the item) on the side of the item that is furthest away from you.
• Secure the load with your free hand while the load is lifted and the tool is held with one hand.
• Before lifting, tense your core muscles, look ahead, keep your back stiff and straight.

NOTE
You should not hold your breath when lifting. Do not bend and turn at the waist. Always grip with the whole hand. Do not impair your vision while carrying. Do not yank the load or lift it quickly. Do not trap your fingers or toes.

• Lift the load slowly, following with head and shoulders.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Stretch your legs with back straight and exhale when lifting.
• Turn your feet to prevent twisting. Teaching-in mode / recalibration mode In the event of problems with the digital display, please carry out the following steps to reset the digital display.
• Place the tool on a non-porous surface, e.g. a polished tile.
• Switch on the device.
• Press the selector button for the unit of measurement (12) and hold for 10 seconds.
• As soon as the pump starts, release the selector button for the unit of measurement (12). The calibration routine takes 10-15 seconds.
• When the pump switches off, the calibration routine is complete.
• Switch the tool off and on again. The tool is now calibrated and the values on the digital display should be correct.

NOTE
The tool will show incorrect values on the digital display if it is not calibrated on a nonporous surface such as a tile or piece of glass. If this is the case, the calibration routine must be repeated on a non-porous material. Do NOT perform this routine on glass that is thinner than 6 mm as the glass can break

Maintenance and care

WARNING!
Before working on the tool, remove the battery.

Cleaning

WARNING!
Do not use water or liquid detergents.

• Clean the tool and foam seal at regular intervals. The frequency of cleaning is dependent on the material and duration of use.
• Check the foam seal for damage at regular intervals.
• Clean the air filter at regular intervals using compressed air.

NOTE
As soon as the filter is significantly worn or damaged, it must be renewed (customer appraisal).
This depends on the type of use:

• Lifting of clean material – longer service life of filter
• Lifting of dirty/dusty material – shorter service life of filter
  

NOTE
Any changes to the tool, including technical modifications, are not permitted. They can cause injuries. Failure to comply will invalidate any claims under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Repairs
Repairs may only be carried out by an authorised customer service centre.

Exchanging wear parts Replacing foam seal

NOTE
As soon as the foam seal is worn or damaged, it must be renewed.

• Pull out foam seal.
• Carefully fit new foam seal. Ensure that the new foam seal is seated correctly and securely.
  

Replacing air filter
NOTE
A reduction in suction performance is a sign that the air filter needs to be cleaned and/or renewed. When replacing the filter, keep the air line clear of obstacles or foreign bodies.

• Turn the tool onto its head.

• With the pointed end of a screwdriver, remove the air filter sealing ring and take out the air filter mat.
  
  Two procedures are now possible:

  • Clean air filter with compressed air
  • Insert new air filter mat.

• Insert the air filter sealing ring again to secure the air filter.

Spare parts and accessories
Exploded drawings and spare-part lists can be found on our homepage:
www.flex-tools.com

Disposal information
WARNING!
End-of-life power tools must be rendered inoperable before disposal.

• For mains-operated power tools, remove the mains cable.
• For battery-operated power tools, remove the battery.
  EU countries only Do not dispose of electric power tools
  in the household waste! In accordance with European directive 2012/19/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its incorporation into national law, end-of-life power tools must be collected separately and recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Recycling raw materials instead of waste disposal.
The device, accessories and packaging should be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Plastic parts are identified for recycling according to material type.

WARNING!
Do not throw batteries into the household waste, fire or water. Do not open end-of-life batteries.
EU countries only: In accordance with  directive 2006/66/EC, defective or used batteries must be recycled.
NOTE
Please ask your dealer about disposal options.

Declaration of Conformity

We hereby declare that the product described under Technical data complies with the following standards or normative documents: EN 60335 according to the provisions of directives 2014/30/EU, 2006/42/EC, 2011/65/EU.
Responsible for technical documents: FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH, R & D Bahnhofstrasse 15, D-71711 Steinheim/Murr

21.08.2023
FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH
Bahnhofstrasse 15, D-71711 Steinheim/Murr

Declaration of Conformity

We as the manufacturer: FLEX

Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH , Business address: Bahnhofstr. 15, 71711 Steinheim, Germany declare under our sole responsibility, that the product(s) described under „Technical specifications“ fulfills all the relevant provisions of The Supply of Machinery (Safety)
Regulations S.I. 2008/1597 and also fulfills all the relevant provisions of the following UK Regulations:
Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations
S.I. 2016/1091, The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations S.I. 2012/3032 and are manufactured in accordance with the following designated Standards : BS EN 60335-1+A15:2012-05-31, BS EN 55014-1:2017, BS EN 55014-2:2015 Place of declaration: Steinheim, Germany. Responsible person: Peter Lameli, Technical Director – FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH

Contact details for Great Britain: FLEX Power Tools Limited, Unit 8 Anglo Office Park, Lincoln Road, HP 12, 3RH Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom.

Klaus Peter Weinper
Head of Quality
Department (QD)
Peter Lameli
Technical Head

Exemption from liability

The manufacturer and its agent are not liable for any damage and lost profit due to interruption in business caused by the product or by an unusable product. The manufacturer and its agent are not liable for any damage which was caused by improper use of the power tool or by use of the power tool with products from other manufacturers.

References

• Power tools for professional craftsmen | FLEX - FLEX

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