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The Power Lift Unloader is one of our most popular accessories, allowing you to easily empty your Cyclone Rake without manual effort. Here are answers to the most common questions about this convenient accessory.
Power and Lifting Capacity
How Much Weight Can It Lift?
Fully assembled, the Power Lift Unloader can lift an impressive 1500 pounds. While the actuator cylinder itself is rated for 750 pounds, the clever design uses a doubled-over cable system that effectively doubles the lifting capacity to 1500 pounds—more than enough for even the heaviest loads of wet leaves and debris.
Why Does It Lift So Slowly?
The lifting speed of the Power Lift Unloader is intentionally set to a gradual rate for your safety. The approximately 45-second lifting cycle gives you time to react if:
You've forgotten to release the bag collar latches
There's a person or obstacle in the path of the lifting collector
The load is unbalanced or shifts during lifting
This deliberate pace helps prevent damage to both the equipment and anything in its vicinity.
Battery Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Battery Care During Storage Periods
If you haven't used your Power Lift Unloader for 90 days or more, you'll need to recharge the battery before use. An overnight charge is typically sufficient to restore full power. For regular maintenance:
Charge the battery 1-2 times per month during active use seasons
The battery does have a maintenance charge feature, so it's not necessary to keep it constantly connected to the charger
Store the unit in a dry location when not in use
Troubleshooting Lifting Issues
If your Power Lift Unloader is lifting but not reaching full height, and the charge meter isn't registering even after charging, check these potential issues:
Verify Battery Voltage - Use a voltmeter to check the battery. A healthy battery should read greater than 12V DC.
Battery Replacement - If the voltage is below 12V even after charging, the battery likely needs replacement.
Meter Malfunction - If the battery tests good but the meter still doesn't move, the control panel may need replacement part 01-03-540
For more detailed troubleshooting, click here for the link Power Lift Unloader Troubleshooting Guide. Once opened, you can view the instructions online, download the PDF, or print a copy for your convenience.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Our team is always happy to assist. Whether you'd like to call, schedule a callback, or send us a message through our Contact Us form, we're ready to help!
FAQ
What is the voltage of the Power Lift Unloader battery?
The Power Lift Unloader battery is 12 volts. It cannot be charged using a regular battery charger; you must use the specific charger included with your Cyclone Rake to ensure proper charging and battery maintenance.
What type of plug does the Power Lift Unloader charger use?
The Power Lift Unloader charger uses a 1/4" plug, similar to plugs commonly found on wired headphones prior to the popularity of wireless models.
What should I do if the mast on my Power Lifter is hitting the gas tank?
Occasionally, the mast cable can have a little slack, causing the mast to sway and contact the gas tank. To fix this, briefly press the button to remove slack from the cable—this tightens and slightly raises the mast to prevent contact. If the issue persists, please use our Call Scheduling Assistant to arrange a convenient time for our Tech Support team to assist you further.
When did you stop selling the Cyclone Mate Power Lifter?
The Cyclone Mate Power Lifter was last advertised in our catalog in Fall 2014. Full units remained available through Fall 2015, with the final 300 units shipping alongside the Z-10 Special Edition models in Fall 2018. Currently, we only offer replacement parts, and availability is very limited.
Can I install or upgrade the control panel on my Cyclone Mate Power Lifter?
Yes! If you have an existing control panel from the Power Lifter, you can install it directly onto your Cyclone Mate. Alternatively, you can upgrade to our new Control Panel with Hand Control (Part #01-03-540), available on our website with free shipping (taxes may apply based on your state).