AIRSLED VM2400 - User Manual

Owner’s Manual
Vending Mover
Covers Vending Mover Models:
Model No.
Description
Lift rating
(lbs.)
Speed
Vacuum
Capability
VM2400
Vending Mover
1,400
Single
Dual (DS)
Variable (VS)
No
VM2401
Vending Mover
1,400
Yes
NOTE: This manual references models with a 120V blower and “B” type electric plug. This
manual is also valid for 220V Airsled systems sold with the respective, country-specific
electrical cord/plug sets.

Summary

Safety Instructions

General Safety Guidelines

Covers surface conditions, load distribution, center of gravity, and personal safety.

Before Using the Airsled Vending Mover

Preparation Steps

Pre-operation checks including clearing load, securing utilities, and measuring clearance.

Positioning the Air Beams

Air Beam Placement

Details on air beam thickness, clearance, and sliding them under the load.

Connecting the Airsled Components

Component Connection Guide

Instructions for connecting blower, hoses, and connectors without tools.

Operating Your Airsled

System Activation

Steps for plugging in, strapping the blower, and preparing to move the load.

Control and Maneuverability

Managing Load Movement

Techniques for controlling lift height, speed, and handling tilting.

Going Over Porous Surfaces

Using Rough Surface Adapters

Instructions on using RSAs for carpeted or rough surfaces.

Care and Maintenance

Routine Care Procedures

Guidance on cleaning, inspecting components, and protecting air beams.

Repairs and Refurbishment

Temporary Field Repair Advice

Temporary fixes for common issues like rips in rubber fabric.

Limited Product Warranty

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details on warranty coverage, duration, and limitations.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Airsled Vending Mover is a powerful, portable, and versatile system designed to facilitate the movement of heavy objects, particularly vending machines. It operates on the principle of air flotation, using air beams to lift and glide loads over various surfaces. The system is engineered to provide ease of use and enhanced maneuverability for tasks that would otherwise require significant physical effort or specialized heavy machinery.

Function Description

The primary function of the Airsled Vending Mover is to lift and move heavy loads by creating a cushion of air beneath them. This air cushion significantly reduces friction between the load and the floor, allowing for smooth and effortless movement. The system is composed of several key components that work in concert: aluminum air beams, a blower, hoses, and various accessories.

When activated, the blower generates a high volume of air, which is directed through a lead hose, a tee connector, and supply hoses into the air beams. These air beams, once inflated, lift the load slightly off the ground. The design ensures that the air beams make contact with the structural frame of the load, preventing damage to non-structural features. The system is particularly effective for moving objects across level, smooth, and non-porous surfaces. For porous surfaces like carpeting, Rough Surface Adapters (RSAs) are used to create a suitable gliding path.

The Airsled Vending Mover is designed for both front and side access positioning of the air beams, allowing flexibility depending on the object's configuration and the available space. Optimal performance is achieved when the air beams are centered under the load and positioned as wide apart as possible to ensure even weight distribution and stability. The system is capable of handling loads with a specific depth, and alternative air beam sizes are available for larger or unusually shaped objects.

Control and maneuverability are central to the Airsled's design. The system includes an air flow controller, which allows users to adjust the amount of air flowing into the beams. This feature is particularly useful in situations with limited overhead clearance, as it can help reduce the lift height. For models with Dual Speed (DS) performance, a toggle switch allows operation at full (HI) or half (LO) strength, providing further control over lifting power. Variable Speed (VS) models offer dial-controlled performance, enabling precise adjustment of the air beam inflation rate and height, which is crucial for navigating tight spaces and preventing the load from getting "wedged."

The system emphasizes user safety and control. Operators are advised to brace and control the load with both hands once the system is activated. In cases where the load tilts, a foot brace can be used to apply downward pressure and stabilize the object. The ability to shift air beams also helps in correcting lateral tilts, ensuring the load remains balanced during movement.

