Vacuum lifters are unique and ultra-effective solutions for a number of common lifting challenges. But when, and how, might a business use a vacuum lifter to its advantage?
In this guide we’ll take a closer look at how your business might use vacuum handling systems to increase productivity and profitability.
What are vacuum lifters and crane systems?
Vacuum lifters are a class of lifting machine that uses suction to secure and move loads. These machines can either come in permanently installed forms, or battery powered vacuum lifters that can be moved around an area.
Vacuum lifters connect to a load via large suction pads, which are then connected to flexible tubes that provide the vacuum. Vacuum-assisted lifting devices are particularly effective at picking up flat, smooth and otherwise awkward materials such as glass and sheet metal, but can be used on a wide array of loads, including concrete, timber, cardboard, and even flexible plastic bags and curved barrels and pipes.
What are the benefits of vacuum handling systems?
In certain situations, vacuum material handling systems offer a number of perks when compared to a standard crane or hoist system. A few of the most compelling include:
- Lifting tricky loads: Heavy yet fragile, smooth yet sharp materials like glass and metal are particularly tricky to lift with a traditional crane, but are simple to lift with a vacuum lifter or a lifting jib crane.
- Speed and efficiency: No rigging, no worries; vacuum lifters more or less attach themselves to a load, and can be detached in moments by releasing the vacuum.
- A lower chance of damage: Vacuum lifters, mounted on a gantry crane, spread the weight of the load across the suction pads to minimize the likelihood of damage, which makes them ideal for brittle, fragile items like glass.
- Worker safety: Vacuum lifters remove the temptation for workers to manually shift awkward loads. They also grant you more control over a load.
- Greater productivity: From faster movement of goods to reduced labor costs, vacuum lifters used with a portable lifting crane can greatly enhance the productivity and profitability of your business.
How to increase productivity with vacuum lifting
Identify the right vacuum lifter for your business
The perfect vacuum handling system will depend on your needs and wants and the realities of your workplace. Speak to a vacuum lifting professional to understand which system is best for your situation.
Consider worker safety and ergonomics
Once you’ve identified the right vacuum handling system, consider installation. You want to configure your vacuum lifter in a way that maximises worker safety and ergonomics, both to protect team members and to make them more productive.
Establish best practices
Worker safety and productivity is also highly dependent on training. Once a vacuum lifter is installed, develop best practices and ensure your entire team understands them and are crystal clear on their individual responsibilities.
Streamline material handling processes
As you begin to utilise your new vacuum handling system, look for ways to optimise it, to allow for quicker, safer and more productive operation
ENABLING NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES TO WORK SMARTER, QUICKER AND SAFER
While vacuum lifters can be game-changing machines for material handling businesses, that’s only true when the right one is chosen and implemented well, which can be a challenge with such a specialised machine.
Unless, that is, you work with Stratalign.
We do the heavy lifting for you. Having spent years helping Kiwi businesses with their vacuum lifting needs, we have the knowledge and experience to help you find a cushion solution that will have you working smarter, faster and safer.
