Top 3 Vacuum Cladding Lifters for Construction

In the world of construction, efficiency and safety are essential. 

Cladding lifters play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

These specialised machines are designed to handle the lifting and installation of cladding materials, contributing significantly to the speed, precision, and safety of construction projects. 

In this article, we will delve into the top three vacuum cladding lifters available to buy from HIRD Sales, providing a comprehensive overview of each product and discussing their features, benefits, and potential applications. 

Read on to gain advice to help you make an informed decision on vacuum cladding lifters for your next construction project.

What Are Vacuum Cladding Lifters? 

Vacuum cladding lifters are specialised machines used in the construction industry to handle cladding materials. These lifters utilise advanced vacuum technology to create a secure and powerful grip on various cladding materials, such as metal, glass, and composite panels.

This technology means that the materials are safely and efficiently lifted and installed onto buildings, minimising the risk of damage and enhancing safety for workers.

The vacuum system consists of suction pads that attach to the surface of the cladding material, creating a strong hold that allows for precise positioning during installation. These machines are particularly valuable for handling large and heavy panels that would be difficult to manage with traditional lifting methods.

By using vacuum cladding lifters, construction projects can achieve faster installation times, improved safety, and higher quality results. They are an essential tool for modern construction practices, enabling efficient and effective handling of cladding materials on a variety of building types and sizes.

Essential Key Features of Vacuum Cladding Lifters

When selecting a vacuum cladding lifter, several important features should be evaluated:

  1. Lifting Capacity: Indicates the maximum weight the lifter can safely manage.
  2. Operational Mechanism: Describes whether the lifter functions manually or automatically.
  3. Versatility: Composite panels and/or roof and wall cladding panels can handle various cladding materials, such as metal panels and glass.
  4. Ergonomic Design and User-Friendly Controls: Ensures operator comfort and easy handling.
  5. Safety Features: Advanced safety mechanisms, including alarms and sensors, are crucial.
  6. After-Sales Support: Reliable customer service, including post-purchase support and training, is vital for effective operation.
  7. Wireless & Remote Control: Allows for remote operation, enhancing safety and convenience.

Advantages of Using Vacuum Cladding Lifters

  1. Accelerated Installation: Decreases on-site time, saving money and allowing other contractors to begin work sooner.
  2. Reduced Workforce: Minimises the number of required workers, allowing better personnel allocation for other projects.
  3. Enhanced Safety: Secure load handling with firm grip, load safety monitoring, and dual vacuum circuits.
  4. Lower Fatigue and Injury Rates: Eliminates the need for manual heavy lifting and complex tilting of insulated cladding panels, reducing operator fatigue and injuries.
  5. Fewer Damages to Building Materials: Vacuum cladding lifters handle and place materials precisely, reducing scratches, dents, and damage, which lowers repair and replacement costs. 

Top 3 Cladding Lifters On the Market Available at Hird Sales

1. CL-W Cladding Lifter – Wireless Control

The CL-W model is a Cladding Vacuum Lifter specific for handling and laying wall panels and assembling cold rooms.

The advanced battery system controls energy consumption to maximise lifting performance between charges.

Safety is enhanced  on the CL-W Cladding Lifter with a dual-action command for load release so cladding panels are kept secure at all times.

  • Maximum Lift Capacity: 375kg
  • Weight of Lifter: 61kg
  • Number of Suction Pads: 1
  • Rotate and Tilt: 90 degrees
  • Suction Cup Dimension: 1,000x500mm
  • Structural Depth: 280mm
  • Power Source (inc. charger): Battery (110v on-board charger)

2. CL1-4 Cladding Lifter – Wireless Control

The CL1-4 Cladding Lifter is a very flexible vacuum lifter designed for lifting cladding and roofing sandwich panels.

Its cups are designed to lift micro-ribbed or trapezoidal panels used for cladding and roofing.

It is supplied with a transporting stand which can be used to store the cladding vacuum lifter when not in use.

  • Maximum. Lifting Capacity: 250kg
  • Weight of Lifter (Wall Config.): 118kg
  • Weight of Lifter (Two Extensions): 156kg
  • Weight of Lifter (All Extensions): 197kg
  • Number of Suction Pads: 4
  • Rotate: 360 degrees
  • Tilt: 90 degrees
  • Suction Cup Dimension: 800x1200mm
  • Structural Depth: 250mm
  • Power Source (inc. charger): Battery

3. CL1-6 Cladding Lifter – Wireless Control

The CL1-6 Cladding Lifter is an adaptable vacuum lifting device specifically engineered for lifting cladding and roofing sandwich panels.

It is capable of handling both micro-ribbed and trapezoidal panels. 

Additionally, it includes a transport stand for easy storage when not in operation.

  • Maximum Lifting Capacity: 400kg
  • Weight of Lifter (Wall Config.): 134kg
  • Weight of Lifter (Two Extensions): 178kg
  • Weight of Lifter (All Extensions): 213kg
  • Number of Suction Pads: 6
  • Rotate: 360 degrees
  • Tilt: 90 degrees
  • Suction Cup Dimension: 800x1200mm
  • Structural Depth: 250mm
  • Power Source (inc. charger): Battery

Vacuum Cladding Lifters Support and Training

After-sales support is crucial for resolving issues quickly and minimising downtime. Proper training ensures safe and efficient operation.

Hird Sales offers an RTITB Below the Hook Vacuum Lifter Training Course.

Course Details:

Certification: RTITB eCard for Apple and Android, valid for 3 years.
PDF certificate provided.

Duration: 1 Day

Audience: New operators, experienced, or needing refresher training.

Requirements: Good English, hand/eye coordination

Max Delegates: 6 per course

This training enhances safety and productivity in the workplace.

HIRD Sales provides the supply of OEM parts for your cladding lifter and offers service and maintenance to guarantee your vacuum cladding lifter stays in great shape for operation. Additionally, HIRD Sales offers paid LOLER checks to ensure your vacuum lifter adheres to LOLER regulations.

For more information on LOLER, please visit the HSE website.

Future Trends and Innovations in Vacuum Cladding Lifters

Vacuum cladding lifters have significantly increased in lifting capacity as cladding panels have become larger and heavier. This evolution is essential to meet the demands of modern construction projects, which often require handling substantial materials. The future of vacuum cladding lifters is promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing market demand.

As cladding panel manufacturers like Kingspan, Coverworld UK, and CSS Cladding develop new materials and sizes, vacuum lifters will need to adapt. New features such as automation and digitisation are enhancing efficiency and safety, making these machines more user-friendly. Automated systems precisely control the suction and release of cladding panels, reducing human error and improving safety. Digitisation allows real-time monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring optimal operation and reducing maintenance downtime.

The need for efficient and safe equipment like vacuum cladding lifters continues to grow. These lifters are essential tools in contemporary construction, offering significant benefits in efficiency, safety, and versatility. They enable quick and secure installation of cladding panels, speeding up the construction process while maintaining high standards of safety and precision.

Selecting the right vacuum cladding lifter can greatly improve a construction project’s productivity and safety. Factors such as lifting capacity, automation features, and ease of use should be considered to match specific project needs. With the right equipment, construction companies can achieve higher efficiency, reduce labour costs, and enhance overall safety.

Find out more about the full range of Righetti Cladding Lifters. Contact our technical sales team today.

Tel: 01482 481 960   Email: [email protected]