ALCO 

LOW PROFILE POWER SLIP  
M  : A05‐04014‐1748‐2 
 
M    P  M  
 

D  : M /2014 
5  E  
Alco Inc. Energy Industries
4905 72 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T6B 2M6
Local: 780 440 4560
Toll Free: 1 800 661 6987
This system manual is composed of a general overview of the system followed
by specific equipment manuals. Refer to the specific equipment section for de-
tails, operation, maintenance and spare parts. We have made efforts to increase
visual documentation for fast and easier comprehension. In many cases, the
visual sequence is enough to understand the equipment position and functions.
There are additional electronic documents in pdf format available with videos
showing the detailed assembly sequences.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS  

1.0  PREFACE 4 

2.0  GENERAL INFORMATION 5 

2.1  WARRANTY 5 

2.2  DISCLAIMER 6 

2.3  SAFETY—SUMMARY AND WARNINGS 7 

 
3.0  SPECIFICATIONS 9 

4.0  BEFORE YOU BEGIN 11 

3.2  OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 12 

5.0  MAINTENANCE 16 

6.0  Design Overview 17 

7.1  ALCO POWER SLIP PARTS LIST 18 

9.0  REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST 25 

1. Preface

At Alco it is our intent to provide high quality equipment to our clients. For that reason our engi-
neers spend numerous hours in the design and analysis of our products. Also, critical components
undergo finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure optimum performance. Lastly and most important-
ly, our highly qualified team of machinists, welders and mechanics take great care to manufacture
and produce superior products.

Of course we are constantly striving to further enhance and develop our products, so we love to
hear feedback. If you have any ideas, comments or suggestions, please call us at 1-800-661-6987
and let us know; we would be more than happy to hear what you have to say.

We thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to continuously being at your ser-
vice.
2. General Information
2.1 Warranty

All Alco equipment built in our shop is guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship for a pe-
riod of 12 months from the date of delivery to the original customer.

In the event of any defect on which a warranty claim may be presented, the owner must notify us in
writing within two weeks from the original date that they first became aware of any problem. In-
structions will be provided to the Alco customer relative to the inspection or disposition of the de-
fective part or parts and to the repairing and/or replacement thereof.

The foregoing warranty is contingent on the proper application and operation of equipment and
products by the customer in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer Alco. The
warranty shall not apply to any products which have been repaired or altered in any way that, in
the judgment of Alco, adversely affected their performance or reliability; nor shall it apply to any
products which have been subject to misuse, negligence or accident. Additional charges may ap-
ply, if at Alco’s discretion, a third party analysis of the major equipment failure is needed.
Alco’s obligation under this warranty is limited to supplying parts and labor required to correct any
defective workmanship to an amount not exceeding the charges for the original repair and shall not
include any loss of revenue, any direct or indirect consequential damages.
Travel time and travel expenses will be charged to customer’s account at cost.

All warranty work will be done on a straight time basis and the customer will be charged for the dif-
ference between straight time and overtime.
It is Alco’s policy to perform all service and repair work on our equipment at an Alco facility.
The warranty does not cover any hoisting, trucking or transportation charges.
Products furnished by Alco but not manufactured by Alco will carry only the warranty of the manu-
facturer of such products.

The entire liability and obligation of Alco with respect to workmanship is defined by this warranty
and is given in lieu of any and all other warranties, expressed or implied. No oral or written state-
ments or representations with respect to the subject matter hereof shall be binding. Upon the expi-
ration of this warranty, all liability on the part of Alco in connection herewith shall terminate in any
event.
2.2 Disclaimer

This manual is prepared as a guide for normal maintenance and operation of the Alco Low Profile
Power Slip. Because of the varying methods and requirements for these functions, it is not possi-
ble to detail all facets of these subjects and it is requested that you contact the Alco Engineering
Department when you encounter situations outside the scope of this publication. Alco will, upon
request and contract, provide trained personnel to assist you in the maintenance and servicing of
this equipment.

