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Vacuum Tool Lifts Heavy Landscape Blocks, Pavers
When David Morin ran into trouble placing a new type of paver in his hardscaping business, he knew whom to ask. His dad Tom is an engineer with a background in pneumatics, vacuum and process engineering. He also has a company making micro pneumatic seed handling tools.
  “David had a huge job installing 56-lb. pavers,” recalls Tom Morin. “He brought me a bathroom plunger and asked me to work on a way to pick them up using a vacuum. In 30 minutes I had it working. Now we sell one or two Paver Placers a day to contractors.”
  The concept is simple. The Paver Placer uses a standard air compressor (minimum 5.2 cfm @ 125 psi) to create vacuum in a line attached to a handle or grip. The user sets the head on the paver or stone, creating a tight suction seal, then lifts and sets the stone in place. A Venturi trigger on the handle provides a quick release.
  Morin makes multiple heads and handles. The smallest is ideal for placing bricks and small tiles, while the largest is a 2-person tool that can easily lift a 240-lb. paver. The handles for the larger one and the 2-person Paver Placers are waist high, reducing back pressure and fatigue. Vacuum pipe extensions are available to adapt the handle height to the worker.
  “Our customers tell us the Paver Placer cuts install time by 30 to 40 percent and reduces injuries,” says Morin. “Safety issues are nearly gone with this tool. You’re not messing up fingers, knees or your back. It’s like going to a health club and lifting weights.”
  The 1-person tool ($469) is recommended for a maximum 70-lb. load. The 2-person tool ($1,489) can be equipped with memory foam heads that lock onto rough surfaces.
  See Paver Placers in action at www.farmshow.com
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, PaveMor, 281 West Mountain Rd., 
P.O. Box 44, 
Adams, Mass. 01220 (ph 413 743-2064; gromor@verizon.net; www.paverplacer.com).



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2014 - Volume #38, Issue #3