Vacuum lifters are an underrated and widely uncelebrated piece of lifting equipment. Though they may not be the first machine to come to your mind when moving material, they come in handy in many different circumstances! Whether you’re transporting composite roof panels or shifting bulky loads, there’ll be a model to meet your needs.
When you’re in the roofing, cladding, and facade sector, there is no piece of lifting equipment better suited to the demands of your job.
At 4 Cladding Services, we’re mindful of everything you’ll need to consider when picking a model! Please read our guide to choosing the suitable vacuum lifter for your industry below.
Firstly, What Is A Vacuum Lifter?
Vacuum lifting equipment is aptly named since it uses a vacuum to help you move material. The system includes a vacuum pump and a lifting tube connected by a hose. Any lifter has a suction head and a suction foot. The suction foot is where your machine contacts the load, either on vacuum pads or suction cups. No matter which device you choose, all vacuum lifters function similarly.
Larger vacuum pumps require wider suction cups to withstand heavier loads. Depending on your requirements, a compact vacuum lifter or an industrial device could suit. No matter their size, when your suction cups meet your material, they interrupt the airflow of your vacuum. An airtight seal forms between your load and the cup, allowing you to lift and transport your goods anywhere.
Is A Vacuum Lifter Right For You?
We’re glad you’ve asked. Vacuum lifters have some unexpected benefits you’ll appreciate on construction sites and in your warehouse.
The Benefits of Vacuum Lifters:
- Vacuum lifters only require a single operator, so your need for staffing is reduced.
- Vacuum lifters are ergonomic since they’re easy to grip and handle, reducing strain.
- Vacuum lifters reduce workplace injuries due to their straightforward function and sleek design.
- Vacuum lifters don’t hold your load from the edges, so damage to your material is avoided.
- Vacuum lifters leave no mark on glass, where fingerprints cause dirty smudges.
You could undoubtedly implement a vacuum device into your lifting strategy. However, you must determine which brand and model are cost-effective and practical for your business.
How to Choose From Different Types of Vacuum Lifters
Before you select a vacuum lifter, you must assess various factors:
Size and Shape of Object
The most important consideration when choosing a vacuum lifter is the shape and size of the object that will be lifted most frequently. The type of object that you will be lifting will determine the type of vacuum lifter you need.
A vacuum pad lifting system would work best if your industry uses flat, non-porous items such as glass sheets or metal plates. On the other hand, a vacuum tube lifter would handle cylindrical items such as drums and barrels with high agility and flexibility.
Weight of Object
Another crucial factor to consider when selecting your vacuum lifter is the weight of the lifted and transported object. It is important to select a lifter that has a weight capacity that meets your requirements and can safely lift the object you wish to move.
You must carefully consider the weight you’re responsible for managing and picking your model accordingly. There are suggested limits for manual handling with your employees. Women are encouraged to lift only up to 16kg and men to 25kg. Keep this in mind, or you could be liable to pay compensation in the event of injury.
Working Environment
You must consider the environment where the vacuum lifter will primarily be used. Some vacuum lifters are more robust than others and will perform better in outdoor weather conditions, including humidity and rainstorms. It is also vital to consider the cleanliness of the environment, as some vacuum lifters are better suited to dust and dirt-free environments.
Power Source
Each company will have a different setup and environment and require a vacuum lifter. Therefore, it is important to select a vacuum lifter with the most suitable power source. Electric vacuum lifters are commonly selected for stationary or semi-stationary jobs, whereas battery-operated lifters offer more flexibility and mobility for employees.
Cost & Budget
Consider your budget before you select a vacuum lifter. You should factor in the initial purchase price and operational costs, such as power consumption and maintenance checks. If the vacuum lifter is a piece of handling machinery that will be used daily, it may be worth purchasing or hiring a more expensive, robust lifter.
What Models of Vacuum Lifter Are Available?
With 4 Cladding Services, you can browse a range of vacuum lifters. We are the sole UK provider of VIAVAC vacuum lifters – we stock six pieces of their equipment to manoeuvre material around your workspace.
