The ZA pendant control is designed for high-speed precision handling of variable weight loads. Up/down movement is accomplished through the use of an ergonomically designed pendant with low-effort, color coded thumb levers. After positioning the load with the pendant control, the unit defaults into a "Float" mode that allows the operator up to 18 inches to manually adjust the load to final position. This balancer is good for tool balancing, weld gun suspension, fixture, component and other operations where operators are required to deal with suspended objects.
Precision, safety, adjustability make air balancers an excellent ergonomic handling method
- Precise, strain-free positioning: Float leaves both of the operator's hands free to raise, lower, or shift the load with virtually no resistance. No more "hoist control" hit-and-miss spotting.
- Built in overhead protection ensures that the load being lifted cannot exceed the unit's maximum rated capacity for a given air pressure.
- Minimal cable recoil due to loss of load. If the load is accidentally lost, a spring-loaded centrifugal brake (Z brake) automatically stops rapid upward cable movement.
- Clear access to air-flow calibration controls allows quick, easy adjustment of the float.
- Low air consumption: Approximately 1/8 cfm is required per cycle. This is 50 times less than required by an air hoist, and means very low energy cost for a lot of muscle.
- Clean, oil-free operation: The pre-lubricated design eliminates air line lubrication and oil mist exhaust. It's ideal for food processing and clean manufacturing environments.
- Rugged reliability: For continuous duty with minimal maintenance, the Balance Air delivers cost-effective performance.
The optional Z-Stop (left) eliminates the downward drift of suspended loads or tools during shut down or at night when the air supply is shut off. The Z-stop will stop drift within 6 inches and put the Balance Air into a mechanically locked position, preventing damage to tools or objects below the suspended load.
The included Z-Brake (right) adds safety by preventing violent retraction in the event of a sudden release or loss of load. The brake also eliminates excessive upward acceleration of an unloaded hook when the "up" button is employed to full depression.
- Balancers contain a stationary ball screw. The ball screw is held in position by two hex head bolts (through the end cap and end cover). Two pins in the end cover engage notches on the end of the ball screw to prevent it from rotating. The reel assembly, consisting of reel, ball nut and thrust bearing, rides on the ball screw. The piston contacts the thrust bearing and travels back and forth with the reel assembly. The piston does not rotate.
- Compressed air powers the balancer. It is controlled by an external control package. Air enters or leaves the piston chamber through a single hole in the end cap. This compressed air causes the piston to move laterally. The piston pushes against the thrust bearing causing the reel to move laterally along the ball screw and winds up the wire rope. The load or hook travels down when the air is exhausted from the piston chamber through the control package to atmosphere.
- If the balancer has no load attached, it may be necessary to pull down on the load hook to lower.
- The 500-pound (227 kg) balancer is designed to hang at a 3 degree angle with the controls end lower than the end cover.
Important Air Balancer Capacity Notes
- Actual operating capacity is determined by available plant air pressure at the device (not at the compressor). Operating capacity decreases by 1% for every one psi (pound per square inch) below 100 psi inlet air pressure. For example, a balancer with 350 pounds capacity would have 175 pounds capacity at 50 psi (350 x 50%). To achieve maximum capacity, it's vital that your air sources are checked at the device, and routinely re-checked
- For lifting applications, working load should not exceed 80% of operating capacity
- For balancing applications, working load should note exceed 60% of operating capacity
- Working load includes part weight and handling device weight
If you are unsure about the capacity rating of a balancer and how it may apply in your facility, or with your intended load, contact us for assistance. We can help you configure precisely the right balancer for your application.
Suspension Kit Options
You may select any of the following suspension kits for your air balancer. All capacities are greater than 150 lbs.
Suspension Kit |
Compatible with |
Rail Type |
Ing Rand ZRS2 Steel Rail |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
Steel |
Ing Rand ZRS3 Steel Rail |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
Steel |
Ing Rand Hook Mount |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
N/A |
Ing Rand T-Rail/I-Beam |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
N/A |
Ing Rand ZRAT Alum Rail |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
Aluminum |
Ing Rand ZRA1 Alum Rail |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
Aluminum |
Ing Rand ZRA2 Alum Rail |
Ingersoll Rand/Zimmerman |
Aluminum |
Unified ETA-4 Alum Rail |
Unified |
Aluminum |
Unified ETA-8 Alum Rail |
Unified |
Aluminum |
Demag KBK1 Steel Rail |
Demag |
Steel |
Demag KBK1 / KBK2L Steel Rail |
Demag |
Steel |
Gorbel 1000# Aluminum Track |
Gorbel |
Aluminum |
Gorbel 1000# Steel Track |
Gorbel |
Steel |
Knight 4" Aluminum |
Knight |
Aluminum |
Knight 8" Aluminum |
Knight |
Aluminum |
Knight 8" Aluminum Anti Kick Back |
Knight |
Aluminum |
Knight 4" Steel |
Knight |
Steel |
Knight 6" Steel |
Knight |
Steel |
Knight 7" Steel |
Knight |
Steel |