Usage Features

The Airsled Vending Mover is designed for intuitive and efficient use, incorporating several features that enhance its operational effectiveness:

• Easy Setup: No tools are required to connect or disconnect the system's components. All connections, from the blower to the air beam inlets, are designed for hand-tightening, ensuring a snug fit. This simplifies assembly and disassembly, making the system highly portable and quick to deploy.
• Versatile Air Beam Placement: The air beams can be slid under the load from either the front or the side, offering flexibility based on the object's position and the surrounding environment. This adaptability is crucial for moving a wide range of vending machines and other heavy items in various settings.
• Spacer Sticks for Gaps: If there's a significant gap between the air beam and the load's base (greater than 1 ½"), spacer sticks are provided to bridge this gap. These ½" thick sticks ensure that the air beams make proper contact with the load, facilitating effective lift. For larger gaps, adjustable spacer systems or wood blocking can be used.
• Rough Surface Adapters (RSAs): For moving loads over porous surfaces like carpeting, the system includes plastic RSAs. These 10" wide x 36" long adapters are laid on the surface, creating a smooth, low-friction path for the air beams. This extends the Airsled's utility beyond smooth floors, allowing it to be used in diverse environments. For longer distances, heavy cardboard or floor protection materials can be used in conjunction with RSAs.
• Overhead Clearance Management: The air flow controller allows users to reduce air flow into the beams, thereby reducing lift height. This is particularly beneficial in areas with limited overhead clearance (e.g., less than 2"). For extremely tight clearances (less than 1"), Dual Speed (DS) models can be operated at half strength (LO setting) to minimize lift, while Variable Speed (VS) models allow gradual air flow adjustment to prevent the load from getting wedged or damaged. In critical situations, rapidly toggling the power switch ON/OFF can partially inflate the beams for slow, controlled movement, though this requires extreme caution and two operators.
• Load Stability and Tilting Control: The system is designed to address potential tilting issues. If a load tilts away from the operator, a foot brace can be used to apply downward pressure on the rear of the air beams, stabilizing the load. If the load tilts toward the operator, the air beams may need to be pulled back. For side tilts, shifting one or both air beams can help re-establish balance.
• Shoulder Strap for Blower: The blower comes with a shoulder strap, allowing the operator to comfortably carry the unit while maneuvering the load. This hands-free operation of the blower enhances control and mobility during the moving process.
• Pre-Movement Preparations: Before using the Airsled, users are instructed to remove any objects from the top or inside of the load, shut off or disconnect any connected utilities (gas, electric, water), and remove non-structural features (like grill covers) that might bend or interfere with the air beams. This ensures the load is prepared for safe and effective movement.

Maintenance Features

The Airsled Vending Mover is constructed with high-quality materials, and proper maintenance is key to ensuring its long service life and optimal performance. The manual outlines several maintenance recommendations:

• Protection of Air Beams: Users are advised to keep the edges of the air beams from striking hard objects and to avoid dragging the corners when moving or repositioning them. This helps prevent damage to the critical air-cushioning components.
• Proper Handling of Air Beams: It is recommended to avoid lifting and carrying the air beams by their inlets alone, as this can cause the inlets to come loose over time. Proper handling ensures the integrity of the air beam connections.
• Blower Filter and Bag Inspection: Depending on the model, periodic inspection and cleaning of the blower filter and bag are necessary. This ensures that the blower operates at peak performance by preventing obstructions and maintaining optimal air flow.
• Rubber Fabric Inspection and Cleaning: The rubber fabric of the air beams should be regularly checked for rips and dirt. For cleaning, water with a mild detergent or household cleaning sprays like Windex® can be used. To restore the fabric's shine, Armor All® is recommended. Regular cleaning and inspection help maintain the material's condition and prevent minor issues from escalating.
• Repairs and Refurbishment: Airsled offers refurbishment services to restore aluminum air beams to like-new condition, addressing wear and tear that may occur with frequent use. While Airsled does not refurbish blowers due to safety and regulatory concerns, replacement parts are available. For minor field repairs, small rips in the rubber fabric can be temporarily fixed with duct or electrical tape after cleaning and drying the area. However, for comprehensive repairs, returning the air beams to Airsled for full refurbishment is recommended.
• Hose and Inlet Maintenance: If a crack is noticed in a plastic hose inlet, the outer edge can be wrapped with tape after cleaning and drying. For loose hose connections, which can occur as soft hose ends stretch over time, temporarily wrapping the male ends with tape can establish a tighter seal. In both cases, Airsled recommends replacing the damaged inlets or hoses for a more permanent solution.

By following these maintenance guidelines, users can significantly extend the lifespan of their Airsled Vending Mover and ensure its continued reliability and performance.

AIRSLED VM2400 Specifications

General

Model	VM2400
Type	Snack and beverage vending machine
Payment Options	Coin, Bill, Credit/Debit Card, Mobile Payment
Temperature Range	36°F - 46°F
Material	Steel