Applications & Pricing

Initially, the Hoverpad™ mobile base will be offered for sale as a modular kit to be installed on Lista and other shop cabinets. Kits will include all hardware, plumbing and instructions required to use the base....just provide a smooth floor surface and a modest shop air supply.

There are 2 pads (these can be trimmed down to smaller sizes) currently in stock and available for immediate shipment.........

Pricing

• Large Pad - 29" x 29" - $325.00*

• Small Pad - 18 1/2" x 24" - $205.00*

*There is a 10% discount for walk-in sales only. Additional shipping & packaging costs apply to mail order sales for these items.

Note on Wood and Tile Floors - because of irregularities and air gaps, the Hoverpad may not work well on plywood, T&G hardwood and vinyl tile floors despite passing the "suction cup tests". A practical and effective solution is to use commercial grade sheet vinyl flooring or masonite panels in the areas of the shop where you expect to use the Hoverpads.

See Video (warning - large file, 34mb) . You results may vary depending upon the condition of your floor and balance of the load.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. How much weight does the Hoverpad™ carry?

The 29x29 Hoverpad will lift at least 1200 lbs, the 18x24

at least 600. Multiple Hoverpads may be used for larger or

heavier loads. Note that heavy loads which concentrate at

the extreme corners of the Hoverpad may allow the pad to

flex and lift only in the center. These rare cases require

more uniform distribution of the load on the Hoverpad,

which can often be done with a simple layer of plywood.

2. How much weight can be moved by one person?

One person can easily move thousands of pounds. For

loads greater than 4000 pounds, multiple people are

recommended for control.

3. What sort of floor do I need?

The Hoverpad™ will fly over smooth, hard, airtight

surfaces. A standard smooth-finished sealed concrete slab

is ideal, as are smooth-textured seamless vinyl and epoxy-painted

concrete floors. Flatness doesn’t matter, but smoothness is

critical. Test by applying a suction cup to the floor – if it

sticks even slightly (see comments on wood & tile floors above), it will work.

For best performance, first clean the floor by blowing with

compressed air. The Hoverpad™ will cross gaps, although

these will require greater air consumption and applied

force, especially if the gap contains loose debris like

sawdust. To improve performance, gaps may be filled or

taped, and rough surfaces such as broom-finished or sandtextured

concrete may be overlaid with smooth sheets of

metal, plastic, masonite®, or self-stick vinyl.

4. Does the floor have to be level?

No. The floor does not have to be level or flat for the

Hoverpad to fly, but it must be smooth (see above).

5. Can the Hoverpad be adjusted to prevent rocking

when a load is parked on an out-of-plane floor?

Yes. To prevent rocking when parked, the Hoverpad is

itself compliant and also has four compliant rubber feet

which compress and prevent rocking for the majority of

cases. If the floor is extremely out of flat, leveling feet

may be installed through or outside the edges of the

Hoverpad (connected directly to the load). A rubber

damping mat may be used between the load and the

Hoverpad.

6. Can the load suddenly drop if air pressure is lost?

No. Even if the air line is severed it takes several seconds

for the load to gently settle to the floor.

7. Is the load lifted before it is moved?

Yes. The flow control allows adjustable lift from 1/8 to 1/2

inch. The load is movable as soon as it lifts – normally a

couple of seconds after the Fly/Park valve is opened.

8. Are noticeable dust or noise created?

No. When set up properly, airflow is quieter than normal

conversation, and almost no draft can be felt around the

perimeter of the base.

9. Can the load be moved in any direction?

Yes. The Hoverpad™ allows true omnidirectional motion

with no rollback or caster swing.

10. What sort of maintenance is required?

There is no maintenance required other than keeping the

floor and bottom surface of the Hoverpad™ relatively

clean. This is easily done while hovering by blowing a

strong stream of compressed air underneath the base from

around the perimeter.

11. What sort of air pressure and flow are required?

Virtually any standard shop air system is adequate. Air

consumption increases with heavier loads and rougher

surfaces, but a 1000 pound load flying on a typical

smooth-finished, sealed concrete slab consumes about

8cfm at 100psi. In fact, since moving the load is an

intermittent requirement, many loads can be moved using

nothing more than a small (5 gal) portable compressed air

tank without a compressor. This method allows untethered

motion (no trailing hose) and provides flying time up to a

few minutes – generally enough time to move a load on a

single charging of the tank.

12. Is the Hoverpad™ dangerous to use?

No. A few common sense rules make the Hoverpad™

very safe to operate. These are in the instructions, and

include such basics as not putting anyone in the path of the

moving object or anything underneath the base. It is

generally safer and more ergonomic to move a load on air

than on wheels.

13. Is there a warranty?

Yes. The Hoverpad™ is guaranteed against defects in

materials and workmanship for 90 days.