Mechanical Vacuum Lifters do not rely on plant power, outside controls, or complex accessories. These self-contained units create their own vacuum mechanically, giving them unmatched versatility for use in metal fabricating plants, service centres, warehouses and plate yards. These lifters offer instant attach and release via the hoist up and down.
The internal piston and non-wearing rolling diaphragm create vacuum and will work silently with minimum maintenance for years.
One person simply attaches the hook of the crane, hoist or boom truck to the lifter, positions the lifter on the load and controls the entire operation alone. The attach and release alternates each lift cycle for fast, efficient handling.
Mechanical lifters increase speed and efficiency of horizontal handling of sheet and plate, fabrications, panels and all types of nonporous materials.
Basic Operating Procedure
Technical Description The vacuum generator of these lifters consists of a free-moving piston within a closed cylinder. A rubber rolling diaphragm forms an airtight seal between piston and cylinder. Since the integrity of this seal does not depend on metal-to-metal contact or a tight fit, it does not lose efficiency with use. The vacuum attach and release cycle is controlled by an automatic self-cycling valve located in the bottom of the piston. When the unit is lowered onto the load and the suspension chain slackens, a cam automatically closes the piston valve. The hoisting action then pulls up the piston, creating a powerful vacuum inside the cylinder and underneath the vacuum pads. When the load is completely set down, and the suspension chain is again slackened, the cam opens the piston valve, releasing the vacuum. The lifter can then be raised, ready for the next pickup. Attach and release are instantaneous. Since the valve sealing disc can only cycle when the chain is completely slack, it cannot shift positions while in use and accidentally release the load.