Improvements in design, engineering, materials, production methods, etc. may necessitate chang-
es in this product over time. We reserve the right to make these design changes without incurring
any obligation for equipment previously delivered.

ONSITE SAFETY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SITE

OWNER AND ALCO CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY INJURIES HAPPENING ON SITE.
2.3 Safety Summary and Warnings

All products manufactured by Alco are sold with the express understanding that the

purchaser is thoroughly familiar with the safe, proper use and application of the product.

Responsibility for the use and application of the products rests with the owner user.

Failure of the product can occur due to misapplication, abuse, or improper maintenance. Product
failure could cause property damage, personal injury or death.

Ratings shown in Alco literature are only applicable to products in new or “as new”

condition.

Stated load limit ratings indicate the maximum loading conditions the equipment should encounter
under normal operating conditions. The purchaser should not exceed the equipment ratings as
stated in this manual.

This manual deals with the normal inspection, and maintenance situations encountered with the
equipment described herein. The instructions should not be expected to anticipate every possible
scenario involving the Alco Low Profile Power Slips; as always, if in need of assistance, please
contact us at Alco.
 !! WARNING !!

 Failure to read, understand and follow these instructions may cause death or serious injury.
This equipment is not designed for and shall not be used for lifting, supporting or transporting hu-
mans.
 Only trained and competent personnel shall install, operate, inspect, and repair this equipment.
 Approval to upgrade, repair, or otherwise alter this equipment shall be authorized only by the
original equipment manufacturer or a qualified professional engineer.
 If the Alco Low Profile Power Slips is a component in a system, the system designer shall be
responsible for passing on to the end user the information contained in this manual.
 Do not use the slips as torque device, such as tong, since the design renders the slips
incapable of supporting this use.

!! IMPORTANT !!

For maximum safety and efficiency, the Alco Low Profile Power Slips shall be properly used, and
maintained. All operators shall understand the use of Alco low Profile Power Slip components.
These instructions should provide this knowledge. Read this Manual book carefully and efficiently.

Some parts of these instructions must use technical wording and detailed explanations.
NOTE: Please read all information included in this Manual. Acquiring a full understanding of the
Alco 7 5/8” Low Profile Power Slip is important, so that is used/operated in a safe manner.
For further assistance/questions please call: Alco Inc. at (780) 440-4560 or toll free at 1-800-
661-6987.

A COPY OF THIS MANUAL IS TO BE KEPT WITH THE ALCO LOW PROFILE POWER SLIP FOR 
OPERATOR REFERENCE. 
3. Specifications

T  R  2000  .  
A  L      
   T  . 

T  R  
60.65     340   (2 3/8” [  OD]   13 3/8” [  OD])   
 
H  S  R   
19 L /    6.9 MP  (5 GPM   1000 
)  

LOAD RATING
700,000LBS (350 TON)

UNIT SPECIFICATIONS

WEIGHT: 455 KG (1,000 LBS.)

WIDTH: 1.3 M (42 1/32 IN.)
HEIGHT: 0.47 M (28 1/8 IN)
DEPTH: 0.66 M (27 27/32 IN.)
 21 1/16" 18 1/16"

21 1/16"

18 1/16"
4. Before You Begin

This section of the manual outlines various recommendations which will help
maximize the service life of the Alco 7 5/8” Low Profile Power Slips.
Before Operation (if applicable)
 Remove tape and plastic sheets from unpainted machined surfaces.
 Remove any metal or molded plastic caps from all threaded connec-
tions.
 Areas covered with surface protection coatings should be steam-cleaned
to remove the coating.
 Steam cleaning may wash away lubricants from pivot points and other
moving mechanical parts, so it is important to re-lubricate these areas.
 Use silicon sealant for all sealing surfaces.

