ReechCraft PowerPole
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the PowerPole lift?
The lifting capacity for each PowerPole climbing unit is 650 lb per single pole or 1,300 lb per twin system.
How do the PowerPole outriggers keep the PowerPole from tipping over?
Even though the pole is vertical, the outrigger stabilizers are approximately five feet away from the wall. The outriggers are located beyond the system’s center of gravity, providing much more stability than a ladder. In addition, the adjustable stabilizers are spread four feet apart, so side-to-side stability is excellent.
What is the maximum height at which the PowerPole can be used?
The PowerPole can be used at a working height of 75 ft. If this height must be accessed often, consider using the PowerMast, which allows equipment to be built from the ground up and can pass wall ties without removing them.
What happens if the power goes out? Is there a manual way down?
There must be ladder access at all times, per OSHA requirements. We recommend also having a spare cordless drill. Extension cords should have locking prongs or be secured so that they cannot become unplugged. Be sure to use a surge protector with a lower amperage reset than the breaker in the panel.
Is PowerPole OSHA approved?
PowerPole follows all relevant OSHA safety codes. The following are all applicable OSHA and ANSI codes for PowerPole: OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart L, Section 1926.451 – Scaffolds; OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart L, Section 1926.452, Paragraph (j); OSHA CFR 1926 Subpart M – Fall Protection; ANSI A10.8, A10.32.
Is the PowerPole CSA approved?
In Canada, there is no specific consensus standard written for pole systems like the PowerPole. Therefore, CSA approval is not required or applicable. Rather, there is occasional mention of mostly generalized information written by Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) (similar to OSHA in the US). If the PowerPole system is used in accordance with the product safety and installation instructions, along with attention to specific national, regional, and local regulations, then the PowerPole system will meet or exceed the necessary requirements for those regulations.
Why does the PowerPole require a drill?
Simply put, they’re practical, powerful, inexpensive, dependable, and readily available.
What kind of drill should I use?
We recommend 8-9 amp, corded 1/2 inch drills, with a keyed chuck and RPM of 2500-3500. These higher amperage drills are typically hammer drills and are therefore readily available at local hardware stores. Do not use the hammer mode when operating these drills on a PowerPole, as it may cause premature wear to the system.
Can I use cordless drills?
Good quality cordless drills (28 volt and up) offer satisfactory performance for many applications. However, most cordless drills do not secure into the drill mounting bracket and are therefore recommended only as a backup in the case of power loss to the corded drill.
What should the tie spacing be?
When pole length exceeds 24 ft, the maximum spacing should be 16 ft.
Do I need to secure the base of the PowerPole with a standoff tie?
It’s necessary to ensure the bottom of the mast assembly will not rotate or slide in any direction along the base surface. This can be accomplished by driving spikes into the ground through the holes in the base plate. If that is not possible, it’s necessary to use a standoff tie near the base.
What is the maximum space between the wall surface and the planks?
Do not install the plank more than 14 in. away from the wall surface.
Is fall protection included in the PowerPole system?
The SpeedRail is a fully OSHA compliant guardrail system and is available as an optional attachment. Be sure to have the proper guardrails, endrails, midrails, and toeboards installed as prescribed by local, state, and federal regulations.
If I unintentionally overload the PowerPole and attempt to go up, will I damage anything in the gearbox?
Each PowerPole gearbox is equipped with an overload clutch designed to slip in overload situations. The PowerPole will not move if loaded beyond the capability of the system.
What planks do I need to use?
PowerPoles are designed to accept any rated plank that can be properly attached (chained) to the platform and platform supports.
How far apart can I place my PowerPoles?
The spacing of PowerPoles is determined by the length of the rated plank intended to use and the number of poles. If using two PowerPoles and the plank is 24 ft long, the pole spacing must not be greater than 22 ft to maintain an overlap maximum of between 12 in. and 18 in. at each end. If using three or more PowerPoles in a row and intending to center the middle planks over the platform strut, be sure to space the outer poles sufficiently to allow for 12 in. to 18 in. of overlap.
How do I get answers to questions that are not in the FAQs on this page?
Please contact us via phone at 888-600-6160, email at info@reechcraft.com or on our Contact Us website page.
I waited too long to buy PowerPoles. During my twenty-plus years in the business, I’ve tried every labor saving tool, bit and blade known; some work and some don’t…these work!
It costs me over a dollar a minute when we’re not on the wall; we’ve already saved big dollars with the PowerPole, that’s why I demanded another set for the school job.
“Before I started using PowerPole, I didn’t think I could increase my production 300%…”