Vacuum Lifters: Technology, Applications & Selection at a Glance

Anyone who needs to move heavy glass panes, stone slabs or metal panels without damaging them quickly runs into the limits of chains, slings and hooks. Vacuum lifters solve this problem — they grip the load across its full surface without damaging edges, distributing force evenly over the entire area. This guide explains how they work, what types are available, and what to look for when choosing one.

A vacuum lifter is a lifting device that grips loads using negative pressure. Air is extracted at the contact surface between the suction pad and the workpiece. The resulting pressure differential creates the holding force. The larger the suction area and the higher the vacuum, the heavier the load that can be handled.

The basic principle is simple — the technical implementation is not. Industrial vacuum lifters for loads from 200 kg upwards operate with multiple suction circuits, integrated vacuum pumps, pressure monitors and safety valves. A pressure drop in the system automatically triggers an alarm and prevents the load from being released in an uncontrolled way.

Distinction from a glass lifter: The term "glass lifter" describes the same type of device but refers to the classic application in glass construction. Vacuum lifter is the technically correct umbrella term and covers all materials handled — glass, stone, metal, concrete.

Hand-Guided Vacuum Lifters

For loads up to approx. 400 kg. Two to four operators guide the device manually. Used mainly for ground-level installation of natural stone, large-format tiles or small glass panes. No crane coupling required.

Crane-Mounted Vacuum Lifters (Glass Lifting Beam Systems)

The main category for façade and structural construction. The device is hung from the load hook of a mini crane, roto telehandler or mobile crane. Typical load capacities range from 500 kg to 3,000 kg. Modern systems allow stepless rotation and tilting of the load — important for millimetre-precise positioning of façade elements.

Key features of crane-mounted systems:

• Multi-circuit vacuum system: if one suction circuit fails, the others hold the load

• Integrated battery backup: maintains the vacuum even if the pump stops

• Radio remote control: the operator can guide the load from the optimal position without direct contact

• Tilt and rotation function: the pane is aligned directly at the installation point

Vacuum Lifters for Telehandlers

Roto telehandlers (e.g. the Manitou MRT series) can be combined with vacuum lifters via the quick-change system. The telehandler provides lift height and reach, while the vacuum lifter provides a secure grip. On construction sites without space for a crane, this combination is the most economical solution.

The key parameters to consider when choosing a vacuum lifter:

• Rated load capacity: Maximum load in kg — always choose with a safety factor of ≥ 2:1 relative to the actual load

• Suction area: Determines the achievable holding force; larger panes require more suction heads

• Vacuum depth: Stated in mbar; the deeper the vacuum, the higher the holding force per cm²

• Number of suction circuits: At least two for safety-relevant applications (BGV D8, VUV)

• Rotation range: 0–360° on modern systems

• Tilt angle: ±90° allows both horizontal and vertical lifting

• Power supply: 230 V mains, 24 V battery or pneumatic

• Dead weight: Relevant for the remaining load capacity of the crane

Glass Construction and Façade Installation

The classic field of application. Triple glazing for office buildings weighs 380–600 kg depending on format, and special panes for lobbies and showrooms regularly exceed 800 kg. These loads cannot be positioned without damage using manual force, lifting slings or simple crane hooks. A crane-mounted vacuum lifter grips the pane flush, and the operator rotates it by radio control into the installation position.

Natural Stone and Large-Format Tiles

Stone slabs from 600 × 600 mm at 30 mm thickness can weigh over 50 kg per piece for granite. Conventional installation is physically demanding and error-prone. Vacuum lifters enable precise placement without chips or scratches on the polished surface.

Machine Relocation and Industrial Assembly

Smooth machine components, steel plates or stainless steel covers can be moved with a vacuum lifter faster and with less personnel than with conventional lifting equipment. Prerequisite: the surface must be sufficiently airtight to build up adequate vacuum.

Solar Panel Installation

Solar modules are fragile, lightweight and offer no mechanical gripping points. Vacuum lifters are the standard tool for installing large photovoltaic systems.

Step 1 – Determine load and geometry
Establish the weight and dimensions of the heaviest planned load. Weight × 2 = minimum rated load capacity of the vacuum lifter.

Step 2 – Check the surface condition
Vacuum lifters only work on airtight, smooth surfaces. Raw cast concrete, coarsely textured glass or porous natural stone can prevent the required vacuum depth from being reached. Manufacturer data sheets specify suitable materials.

Step 3 – Match the lifting equipment
The vacuum lifter is always an attachment. The carrying system — mini crane, roto telehandler or mobile crane — must be able to bear the combined weight of the load and the lifter's own dead weight. For roto telehandlers, the reduced load chart with attachment must be taken into account.

Step 4 – Clarify safety requirements
For loads over people or in public areas, the requirements of the VUV apply. At least two independent vacuum circuits and a holding-time test before each use are mandatory.

