Industrial Magnetics Mag-Mate MCLPAM1000 Vehicle Mounted Manhole Cover Lift System with a Manual Winch
- Part #:MCLPAM1000
- Condition:Brand New

Key Facts
- Manufacturer: Industrial Magnetics, Inc. (Mag-Mate)
- Model: MCLPAM1000
- Product Type: Vehicle Mounted Manhole Cover Lift System
- Lifting Capacity: 400 lb (181 kg)
- Swing Radius: 3 ft (0.91 m), 180° rotation
- Winch Type: Manual worm-gear winch
- Mounting: Standard 2 in square trailer hitch
- Construction: Welded 2 × 3 in tubular steel frame
- Primary Use: Lifting and replacing heavy manhole covers
Overview
The Industrial Magnetics Mag-Mate MCLPAM1000 Vehicle Mounted Manhole Cover Lift System is designed to simplify the removal and replacement of heavy manhole covers while improving operator safety and efficiency. This magnetic lifting system mounts directly to a vehicle hitch and allows a single operator to safely lift covers that traditionally require multiple workers.
The articulated lifting arm features a 3 ft (0.91 m) swing radius with 180° rotation and a double-jointed elbow that enables precise positioning of the lifting magnet over the cover. Once positioned, the integrated manual worm-gear winch provides controlled lifting and lowering for safe and stable operation.
Designed for field crews, the system folds toward the bumper when not in use, making transport and storage easy between job sites. The welded tubular steel construction provides durability for municipal maintenance, sewer service, and utility access applications.
Product images are for reference only and may vary.
Features
- Vehicle-mounted magnetic lifting system for manhole covers
- Manual worm-gear winch for controlled lifting and lowering
- 3 ft swing radius with 180° rotation for flexible positioning
- Double-jointed arm for precise magnet placement
- Mounts to standard 2 in trailer hitch receivers
- Heavy-duty welded tubular steel construction
- Folds toward vehicle bumper for compact storage
- Allows safe one-person operation in the field
Technical Specifications
- Model: MCLPAM1000
- Lifting Capacity: 400 lb (181 kg)
- Swing Radius: 3 ft (0.91 m)
- Rotation: 180° swing arm
- Winch Type: Manual worm-gear winch
- Mounting Type: Vehicle trailer hitch mount
- Receiver Size: Standard 2 in square hitch
- Construction: Welded 2 × 3 in tubular steel
Compatibility
- Standard vehicle trailer hitch receivers (2 in)
- Magnetic manhole cover lifting applications
- Ferrous metal manhole covers used in municipal infrastructure
Use Cases
- Municipal utility maintenance
- Sewer and wastewater service access
- Survey and inspection crews
- Septic and pumper service operations
- Utility infrastructure access and maintenance
What’s Included
- Industrial Magnetics Mag-Mate MCLPAM1000 vehicle mounted lifting arm
- Manual worm-gear winch assembly
- Vehicle hitch mounting frame
Installation Notes
- Mounts directly to a standard 2 in trailer hitch receiver
- Ensure manhole covers are loosened prior to lifting
- Confirm full magnet contact with the cover before activating the lift
- Follow safe lifting practices and do not exceed rated lifting capacity
Category FAQs
How does a magnetic manhole cover lifting system work?
The system uses a high-strength magnet attached to a lifting arm and winch assembly. Once the magnet is engaged with the ferrous manhole cover, the manual winch lifts the cover while the articulated arm provides controlled positioning.
Can one person operate the system?
Yes. The vehicle-mounted design and manual winch allow a single operator to safely remove and replace heavy manhole covers that would otherwise require multiple workers.
Why use a vehicle-mounted lift system instead of manual lifting?
Using a mounted lifting system reduces strain injuries, improves lifting control, and speeds up access to underground utilities compared to manual lifting with pry bars.
Does the system require a special vehicle?
No. The unit is designed to mount to a standard 2 in trailer hitch receiver, making it compatible with most work trucks used by municipal or utility crews.
What types of covers can it lift?
The magnet is designed for ferrous metal manhole covers commonly used in municipal infrastructure and utility access points.