At the same time, GRABO offers a compact machine for tighter spaces. Let us introduce you to them all and explain each model’s key features to help you determine which is worth your investment.
The Clad Boy Panel Suction Lifter
If your greatest concern is versatility, the Clad Boy vacuum lifter is the model for you. The Clad Boy family has three members to choose from: the CB3, the CB4, and the CB5. Every machine is designed to handle horizontal, vertical, and flat or pitched roof panels.
Any Clad Boy model is compatible with a range of attachments so that you can handle different widths and textures of material. With the CB4 or the CB5, you can manage up to 800kg loads. The CB5 boasts dual vacuum circuits, meaning two separate and secure buffer tanks.
The Rota Boy Lifting and Turning Unit
When you’re faced with the task of rotating panels as well as transporting them, the Rota Boy is what you need. Our Rota Boy machine can lift and turn weights up to 350kg. You can avoid the health and safety risks associated with panel rotation on surprisingly weighty loads.
The Pack Boy Panel Handler
Our Pack Boy vacuum lifter manages longer loads, so you can shift large composite panels in one go. This model is a modular compression beam with forks, enabling you to safely unload large panel packs from any delivery vehicle onto the ground. The strength of the Pack Boy is one impressive benefit since it can accommodate loads up to 3600kg.
The Glass Boy Vacuum Lifter
Glass is fragile and easy to smudge when you’re working fast, but the Glass Boy lifting equipment will make life easier. With the security of a vacuum cup, you can avoid damage or fingerprints on delicate material!
Depending on your needs, there are three models to browse: GB-L, GB-X, and GB-H. The GB-L can manage loads from 250kg to 500kg and dimensions 3m x 4m. One level up, the GB-X lifts a weight from 400kg to 800kg, and measurements of 4m x 4m. The GB-H is the strongest of the options, transporting loads from 600kg to 1,800kg.
The Cool Boy Forklift Lifter
If you’re responsible for heavy loads that you can’t transport with the power of your workforce alone, the Cool Boy is the machine for you. We recommend the Cool Boy, particularly if you’re in the interior or firewall sector and need to move flat wall panels! The device is lightweight and more compact than the Clad Boy but can still accommodate weights reaching 375kg.
The Cool Boy RW / 4Flex
Should you need to transport wall panels vertically or horizontally, the Cool Boy RW / 4Flex is designed for you. With all the features and benefits of the original Cool Boy, this upgraded design can also easily lift profiled and curved wall panels. Our machine is fully operable with cranes and forklift hook attachments, so you can safely complete any task, no matter what you require.
The GRABO Compact Lifter
Perhaps you don’t have the room to store a bulky vacuum lifter, or you’re constantly changing environments to complete tasks. The GRABO lifter is portable, so that you won’t be weighed down by unmanageable baggage.
This model can securely move porous and non-porous materials, providing tile lifting, paving stone transportation, and the ability to hold cladding and glass panels. Your GRABO compact lifter can manage loads up to 170kg.
Choosing the Right Vacuum Lifter FAQs
How do I choose the right vacuum lifter for my industry?
To determine the best vacuum lifter for your project, assess the shape, size, and weight of the object you need to lift. Then, assess each vacuum lifter to discover its lifting capabilities and ideal uses.
Do I need training to operate a vacuum lifter?
Employees should complete a comprehensive training program to operate a vacuum lifter safely and effectively. At 4 Cladding, our expert team offers training sessions that can be tailored to your specific equipment and project requirements.
Can I hire a vacuum lifter?
At 4 Cladding Services, we offer a rental service for any of our vacuum lifters for those who only require the lift equipment for a short period of time or a particular project.
Select Your Vacuum Lifter with Help From 4 Cladding Services
The summaries above should help you identify each machine’s most significant benefits and determine which is best suited for your role. At 4 Cladding, we proudly offer a range of vacuum lifters for various applications.
The versatility of the Clad Boy makes it an ideal first choice for any labourer, while a compact GRABO lifter suits handypersons on the go. If you’re still unsure which vacuum lifting device would be most effective for you and you’d like additional support, get in touch with the team at 4 Cladding Services.
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