Southwire SUMNER EVENTER 20 Series

Questions and Answers

A
Ashley CollinsAug 6, 2025
What to do if the safety brake will not release on Southwire Lifting Systems?
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  Emily SmithAug 6, 2025
  If the safety brake on your Southwire Lifting System will not release, ensure the unit is in a vertical position. If it's not vertical, the brake is designed to remain engaged. Place the unit in a vertical position and wind mast sections up to full extension.
J
Jonathan CaldwellAug 10, 2025
Why is the load easing down slowly on my Southwire Lifting Systems?
- T
  Timothy JacobsAug 10, 2025
  If your Southwire Lifting System's load is slowly easing down, it's likely that the winch brake needs to be properly set at the desired height. To set the brake, crank the winch handles forward a half turn towards the lift once the load is in position.
J
John BrewerAug 14, 2025
What to do if the Southwire Lifting Systems unit is vertical and brakes will not release?
- A
  Alan Berger MDAug 15, 2025
  If your Southwire Lifting System unit is vertical but the brakes still won't release, the mast section or carriage might be too close to the mast stop. This lack of clearance between the mast stops prevents the brakes from disengaging. Use the release hook to manually disengage the safety brakes.
J
Jeffery KellyAug 19, 2025
Why do the brakes engage when the Southwire Lifting Systems unit is being serviced or is not in a vertical position?
- G
  ginaromeroAug 19, 2025
  If your Southwire Lifting System is being serviced or is not in a vertical position, the brakes will engage. This is because the brakes are designed to engage if the unit is horizontal or tilted off-center. To disengage the brakes, use the release hook.
H
hbarryAug 25, 2025
What to do if the brake does not work after servicing the winch on Southwire Lifting Systems?
- J
  Jeffrey GonzalesAug 25, 2025
  If you've serviced the winch on your Southwire Lifting System and the brake no longer works, it's possible the brake ratchet or ratchet dog wasn't installed correctly. Consult the winch drawing in this manual and correct the installation problem.
N
Nicholas Jones DVMAug 28, 2025
Why is the winch hard to crank down on my Southwire Lifting Systems?
- C
  Charlotte RodriguezAug 28, 2025
  If the winch on your Southwire Lifting System is hard to crank down, it's likely that the brake is over-engaged. Refer to the illustration and instructions in the manual to address this issue.
G
gschwartzNov 1, 2025
Why are the masts not rising in succession on my Southwire Lifting Systems?
- D
  Don HenryNov 1, 2025
  If the masts of your Southwire Lifting System aren't rising in succession, several factors could be at play. First, ensure you're not exceeding the maximum load limit. Also, verify that the load is centered properly on the forks, consulting the load capacity chart if needed. Other potential issues include mast rollers or cable pulley wheels not rotating smoothly, damaged cables, or damaged mast sections. Finally, make sure the unit is vertical, as the safety brake will prevent release otherwise. Here are some things to check: * Confirm that the load does not exceed the maximum load limit. * Check load capacity chart and reposition load. * Clean mast sections with a degreaser or brake cleaner and lubricate with a silicon lubricant. * If there is any damage to the pulley wheel, or i...

Summary

OPERATOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INSPECT THE EQUIPMENT

Check all moving parts and wire rope before each use for proper operating condition.

WORK AREA HAZARDS

Identify and avoid hazards in the work area, such as wind and uneven surfaces.

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Moving Lift to Work Area (No Load)

Describes how to move the lift to the work area without a load.

Moving Lift in Work Area (With Load)

Instructions for moving the lift with a load, emphasizing safety and load securing.

Reversing the Forks

Procedure for rotating the fork assembly 180 degrees.

Adjustable Forks

Steps to adjust fork arms in or out along the tube.

Lifting and Lowering Loads

Using the winch to elevate and lower loads safely, including securing the load.

Storing Forks

How to place fork arms in the stored position.

Using the Stabilizer Legs

Instructions on deploying and using stabilizer legs for safe operation.

Mast Hold Down Strap

Procedure for securing the carriage with the mast hold down strap for transport.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Replacing the Cable

Step-by-step guide for replacing the lift's cable assembly.

General Maintenance

Routine checks for wear, damage, and proper function of components.

Safety Brake Maintenance

Procedures and tools for maintaining the safety brake mechanism.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Masts not rising in succession

Diagnosing and solving issues related to mast sections not rising sequentially.

Load is easing down slowly

Addressing the problem of the load slowly lowering when it should be held.

The winch is hard to crank down

Troubleshooting difficulties when trying to lower the load with the winch.

Safety brake will not release

Resolving issues where the safety brake fails to disengage.

Unit is vertical and brakes will not release

Troubleshooting why brakes won't release even when the unit is vertical.

Unit is being serviced or unit is not in vertical position

Understanding brake behavior during servicing or when not in vertical position.

