How do you quickly and safely pick up such hard to handle items as glass and sheet metal? Perhaps the most unique and effective solution is with suction, as this allows you to secure a tight grip on smooth, flat surfaces.
This is the idea behind vacuum lifters, which feature specially designed lifting suction cups that hold onto loads using low pressure air. But just as with any piece of lifting equipment, including gantry cranes, suction lifters demand careful maintenance in order to lift and shift items safely.
What are suction lifters?
A suction cup lifting device, AKA a vacuum lifter, is a machine that uses the power of low pressure air to secure, lift and shift loads. The basic concept is the same as picking a piece of paper up off the floor with a vacuum cleaner, although suction lifters are far more powerful – some battery powered vacuum lifters are capable of picking up loads as heavy as 50 tonnes.
Suction lifters aren’t just great for smooth, flat items like glass and sheet metal. They can also pick up semi-porous materials like concrete and cardboard, irregular materials like plastic bags, and even curved materials like kegs and barrels.
Why is maintenance important for vacuum lifters?
Suction lifters only work if they can create and maintain a vacuum within their suction pads. As with any piece of lifting equipment, including a lifting jib crane, maintenance is critical to ensuring the machine works as it should.
Maintenance is important for a number of reasons:
- Safety: The first and most important consideration for any business dealing in heavy materials is the safety of its employees. If your vacuum is not maintained correctly, it can put your team in harm’s way.
- Efficiency: Suction lifter maintenance ensures it operates to its maximum capacity. ‘A well-oiled machine will minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.’
- Productivity: Greater efficiency leads to greater productivity. A well-maintained machine, such as portable cranes, will be capable of completing more lifts and making your business more money
How do you properly maintain a vacuum lifter?
The specifics of vacuum lifter maintenance will vary from machine to machine, but as a general guide, suction lifter maintenance is composed of the following steps:
- Conduct regular inspections: Your machine should be visually inspected at the beginning of every day, or for machines that aren’t used regularly, before every lift. Deeper inspections should be conducted by professionals on a regular basis according to local regulations.
- Check the seals: The vacuum cups for lifting items are where the rubber meets the road for suction lifters, especially when used with a hoist for added efficiency. Inspect the suction cups, looking for cracks or signs of wear and tear.
- Test the pump: Attach the suction cup to an item and check the vacuum pump is working by creating and holding a vacuum. Listen for odd noises, vibrations and losses of power. Hold that vacuum for a couple of minutes to check suction cup seals.
- Inspect hoses and connections: Check for cracks, wear and other damage that might cause leaks in the system.
- Check the controls: Ensure that the machine moves as it should, and check that all moving parts are appropriately lubricated.
ENABLING NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES TO WORK SMARTER, QUICKER AND SAFER
Vacuum lifters can be game-changing pieces of lifting equipment for businesses that deal in specific materials. But as highly specialised and rather unique machines, finding the ideal option for your situation can be a challenge.
At Stratalign we do this heavy lifting for you. We’ve spent years helping Kiwi businesses identify the vacuum lifting solution that will get them work smarter, faster, and most importantly, safer. If you’re wondering which vacuum lifter is right for you, our expert team is ready to offer the guidance you need.