Before Maintenance
It is important to safeguard against injury to personnel and damage to equip-
ment using every means possible. In all cases:
 Use proper tools and equipment.
 Provide a safe working area.
 Ensure all work pieces are adequately and correctly supported and/or
blocked
 Ensure that oil and air systems are shut down before disassembling
any
component.
 If the Alco 7 5/8” Low Profile Power Slips is to be lifted for an overhaul,
use proper equipment and technique.
 All parts are machined to close tolerances. It is imperative that the
working area be as clean as possible.
 All seals are “wear and tear” components and are to be replaced when-
ever
servicing a component involving a seal.
5. Operating Instructions
Changing Slip Bodies 
 If the drilling pipe still runs through the Alco Low Pro ile Power Slip ensure that the slips
are disengaged, no longer gripping the pipe. If the drilling pipe has been removed lower
the slips all the way down.

 Remove the 2 bolts connecting the 4 slip body segments from the lifting arms, and then
remove the slip segments from the body.

 Inspect the 2 bolts, holes in the lifting arm and holes in the 4 segments of slips for wear.

 Land the new slips in the bowl and connect them to the lifting arms with the 2 bolts.

Note: Ensure the slip bodies are used with the corresponding slip liner.

Changing or Adding Slip Liners 
 If the drilling pipe s ll runs through the ALPPS, then the slips must be removed from the li ing 
arms (see Changing Slips steps 1 & 2).  If the drilling pipe has been removed, fully raise the slips and 
flip each of the 4 segments over. 
 If changing a slip liner, remove the cap screws that hold the 3 segments of the liner to the body 
and gate, and then li  the three liner segments out. 
Take some  me to study the slip liners segments; each segment has its designated spot in the 
bowl.  One of the segments completely covers the gate. 
 Land the 3 slip liner segments and bolt them to the body and gate. 
Note:  Ensure the slip bodies are used with the corresponding slip liner. 
 
Removing or Installing the Gate 
 If the drilling pipe s ll runs through the ALPPS, then the slips must be removed from the li ing 
arms (see Changing Slips steps 1 & 2).  If the drilling pipe has been removed, fully raise the slips and 
flip the first slip segments on both sides over. 
 Remove the gate bolt. 
 Li  the gate straight up using eye bolts.  If a slip liner is being used it can be li ed out with the 
gate. 
Place gate in a safe place to ensure that the dovetails are not damaged. 
 
Note:   When installing the gate, do the process in reverse, making sure to torque the gate bolt to 
100  .‐lbs. 
 
Pipe and Casing Size

Ensure that the size of the tubular to be gripped matches the inserts, and the inserts match the slip 
body, and the slip body matches the bowl size.  Failure to do so will not provide adequate gripping 
force and may damage the tubular and/or the ALPPS and its accessories. 

Storage and Preserva on 
 
In order to store / preserve the ALPPS for an extended period ensure the following steps are taken: 
 The equipment should be cleaned of all foreign ma er and thoroughly dried before preserva-
on. 
 Retract the cylinder rod, or protect the exposed rod with sealing tape. 
 Grease all 6 grease points. 
 The tapered bowl and slip liners should be protected with a heavy-duty corrosion protec ve 
such as Rust Veto #342 or an equivalent. 
If the unit must be stored outdoors, prevent moisture from coming in contact with the unit and 
spare parts. 
 

Adjustment

Driving arm should have ½” of thread exposed between clevis

and hydraulic cylinder. More or less thread will only change
how deep the left side slip segments depth into the taper.

The adjustment arm’s length can be

changed from the initial setting if the right
and left side are not synchronized to each
other. The arm is made longer or shorter
to change only the right side slip seg-
ments depth into taper.
Counterbalance valve

The counterbalance valves are one of the most difficult valves to adjust in a hydraulic system. For
that reason we factory set them, and ask that you do not adjust. Please contact Alco if a counter-
balance valve setting has been changed.

