Manhole Lifters
Brief Summary
Explaining the function of are manhole lifter and how to use a manhole lifter.
What are Manhole lifters?
Manhole lifter are specially designed lifting tool for lifting manhole covers or manhole lids to allow access to the space below. The Manhole lifting tools has a unique key commonly called a Gatic key which is inserted into the top of a manhole and locked into place. Long handled manhole lifters are made of steel and approximately 1m in length.
Designs
There are many different designs of manhole lifters.
- Screw jack’s manhole lifters
- Hydraulic manhole lifters
- Leverage manhole lifters
Equipment usually used with manhole lifter.
- Pit seal breaker,
- Scrapper,
- Grease and roll bar.
Application
Once the pit seal is broken using a pit seal breaker, position the manhole lifter over the Gatic keyholes on one side of the pit cover and insert the Gatic key in position and lock the key by rotating the key 90 degrees. Tighten the Gatic key nut to remove any slack. Position body between the manhole lifter handles and lift to raise the manhole cover up enough to allow the roll bar access to roll under the manhole cover/lid. Lower the manhole cover onto the rollbar and using the Gatic lifters pull the lid toward yourself while taking a step back. The manhole cover will gentle roll back with you while opening the access hole.
Results
Manhole lifting tools used correctly on heavy steel and concrete lids remove fingers and hands away from pinch points with long handles providing good leverage to assist in lifting one side on the manhole cover / lid also assists in keeping your back straight and body upright.