Does an Airsled work on carpet?

Airsled systems are designed to work on flat, smooth, nonporous surfaces like wood or tile floors. To work on porous surfaces like carpet, you will need to make a nonporous track over the carpet. For this reason, each Airsled system comes with four plastic sheets called Rough Surface Adapters (RSAs). Place the RSAs on top of the carpet and under each rectangular air beam to create a nonporous track to use your Airsled over the porous surface.

How high does an Airsled lift the load?

This can depend on how much weight is on the air beams during the lift. You can expect the air beams to raise the load from ½” to 1-1/2” off the ground.

How much clearance do I need for my Airsled system?

The rectangular air beams are approximately 1/8” thick. You should have a gap ideally ¼”-½” from the floor to the load’s base to achieve optimal lifting performance. If the gap is larger than ½”, consider using spacers like wood planks or even carboard to fill the gap.

I can feel air “leaking” out of the corners of the air beams where the rubber is folded and bonded to itself. Is this normal?

Yes. All air beams and even blowers will have some level of air leakage that you may feel. This is completely normal and does not impact the system’s performance.

What happens if the rubber fabric tears? Can I still use my system?

If you develop a tear in the fabric, simply clean and dry the surface and apply duct tape to seal the tear. This will restore your system performance to as new. Learn more about Airsled repairs here where you’ll find a video illustrating the repair process.

What is variable speed control?

Variable Speed (VS) control lets you control the air flow into the air beams with a dial as opposed to an ON/OFF toggle switch so you can gradually increase (or decrease) air flow into the air beams. This control helps make the system more user-friendly and safer when dealing with tight overhead clearances since you can wedge an item in place more easily if the Airsled goes into full power mode the moment it is turned on.

Is an Airsled system portable?

Yes. All systems come with a carrying bag and are light enough to be easily carried to any desired location. The Appliance Movers weigh from about 20 to 30 lbs. depending on model and features. There is also a shoulder strap with each system to help you keep the blower slung over your shoulder while using your Airsled systems.

Is an Airsled system weather resistant?

No. Your Airsled system is an electrical device. You should avoid exposure to water and moisture when using the system to avoid risk of injury.

How does the Airsled work?

Each Airsled system is like a hovercraft. Air from the orange blower if forced into the rectangular air beams. The air beams are wrapped with a perforated rubber fabric which forms a bladder. As the bladder expands, anything sitting on the air beam is raised. As air escapes through the tiny perforation holes in the bladder, it creates a micro thin layer of air that acts like a lubricant on the floor. In technical terms, this micro thin layer of air reduces the coefficient of friction to almost zero between the surfaces which makes it possible to move heavy object easily and safely with an Airsled.

My system has a plastic, rectangular bar with it. What is its purpose?

Sometimes, while you are moving the load with your hands, it helps to apply force on the edge of the air beam with your foot for improved maneuverability. The black bar can be placed behind the air inlets and span both air beams to serve as a platform for your foot. This lets you apply force with your foot on both air beams at the same time.

Why is the load/appliance tilting when I move it?

For best performance and minimal tilting, air beams should be placed under the load so that they are centered with an equal amount of air beam length sticking out in front of and behind the load. Such air beam placement may not be possible when appliances are installed tightly up against a wall. In these cases, move the appliance out a few inches with your Airsled and then push the air beams further under the appliance to get them centered. This should greatly reduce or eliminate the tilt.

How safe is an Airsled?

An Airsled is very safe when used properly. The company has been manufacturing and selling systems since 1982 and there has never been a claim related to injury or damage stemming from use of the system. Each system includes a manual that covers performance and safety instructions for owners to review prior to system use.