For more than 35 years, L P International Inc., the manufacturer of PowerMate® has worked with their customers providing custom safety lifting solutions for moving loads up to 1 500lb or 680kg. Over the years they have developed many different value-added solutions and discovered even more ways to make moving heavy loads safer, easier, and more efficient; some may even say, "Magical!"

Turning in Tight Spaces - PowerMate® Step Extension & Pivot Pad

One of many value-added accessories PowerMate® has created as a result of working on-site with their customers is the PowerMate® Step Extension and Pivot Pad. This valuable accessory protects the floor when turning on a landing in your customers' home or business. The material chosen for the Mat and Pivot Pad is hard-wearing and facilitates the easy movement of the PowerMate® and your load when turning. While it is true PowerMate® cannot make your load smaller, it can assist in creating more space! Unlike a conventional hand truck, with the push of a button on the PowerMate®  the operator can raise the wheels off the ground above the level of the step, decreasing the footprint of the PowerMate®, creating less friction and more space to turn!

The Magic of the "Knotted Rag"!

The PowerMate® Step Extension and Pivot Pad is the ideal solution for most residential delivery applications. If you are interested in a surprising and simple solution to use with these accessories or if you are on a job site where this accessory is not available to you, you may want to consider a knotted rag.

1. Take a clean rag approximately 18" square or slightly larger, enough that you can fold it diagonally and tie a simple knot in it.

2. Position, or have your colleague position, the knotted rag on the landing where you plan to have the toe plate of your PowerMate® to come to rest, for example, on the landing.

3. Have the knotted rag positioned so that the PowerMate® machine's toe plate (not the extended toe plate if you are using one), comes to rest on the knotted rag. For most turns, having the knotted rag in the middle of the toe plate works best. If you need to turn right, for example, positioning the knotted rag slightly to the right side of the toe plate can work even better.

4. Stand the PowerMate® up in a vertical position with the knotted rag under the toe plate. The knotted rag becomes the pivot point now. Rotate the machine and load by gripping the highest strap bar, or with an M-Series machine, the optional side handles, and watch the magic happen!

Another alternative to the knotted rag that has been used successfully in rotating a PowerMate® and load is a tennis ball cut in half. Use it the same way as described above with the knotted rag. Sometimes the simplest solutions can work the best! Keep these "tricks" in mind next time you are challenged with moving in tight spaces. PowerMate® recommends trying them yourself in your own place of business on a flat surface before you decide to try them in a customers' home or place of business.

Interested in learning more tips and tricks? Check back to the PowerMate Blog for the next post on the topic, or better yet,  to schedule on-site operator training for you and your people. Take advantage of more than 35 years of safety lifting experience and learn all the tips and tricks from a qualified PowerMate® factory trained team member!