Climbing Slopes and Ramps:

If you have ever used a hand truck of any kind to go up a slope or ramp into a vehicle, then you know first-hand this can require a significant amount of effort and energy for the operator. PowerMate can help!

While this may not be the fastest way to get to the top, you can do it safely, with less effort, and with the operator or operators 100% in control of both the machine and the load. PowerMate trainers endearingly refer to this technique as the PowerMate Crawl.

The second application for this technique can be a real life saver! If you have ever been stuck in snow, mud, or sand with a conventional hand truck you can relate. By using the PowerMate Crawl technique, outlined above, you can get yourself out of just about any "sticky" situation. The repeated opening (making larger) and closing (making smaller) of the PowerMate frame as detailed above will ensure you should never get stuck, despite the terrain.

For the heaviest of loads, you will find the M-Series Wheel Brakes create more stability and further reduce the operator effort by as much as 30%. The Wheel Brakes create a larger surface area; especially helpful when you are bearing down to close the machine going up a grade.

Descending Slopes and Ramps:

This does not require a great deal of explanation. PowerMate offers the option of either hand operated wheel brakes or "shoe" style wheel brakes for all their stair climbers.

The Trick?

What many people are unaware of is: the most common way PowerMate users slow down or stop on a slope or ramp is with the help of the "open" button on the PowerMate! By pressing the open button and making the frame larger, the toe plate will touch the ground and act as a brake, slowing down or stopping the machine on grade. This braking technique works for any PowerMate stair climbing model, with or without wheel brakes, big wheels, and even the retractable dolly in place!

PowerMate stair climbers feature a full length bottom rubber guard. This unique bottom rubber guard not only offer the advantage of protecting flooring surfaces of all kinds, but when descending slopes and ramps, acts as an ideal brake!

Sometimes the simplest solutions can work the best! Keep these "tricks" in mind he next time you are challenged with moving up or down a slope or ramp. PowerMate recommends practising these techniques yourself so that when you need them, you will be confident and proficient in how to use them.

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!

PowerMate® Ball Screw Technology

Like any tool or piece of equipment, take care of it and it will take care of you for many years to come! With care and minor routine maintenance your PowerMate® can last for years and years.  L P International Inc. has been in the business of building and distributing PowerMate® stair climbing and LiftGate products for over 35 years.

to schedule an appointment for service or re-certification, or to inquire about a “do it yourself” Preventative Maintenance Kit from PowerMate® today!

The PowerMate® Hook Box Can Make Moving Safe and Simple!

Deploy the hook bar (the bottom part of the retractable dolly attachment - found on all M-Series PowerMate® machines) and turn the "hook" up to a 90º angle as illustrated in the image above, then slide the hook bar into the hook. Now the PowerMate® and load are safely locked in place; giving the operator the assurance the load is not going anywhere but safely onto or off of the vehicle!

The Hook Box is an ideal solution for any vehicle the PowerMate® can climb into and out of. To remove the hook bar from the hook, simply release the hook and move the PowerMate® towards you (the operator) until the bar is free. With the machine in a balanced position, return the hook bar to the locked position on the PowerMate dolly and the operator can be safely on their way. It is that simple!

Sample Installation (above) in the bed of a pick-up truck.

In most cases, the installation of the Hook Box into a vehicle can be completed by your regular automotive mechanic in approximately 30 minutes. Many mechanically inclined PowerMate® customers have even installed their own Hook Boxes utilizing the detailed and easy to follow instructions provided with this accessory and documented in your M-Series Operating Manual. If you have any questions about the installation of your Hook Box, or where you can get it installed locally, contact PowerMate® or your local PowerMate® Partner.

With the Hook Box retailing for less than the price of dinner and a movie, many PowerMate® customers with multiple vehicles often have a Hook Box installed in each of them; preparing themselves to move safely and efficiently on and off any vehicle in their fleet.

Remember to include your PowerMate® Hook Boxes in your new machine order or you can have them shipped to you via overnight courier today!

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!

For the past year PowerMate has received many entries into our PowerMate® GIVEAWAY contest. We would like to thank everyone that has entered. We have a Winner!!!

Standard Wall Charger:

All PowerMate® stair climbing hand trucks come complete with the standard wall charger –

Part# 400210 or 400211.

In-Vehicle Chargers:

Customers that use their PowerMate® as a shared resource often opt for the #400215 or #400217 in-vehicle charger as it affords them the flexibility to move the charger and PowerMate® machine from vehicle to vehicle as required on any given day!

When a 12V accessory outlet is not available or the PowerMate® is a dedicated resource to a vehicle, customers chose the #400216 or #400218 battery charger and never have to worry where the charger is when they need it! PowerMate® users cite the use of either of the two in-vehicle charging systems as the reason they do not need to purchase an extra battery pack to get through even the busiest of work days!

PowerMate® Stair Climbers with a Serial # less than 36000

For current and past customers with PowerMate® models having serial numbers earlier than serial number 36000, your charger will continue to serve you well. When it comes time for replacement, or your charger is misplaced, a conversion kit is available that will allow you to upgrade to the new charger!

PowerMate® Stair Climbers with a Serial # greater than 36000

All new PowerMate® stair climbers manufactured and shipped with serial numbers greater than 36000, are going out complete with the new charging system.

PowerMate® Battery Charger Reference Table:

Conversion Kit for machines manufactured Pre June 1^st, 2014 and having a serial # lower than 36000 : COMING SOON

Not sure where to find the serial number for your PowerMate®?
Where do I Find the Serial # for my PowerMate®?

As always, for the many PowerMate® International customers the conversion kit is also available. When you are placing an order for a standard wall charger, be sure to specify the style of the male end of the charger, (that plugs into the wall), you need based on local requirements.

In summary, it is a commonly shared belief that the new chargers will increase efficiency, help maintain the current PowerMate® price structure and most importantly, enhance the PowerMate® user's experience! Check back again soon to learn more about product enhancements at L P International Inc.

What does a PowerMate COST?

Take tomorrow for test drive is the theme of the upcoming  in Louisville, Kentucky October 1^st to 3^rd, 2013 at the Kentucky Convention Center. As a first time exhibitor, PowerMate® Motorized Stair Climbers & LiftGates is excited about being there!

EFFICIENCY: PowerMate® Powered LiftGates take up minimal space in your vehicles. The LiftGate has a “footprint” of just 1.5 square feet and is ideal for service vehicles where space in the vehicle is a premium.