Vacuum Lifting and Crane Systems

Vacuum lifting equipment uses suction (via vacuum pads or heads) to lift, move, rotate, tip or place loads without the mechanical gripping or physical handling normally required. The idea is to make handling heavy, awkward or delicate items safer and more efficient. Packline’s “Vac-Line” vacuum lifters are made in the UK and designed for a wide variety of industries including food, pharmaceutical, medical, FMCG, warehousing, manufacturing and more.

Typical benefits include:

• Improved safety & ergonomics — Reducing manual lifting means less risk of injury and fatigue.
• Preservation of the load — Less chance of damage (tearing, crushing, marking) for sensitive or delicate items.
• Efficiency and speed — Faster pick-up, positioning and placement, saving time.
• Flexibility — Can often lift a range of shapes and materials with appropriate suction heads or pad configurations.
• Hygienic options — Stainless steel constructions, hygienic designs available for clean, food or pharmaceutical environments.

Vacuum lifting equipment offers powerful advantages for handling varied loads—boxes, panels, sacks, barrels, sheets—with less manual effort, higher precision, and safer working practices. Packline’s Vac-Line product range includes many solutions from lifting boxes and cartons to large sheets and panels, to barrel/keg handling, or sack emptying, each with options for stainless steel, bespoke pads, rotation/tilt and different mounting styles.

If you’re considering vacuum lifting, start by clearly specifying your load types, weight, surface conditions, required reach, mounting constraints, and hygiene needs. A good supplier and partner like Packline can then help tailor a solution that improves efficiency, safety, and fits your operational environment.

When thinking of acquiring (or upgrading) a vacuum lifting system, keep the following factors in mind:

1. Load Type, Material & Surface
   • The shape, weight, surface finish and rigidity of what you’re lifting affect suction pad design (size, material, flexibility).
   • Smooth, non-porous surfaces work best for vacuum; porous or irregular surfaces might require special pad materials or seal designs.
2. Capacity & Reach
   • What is the maximum weight you will lift? Packline start with 25-100 kg standard for many units; with higher capacities when needed.
   • How far must the lifting arm or reach extend? Floor, wall, ceiling or crane/hoist mounted all have different constraints.
3. Mounting & Mobility
   • Is it fixed (floor/wall), overhead, crane-mounted, or portable (on counterbalance base, forklift mount etc.)?
   • Mobility can be important if you need to move the equipment to different locations.
4. Power & Controls
   • What vacuum pump/power supply is needed? Some need electricity, DC, single-phase, etc.; some need compressed air for rotation or tilting.
   • Control systems (on/off, rotation/tilt control, safety interlocks) and safety standards (CE, UKCA) are essential.
5. Hygiene & Clean Room Considerations
   • If used in food, pharma or medical settings, stainless steel, hygienic design, surfaces that are easy to clean, minimal nooks are very important. Packline provides stainless steel construction options.
6. Safety, Maintenance & Regulations
   • Vacuum systems must have fail-safe features to prevent accidental drop (loss of vacuum).
   • Regular maintenance of suction pads, seals, vacuum pump.
   • Documentation, risk assessments, staff training must accompany installation.

• Trial & Demo: Whenever possible, get a demonstration or trial using your actual load. That helps ensure suction pads grip well, reach is sufficient, and layout works.
• Specify for Peak Loads, Not Just Average: Design for the heaviest use case plus margin.
• Consider Multiple Heads / Pads: For large or irregular items, using multiple suction heads or a modular pad array helps distribute load and get reliable lift.
• Rotation & Tilt: If your process requires flipping, rotating or tilting materials, specify these capabilities up front—some models provide 180° or full 360° rotation.
• Ease of Cleaning: In hygienic environments, ability to wash down, smooth surfaces, and use of stainless steel will reduce contamination risk.
• Spare Parts & Support: Pads, seals wear; make sure replacements are available, that the supplier offers maintenance and service. Packline handles design, manufacture and support in the UK.

• High-Quality Engineering
  Designed with precision and durability, our vacuum lifters ensure reliable, long-lasting performance in demanding industrial environments.
• UK Designed and Manufactured
  All Packline vacuum lifting systems are designed and manufactured in the UK, ensuring strict quality control and fast lead times.
• Custom Solutions for Every Application
  From food and pharmaceutical to manufacturing and packaging, we provide tailored vacuum lifters to meet your specific handling needs.
• Robust and Ergonomic Design
  Engineered for both operator safety and ease of use, reducing strain and improving productivity in the workplace.
• Versatile Lifting Capabilities
  Lift a wide range of materials including boxes, sacks, panels, and drums — ideal for diverse industrial settings.
• Enhanced Safety Features
  Integrated safety systems and fail-safe vacuum technology provide peace of mind for both operators and managers.
• Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Uptime
  Our vacuum lifting systems are designed for low maintenance and continuous operation, helping you avoid costly downtime.
• Compact and Space-Saving Systems
  Designed to fit into your workflow without disrupting existing operations — ideal for factories, warehouses, and clean rooms.
• Trusted Industry Experience
  With over 30 years of material handling expertise, Packline is a trusted partner for businesses across the UK and beyond.
• Sustainable and Efficient Solutions
  Our energy-efficient vacuum systems help reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

• Improves Workplace Safety
  Reduces the risk of manual handling injuries by allowing operators to lift heavy or awkward items with minimal physical effort.
• Boosts Productivity and Efficiency
  Speeds up lifting, moving, and positioning tasks, helping your team complete jobs faster and more effectively.
• Ideal for a Wide Range of Applications
  Perfect for handling materials such as boxes, sacks, glass panels, wooden boards, sheet metal, drums, and more.
• Suitable for Hygienic and Clean Room Environments
  Vacuum lifters can be used in food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical industries thanks to their clean, contact-free handling.
• Reduces Product Damage
  Gentle vacuum lifting prevents crushing, tearing, or other damage to delicate or high-value goods.
• User-Friendly and Ergonomic Operation
  Designed for ease of use, improving operator comfort and reducing fatigue during repetitive lifting tasks.
• Enhances Workflow in Industrial and Commercial Settings
  Commonly used in manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, logistics, and construction environments.
• Adaptable to Various Load Sizes and Shapes
  Vacuum systems can be customised with different suction heads to accommodate unique load requirements.
• Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient
  Minimises manual labour needs and downtime, while offering low power consumption for ongoing savings.
• Space-Saving Lifting Solutions
  Compact design allows integration into tight spaces or existing production lines without major modifications.