Hydraulic system & Alco Low Profile slips

Introduction: The primary function of the counterbalance valve on the ALLPS is to prevent the slips
from accidental closing. Hydraulic pressure in control valves can tend to cause cylinders to creep or
to slowly extend due to leakages. If the supply lines from the control valve to the slips are open to
atmosphere, the slips will not close due to the
pressure differential required across the valve.

Counterbalance valves with pilot assist combine two valves; a check valve and a relief valve. The
check valve is to allow free flow from the directional valve (port 2) to the load (port 1) while a direct
acting, pilot-assisted relief valve controls flow from port 1 to port 2. Pilot assist at port 3 lowers the
effective setting of the relief valve at a rate determined by the pilot ratio.
Summary:

The counterbalance cartridge is Alco factory

set to 600 psi. With the various connections as
displayed in the provided schematic, it is too
difficult to set any other way but on a bench.

The slips require 400 psi to open in most cas-

es, but the hydraulics to close the slips has to
go through the counterbalance valve and
therefore requires 1000 psi.

For proper function of the ALLPS; the hydrau-

lic system in use should be adjusted accord-
ingly.
1000 psi is the MAX.
6. Maintenance

This section contains instructions for the maintenance schedules of the Alco
Low Pro ile Power Slip.

Maintenance Schedule

Daily

Grease at all point locations illustrated in Drawing 5 in Appendix A

Weekly

Conduct a visual inspection for all welded locations for any evidence of cracking in
the weld. In case of recording an initialization of a crack, Alco should be contacted im-
mediately to conduct the proper corrective action. Inspect all holes and pins for wear.

Every 500 Days 

A full inspec on by an Alco trained personnel should be conducted. 
ALCO  LOW PROFILE POWER SLIP 
A05‐04014‐1748‐2
ALCO LOW PROFILE POWER SLIP
PARTS LIST
ALCO LOW PROFILE POWER SLIP
PARTS LIST

FHMS 38‐1
BOLT
ALCO LOW PROFILE POWER SLIP
PARTS LIST
FHMS 14-2
FLAT HEAD
MACHINE SCREW
¼-20 X 2”
GREASE POINT LOCATION 
ALCO BOWL LINER 
ALCO BOWL LINER 
SLIP INSERT 
CHANGING SLIP INSERT
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
QTY Part Number Part Name Notes

4 GEZ63ES2RS AMC SPHERICAL PLAIN BEARING

1 A05-04014-0000 HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ASSEMBLY

1 A05-04014-0023 DRIVEN ARM

1 A05-04014-0026 DRIVEN CAM

2 A05-04014-0027-5 DRIVE SHAFT

1 A05-04014-0029 CLEVIS F/HYD. CYLINDER

1 A05-04014-0030 CLEVIS PIN

1 A05-04014-0033 GATE BOLT ASSEMBLY

2 LE34 3/4” EYE BOLT

4 LE1 1” EYE BOLT

4 A05-04014-0053 LIFTING ARM– ACETAL SPACER

4 A05-04014-0039-2 LIFTING ARM

2 A05-04014-0041 LIFT ARM KEY

4 A05-04014-0052 SHEAR PIN KIT

1 A05-04014-0110 ADJUSTABLE ARM

1 A05-04014-0161 VALVE SPACER PLATE

2 A05-04014-0167 ADJUSTABLE ARM WASHER

2 A05-04014-0055 DRIVE SHAFT CAP

4 A05-04014-2127-1 BEARING CAP COVER

4 A05-04014-2128-1 THREADED BEARING CAP

2 A05-04014-2129 URETHANE SPACER

2 A05-04014-2130 RETAINER PIN INSERT

2 A05-04014-2131 MODIFIED BOLT

1 A05-04014-0250 COUNTER BALANCE VALVE ASSEMBLY

16 FHMS 14-2 FLAT HEAD MACHINE SCREW

2 FHMS 38-1 FLAT HEAD 3/8—16 UNC; L– 1”