Related Categories / Applications
- Magnetic Material Handling Equipment
- Manhole Cover Lifting Tools
- Municipal Maintenance Equipment
- Utility Infrastructure Service Tools
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov- Specification Sheet
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| PowerArm with an Electric Winch | PowerArm with a Manual Winch |
| Arm Extension Length (in) | 30-7/8 |
| Overall Height | 20-1/2 |
| Installed Arm Folded Length(in) | 13-1/2 |
| Weight (lbs) | 30 |
- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:53 PM by Aaron A.
municipalities use
Why do municipalities use manhole cover lifting equipment?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:53 PM by Admin
Municipalities and utility service teams use manhole cover lifting systems to improve efficiency and reduce workplace injuries. Equipment like the MCLPAM1000 allows crews to open underground access points faster, minimize manual handling, and safely reposition heavy covers during sewer inspections, maintenance work, and infrastructure repairs.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:52 PM by Aaron A.
How heavy..
How heavy are typical manhole covers and how are they safely lifted?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:53 PM by Admin
Many manhole covers weigh between 90 and 300 pounds depending on the application and material. Because of this weight, lifting them manually can pose safety risks. A vehicle-mounted manhole cover lifting system such as the MCLPAM1000 allows crews to lift covers using a controlled magnetic lift and winch mechanism, reducing physical strain and improving job site safety.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:51 PM by Aaron A.
field crews
Why is a hitch-mounted manhole cover lifter useful for field crews?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:54 PM by Admin
Because it mounts directly on the vehicle and folds toward the bumper when not in use, the system is easy to transport between job sites and always available when crews need to open a manhole quickly and safely.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:50 PM by Aaron A.
workplace injuries
Can a magnetic manhole cover lifter help reduce workplace injuries?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:54 PM by Admin
Yes. By reducing manual lifting and awkward handling, a manhole cover lifting system can help lower the risk of back injuries, strains, and pinch-point accidents.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:50 PM by Aaron A.
standard work trucks fit
Does the MCLPAM1000 fit standard work trucks?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:54 PM by Admin
Yes. The system mounts to a standard 2-inch square trailer hitch receiver, making it compatible with most service trucks and utility vehicles already used by field crews.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:49 PM by Aaron A.
instead of pry bars
Why use a manhole cover lifting system instead of pry bars?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:55 PM by Admin
A dedicated lifting system provides better control and reduces physical strain during cover removal. Compared with manual tools, it helps improve ergonomics, reduce injuries, and increase productivity in field operations.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:48 PM by Aaron A.
typically uses
Who typically uses a vehicle-mounted manhole cover lift system?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:55 PM by Admin
These systems are commonly used by municipal maintenance crews, sewer and wastewater service teams, survey crews, septic and pumper operators, and other field professionals who frequently access underground utilities.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:47 PM by James W.
type of manhole covers
What type of manhole covers can the MCLPAM1000 lift?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:56 PM by Admin
The system is intended for ferrous metal manhole covers that allow magnetic engagement. These covers are commonly used in municipal infrastructure, sewer systems, and utility access points.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:45 PM by John A.
benefits
What are the benefits of using a magnetic manhole cover lifter?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:45 PM by Admin
A magnetic manhole cover lifter helps reduce back strain, eliminates the need for pry bars, and improves safety when handling heavy covers. It also allows faster access to underground utilities while reducing the risk of finger and toe injuries.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:44 PM by John A.
one person job
Can one person remove a manhole cover with the MCLPAM1000?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:45 PM by Admin
Yes. The MCLPAM1000 is designed to make manhole cover removal a one-person operation. The magnetic lifting head and manual winch allow the operator to control the lifting process without the need for additional personnel.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:43 PM by James W.
vehicle-mounted manhole cover lift system
How does a vehicle-mounted manhole cover lift system work?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:46 PM by Admin
The system mounts into a standard 2-inch trailer hitch receiver on a service vehicle. The operator swings the articulated arm into position, places the magnet over the cover, and uses the manual winch to lift and move the cover safely away from the opening.
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- Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:43 PM by John A.
easiest way to lift a heavy manhole cover
What is the easiest way to lift a heavy manhole cover?
Answer
Created on: Mar 13, 2026, 1:46 PM by Admin
A vehicle-mounted magnetic lifting system is one of the easiest and safest ways to lift a heavy manhole cover. The MCLPAM1000 allows a single operator to position, lift, and replace ferrous manhole covers with improved control and significantly less physical strain compared to manual methods.
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