[FAQ] - 500 lb Balancer does not hang level when not loaded

Question

The lugs on a 500 lb balancer are not square with the ends of the housing, and it does not hang level when unloaded.  Why is this?

Answer

It looks a little strange, but the 500 lb balancer lugs are about 4 degrees out of square with the ends of the housing by design.

It is normal for a 500 lb balancer to not hang level to the floor.  The lugs on a 500 lb balancer are attached to the housing at a 4 degree angle.  When the 500 lb. balancer is mounted, the housing is not parallel to the floor.

The reason the lugs are not perpendicular to the ends of the housing is to facilitate correct take up of the cable by the reel.  If the lugs were perpendicular, the cable has a tendency to incorrectly spool on the reel which causes binding and could stop the unit in mid lift.

The attached spreadsheet has instructions to measure the lug angle to assure it is correct.  Please let us know if the lug angle does not meet specification.

If assistance is needed in the product selection process, please contact Ingersoll Rand's Power Tool Technical Support Team through Submit a Request via our Help Center, or email at IRTechSupport@irco.com or call us at 866-TOOL-HLP (866-866-5457).