Step 5 – Decide between renting and buying
If you only need a vacuum lifter for individual projects, renting is more economical. Purchase costs for crane-mounted systems range from CHF 15,000 to CHF 60,000, depending on specification. For a single construction site under your own management, renting pays off from day one.

The relevant basis for vacuum lifters in commercial use is the VUV (Verordnung über die Sicherheit von Aufzugsanlagen / vacuum lifters as load-suspension devices with negative pressure). Key requirements:

• Before each use: a holding-time test with the planned load; the vacuum may only drop minimally within a defined period

• At least two independent suction circuits for loads passing over people

• Regular inspection by a qualified person (at least annually, per VUV)

• Operating instructions and operator briefing before use begins

• PPE for all persons in the load area

Luibl Rental supplies rented systems with current inspection certificates and, on request, advises on the necessary on-site safety measures.

Renting makes sense when:

• Vacuum lifters are only needed for one or a few projects

• Different loads and glass formats require different suction heads

• No crane of your own is available — Luibl rents mini cranes and vacuum lifters as a combined package

• You want to conserve investment capital

Buying is worthwhile when:

• There is continuous utilisation with similar loads

• You have your own crane fleet and a fixed application profile

• There are special requirements that no standard rental unit can meet

Which surfaces are suitable for vacuum lifters?
Smooth, non-porous and airtight surfaces: float glass, polished natural stone, painted metal, stainless steel, ceramic. Not suitable: rough concrete, textured glass, open-pored sandstone.

Can I use a vacuum lifter without a crane?
Yes — for loads up to approx. 400 kg there are hand-guided systems operated by two to four people without lifting equipment. For heavier loads, a crane or telehandler is required as the carrying unit.

How long does the vacuum hold if the pump fails?
Modern systems have an integrated battery backup. The holding time without an active pump is 30–60 minutes depending on the system — enough to set the load down in a controlled manner.

What does it cost to rent a vacuum lifter?
Rental costs depend on load capacity, equipment and rental duration. At Luibl, you can request a combined offer for a vacuum lifter and a matching crane or roto telehandler.

Do I need a special permit to use one?
No — but a risk assessment and operating instructions in accordance with ArGV 3 are mandatory for commercial use. Luibl is happy to advise on this.

Vacuum lifter expertise within the Luibl Group comes from Uplifter — a specialist with over 20 years of experience in glass lifting technology, part of the Luibl Group since early 2026. Uplifter develops and manufactures the UPG series itself and rents it out across Switzerland, with an operator on request.

The UPG models are silicone-free glass lifters with a two-circuit vacuum system, mains-independent battery power (up to 8 hours of operation) and an audible vacuum-loss warning. All models are designed for crane use and can be combined directly with Maeda mini cranes.

Uplifter UPG model overview:

• UPG 300 — up to 300 kg load capacity, approx. 40 kg dead weight; outer suction cups adjustable for curved panes; removable cups usable as individual hand lifters

• UPG 350 — up to 350 kg load capacity, approx. 43 kg dead weight; manual tilt 90°, rotation 360° (45° increments); 12 V battery with LED charge indicator

• UPG 450 — up to 450 kg (6 suction cups), approx. 57 kg dead weight; slim design; up to 8 hours of operation; ergonomic hand-slide valve

• UPG 600 — up to 600 kg (8 suction cups), approx. 89 kg dead weight; radio remote control optional; continuous vacuum monitoring with automatic re-pumping on pressure drop

• UPG 1000 — up to 1,000 kg (10 suction cups), approx. 126 kg dead weight; modular design with extension arms for large-format elements; two-circuit system

• UPG 1200 — up to 1,200 kg load capacity, approx. 150 kg (without tilt unit); depth of only 265 mm; radio remote control as standard; crane eyes for use behind scaffolding; quick-change system for combination with the GW1125 glass lifting hoist

All UPG models feature silicone-free suction pads (300 mm diameter) that leave no marks on the glass surface — important for visible façade elements and polished materials.

Luibl Rental rents out vacuum lifters as attachments for mini cranes (Maeda crawler cranes) and roto telehandlers (Manitou MRT series). The combination of a compact crane and UPG vacuum lifter is particularly well suited to confined indoor spaces, façade projects and glass installations in city centres — wherever a large mobile crane has no room to set up.

For vacuum lifter needs without a crane, Uplifter is available as a sister brand: rental and purchase, short-term, throughout Switzerland, with a trained operator on request.

All rented systems are supplied with current inspection certificates.

→ Rent a mini crane — Maeda crawler cranes, combinable with Uplifter UPG glass lifters
→ Rent a roto telehandler — Manitou MRT with vacuum lifter attachment
→ Rent Uplifter vacuum lifters — UPG models 300 to 1200 kg, with or without operator
→ Contact and quote request