Summary

OPERATOR SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

INSPECT THE EQUIPMENT

Check all moving parts and wire rope before each use for proper operating condition.

WORK AREA HAZARDS

Identify and avoid hazards in the work area, such as wind and uneven surfaces.

OPERATING PROCEDURE

Moving Lift to Work Area (No Load)

Describes how to move the lift to the work area without a load.

Moving Lift in Work Area (With Load)

Instructions for moving the lift with a load, emphasizing safety and load securing.

Reversing the Forks

Procedure for rotating the fork assembly 180 degrees.

Adjustable Forks

Steps to adjust fork arms in or out along the tube.

Lifting and Lowering Loads

Using the winch to elevate and lower loads safely, including securing the load.

Storing Forks

How to place fork arms in the stored position.

Using the Stabilizer Legs

Instructions on deploying and using stabilizer legs for safe operation.

Mast Hold Down Strap

Procedure for securing the carriage with the mast hold down strap for transport.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Replacing the Cable

Step-by-step guide for replacing the lift's cable assembly.

General Maintenance

Routine checks for wear, damage, and proper function of components.

Safety Brake Maintenance

Procedures and tools for maintaining the safety brake mechanism.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Masts not rising in succession

Diagnosing and solving issues related to mast sections not rising sequentially.

Load is easing down slowly

Addressing the problem of the load slowly lowering when it should be held.

The winch is hard to crank down

Troubleshooting difficulties when trying to lower the load with the winch.

Safety brake will not release

Resolving issues where the safety brake fails to disengage.

Unit is vertical and brakes will not release

Troubleshooting why brakes won't release even when the unit is vertical.

Unit is being serviced or unit is not in vertical position

Understanding brake behavior during servicing or when not in vertical position.

The Sumner Eventer 20/25 Series Lifts are material handling lifts designed for elevating and lowering loads in various work environments. These lifts are not intended for hoisting or moving people and should never be used as personnel lifts.

Function Description:

The Eventer 20/25 Series Lifts are manually operated lifts that utilize a winch assembly to raise and lower a carriage equipped with forks. The lift consists of multiple mast sections that extend telescopically, allowing for significant lifting heights. Stabilizer legs are a critical component for ensuring stability during operation, especially when loads are elevated. The forks are reversible and adjustable, providing versatility for handling different load sizes and configurations. The unit is designed for mobility, featuring caster wheels for transport to and from job sites. A mast hold-down strap is used to secure the carriage during transport.

Important Technical Specifications:

Eventer 20:

Height Stowed: 78" (198.1 cm)
Length Stowed: 27 1/4" (69.2 cm)
Width Stowed: 23" (58.4 cm)
Length Operating: 77 1/4" (196.2 cm)
Width Operating: 75" (190.5 cm)
Height - Forks Up: 20' 7 3/4" (6.2 m)
Height - Forks Down: 18' 8 1/2" (5.7 m)
Ground Clearance: 3 1/4" (8.3 cm)
Load Height (Minimum): 8 1/2" (21.6 cm)
Load Capacity (13" Load Center): 800 lbs. (360 kg)
Lift Weight: 469 lbs. (215 kg)
Fork Width - Minimum: 16" (40.6 cm)
Fork Width - Maximum: 25" (63.5 cm)
Fork Length: 28" (71.1 cm)
Fork Weight: 41 lbs. (19 kg)
Winch Rotation per Foot: 5 1/4 / ft. (17 / m)

Eventer 25:

Height Stowed: 78" (198.1 cm)
Length Stowed: 27 1/4" (69.2 cm)
Width Stowed: 23" (58.4 cm)
Length Operating: 77 1/4" (196.2 cm)
Width Operating: 75" (190.5 cm)
Height - Forks Up: 25' 2 3/4" (7.7 m)
Height - Forks Down: 23' 3 1/2" (7.1 m)
Ground Clearance: 3 1/4" (8.3 cm)
Load Height (Minimum): 8 1/2" (21.6 cm)
Load Capacity (13" Load Center): 650 lbs. (300 kg)
Lift Weight: 514 lbs. (235 kg)
Fork Width - Minimum: 16" (40.6 cm)
Fork Width - Maximum: 25" (63.5 cm)
Fork Length: 28" (71.1 cm)
Fork Weight: 41 lbs. (19 kg)
Winch Rotation per Foot: 5 1/4 / ft. (17 / m)

Load Capacity Chart (Load Center):

The load capacity varies depending on the load center (distance from the back of the fork).

