Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of a Twistarp?
Tarp life expectancy is determined by frequency and type of use. Careful use, common sense, and following recommended procedures on tags and labels will extend the life of the tarp. With care, a Twistarp will last at least one year and many have been in service for several years.
Does Twistarp have a warranty?
Yes, 90 days on workmanship and material, when used according to product instructions. Improper use and abuse will not be warranteed.
How will Twistarp be affec by various weather conditions?
Twistarp utility blankets are constructed of materials that are tested to 50 degrees below zero. Twistarps have performed well at temperatures of -25 degrees.
Caution should be used during the warmer summer months when the tarp is being used on hot blacktop. Extreme heat will weaken the tarp just as it will weaken any nylon sling.
How can I get the most life out of my Twistarp?
Never exceed the capacity tag.
Sharper loads of crushed rock, broken concrete, and large objects should be smaller loads.
Lift dirt before it freezes in a large chunk. Unload it at the site or take it to a location where it will not freeze if the work can't be comple before freezing occurs.
Avoid snags and sharp objects, especially when setting a load down prior to dumping.
Use extra care when using augers, shovels, or backhoe buckets near the tarp.
Put finer materials on the tarp first to act as padding. Larger pieces should be loaded on top of the load and in the center.
How will I know how much weight is on the Twistarp?
Center the soil in a cone-shaped pile on the tarp. This formula will give you an approximate figure for weight:
Multiply the diameter of the pile at the base by itself and then multiply that product by the height of the pile. Divide that number by four. This will give you approximate cubic feet. Most excavation material weighs about 100 pounds per cubic foot.
Example: a 4' cone 2' high 4'x4'x2' x 100 pounds = 840 pounds
This is necessary information when lifting the tarp with four loops.
Charts are available in the Ergonomics site that will provide weights of soil from various sized holes and weights of various piles of soil.
Click here for useful weight information.
Can I exceed the rated capacity when dumping soil or filling holes?
Yes. When returning soil that has been placed on the tarp but not moved from the site, place the two loops farthest from the hole on the lifting hook. When the loops are hoisted, the soil tends to roll down the chute that is formed. Most of the weight stays on the ground or on the tarp.
Can a Twistarp be repaired?
Yes. Repairing a Twistarp is similar to patching an inner tube. From the patching material that is included with the tarp, cut two patches one inch larger than the damaged area.
Rough up and clean the damaged area on both sides of the tarp. Coat the damaged area using HH66 cement. Coat the patch. Wait a moment and press the patch onto the damaged area. Turn the tarp over and follow the same procedure on the opposite side.
Small rips, abrasions, and holes can be patched this way. Patching large rips, tears, holes or webbing is not recommended if the tarp will be used for lifting. There are, however, many uses for a Twistarp that do not involve heavy lifting.
Where can I get HH66 vinyl cement and more patching material?
From a TwisTarp dealer.
What kind of daily care does a Twistarp require?
Virtually none. Twistarps should be stored where other objects are not piled on top of them. We recommend a tarp-bar in the cargo area of the truck in a location easy to access.
Because they are stored outside, the weather keeps a tarp clean. Mud and soil dry and fall off, and the wind, the sun, and rain become cleansing agents. A pressure washer may be used as can soap and water. Tarps are construc of UV resistant materials.