Battery Vacuum Lifter for Insulating Glass Units
Overview
A battery-powered vacuum lifter built for installing insulating glass units and large flat panes. Everything needed to create, hold and release vacuum travels on the load-bearing frame, so the unit works with no mains supply, no compressed air and no trailing hose — on the scaffold, in the rack or in the warehouse.
The vacuum circuit is closed and monitored. A receiver with a non-return valve keeps the pads under vacuum, and losing the power supply does not release the load. With a 600 kg working load on a compact 1300 x 1000 mm frame, one operator can set glass, insulated units and heavy panels precisely into position.
Key Features
- Vertical lifting and horizontal handling of flat glass and panels
- Manual rotation of plus or minus 90 degrees on a pivot trunnion carried on roller bearings, with a locking device
- Manual tilt of 90 degrees, with the rotation unit locking every 15 degrees for accurate edge setting
- Single-circuit vacuum system with receiver and non-return valve — no loss of vacuum if the power supply fails
- Built-in dry-running vacuum pump, with no labour-intensive servicing
- Quick-release battery; a battery swap takes under one minute
- External charger and a second battery supplied as standard
Vacuum System and Alarms
- Single-circuit vacuum layout with a receiver fitted with a non-return valve
- Vacuum switch plus a monitoring gauge, so the operator can read the circuit at a glance
- Signal lamp and acoustic alarm warn as soon as the vacuum level drops
- Closed circuit holds the load after an unexpected power cut, giving the operator time to bring the panel down safely
- Built-in dry-running vacuum pump — no oil mist, no external air line
Suction Frame and Pads
- Pads are flexibly mounted directly on the load-bearing frame in a multi-row arrangement
- Spacing between the pads can be adjusted to suit the panel being handled
- Each pad has its own valve, so any pad can be shut off individually
- Black rubber pad face; heat resistance up to 100 degrees C
- Optional detachable extension beam widens the frame and adds two further pads
Controls
- ON/OFF switch directly on the unit
- ATTACH and RELEASE operated by a manual valve on the unit
- Optional cable-connected remote control for ATTACH and RELEASE
- Optional infrared remote control for ATTACH and RELEASE
Suspension and Load
- Suspension by a crane eye (lifting lug) machined onto the load-bearing frame
- Maximum load capacity 600 kg
- Finish: yellow, partly galvanised
Technical Data
| Parameter | Configuration A | Configuration B | Configuration C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction pad type | 388 | 488-K | 488-K |
| Pad working diameter | 300 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm |
| Number of pads | 6 (8 with the optional extension beam) | 4 | 4 |
| Load capacity | 600 kg | 400 kg | 500 kg |
| Frame weight, approx. | 74 kg | 70 kg | 72 kg |
| Frame size, approx. | 1300 x 1000 mm (common to all configurations) | ||
| Device thickness, approx. | 270 mm | ||
| Vacuum pump flow | 1.5 m3/h | ||
| Charging supply | 230 V, 50/60 Hz, single phase | ||
Load figures are measured on a smooth, dry surface at 60 % vacuum with a safety factor of x2. Frame sizes other than those listed are available to order; tell us the panel size and weight and we will confirm the right configuration.
Suitable Materials
For gas-tight materials with a smooth, dry surface — for example window glass, insulating glass units, plastic and ceramic panels, and coated particle board.
Safety and Compliance
- For use on construction sites in EU countries the unit is permitted only when fitted with a mechanical locking device in accordance with EN 13155.
- Always work from the load figure and the test conditions above; vacuum performance depends on the surface being handled.