Eventer 20:
- 13 in. (33 cm): 800 lbs. (365 kg)
- 17 in. (43 cm): 610 lbs. (275 kg)
- 21 in. (53 cm): 495 lbs. (225 kg)
- 25 in. (63 cm): 415 lbs. (190 kg)
Eventer 25:
- 13 in. (33 cm): 650 lbs. (295 kg)
- 17 in. (43 cm): 495 lbs. (225 kg)
- 21 in. (53 cm): 400 lbs. (180 kg)
- 25 in. (63 cm): 340 lbs. (155 kg)

Usage Features:

Operator Safety: Emphasizes reading the manual, understanding hazards, and proper use of safety equipment (hard hat, safety shoes, gloves). It strictly prohibits riding on the lift or using it to hoist people.
Equipment Inspection: Requires pre-operation checks of moving parts, wire rope (cable), and overall condition. Damaged units or those not moving smoothly should not be used.
Wire Rope (Cable) Requirement: A minimum of four complete wraps around the winch drum is required. Kinked, worn, frayed, or obstructed cables must not be used.
Work Area Hazards: Operators must avoid high wind conditions, overhead wires, and obstructions. The unit should only be operated on smooth, level surfaces. Elevated loads should never be left unattended.
Moving the Lift:
- No Load: The lift is moved on its four caster wheels. It should be tilted into a reclined transport position with the carriage in the down position and the safety latch engaged.
- With Load: Light loads can be transported over short distances (10-15 feet/4-5 meters) on the eight caster wheels, provided stabilizer legs are installed and locked, the load is in the lowest possible position, secure, and properly balanced, and the surface is level.
Reversing and Adjusting Forks: Forks can be reversed 180 degrees by disengaging spring-loaded pins. They are also adjustable in width by sliding the fork arms along the tube and locking them into position with plunger rings. For minimum opening, the arms can be flipped over.
Lifting and Lowering Loads: The winch is used to crank forks up or down. The winch handles should be cranked up about 1/4 turn to set the safety brake. Unstable loads must be balanced and secured.
Storing Forks: Fork arms can be placed in a stored position by pulling the plunger ring, sliding the arm off the tube, rotating it 90 degrees, and sliding it back on until the plunger locks.
Stabilizer Legs: Use of stabilizer legs is mandatory when raising loads. They are stored in pockets and inserted into mounting sockets, ensuring the locking plunger engages. The lift must be leveled using leveling screws until the bullseye bubble level indicates it is level, and all four base casters are off the ground.
Mast Hold Down Strap: Secures the carriage in the lowest position during transport by engaging it with a safety latch loop on the fork assembly.
Safety Latch Resetting: A spare spring latch is provided in the Operators Manual tube in case the original deforms from accidental winch cranking before disengaging the mast hold down.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspections (Before Each Use):
- Check cable for kinks, frays, and broken strands.
- Ensure winch operates freely and cable is not tangled.
- Inspect forks, legs, and base for bends.
- Verify caster wheels move freely.
- Confirm stabilizer legs slide freely and plunger pins lock.
- Check leveling screws for easy turning.
Recommended Inspection (Every 6 Months):
- Inspect cable for frays and kinks.
- Ensure winch works freely and parts are not loose or damaged.
- Brake Inspections: Manually raise and support each mast section and carriage, then use a wooden block to test brake engagement. Brakes should engage before mast sections reach the bottom stop.
Winch Maintenance:
- Refer to winch assembly drawings.
- Ensure both winch covers are on.
- Check ratchet dog and brake ratchet for wear; replace if visible, lubricate holes with light oil.
- Inspect gear teeth for wear; if none, brush with 50-wt. motor oil.
- Proper brake adjustment (see troubleshooting).
Cable Replacement: Detailed procedure involving lowering the carriage, removing the gear cover, unwinding the old cable, cutting the looped end, fusion welding the new cable to the old, pulling the new cable through, bolting the new cable to the top mast, threading the plain end into the drum, and winding the slack cable tightly.
General Maintenance:
- Check winch handles for wear/bends.
- Inspect 3" roller wheels on winch and top mast for damage/smooth rotation.
- Examine all bolts and nuts for tightness.
- Ensure legs, forks, braces, and base are dent/damage free.
- Check pulley covers for damage.
- Verify load line is seated in all pulleys and pulleys rotate without obstruction.
- Ensure stabilizer legs slide freely and plunger pins lock.
- Check all roller wheels for free rotation.
- Inspect masts and carriage hold-down device.
- Raise mast sections to inspect for free, smooth sliding action; lubricate slideways with silicone.
- Ensure all caster wheels rotate freely and are undamaged.
- Inspect all plunger mechanisms and apply light grease.
- Confirm all three mast covers are attached.
- Check safety brake operation.
Safety Brake Maintenance: The safety brake automatically engages when the unit is horizontal, preventing mast disassembly. A special tool (or a homemade rod) is required to release the brakes for disassembly.
Troubleshooting Guide: Provides solutions for common issues such as masts not rising, slow load easing, winch malfunction, and safety brake issues. Emphasizes contacting Sumner Customer Service if problems persist.