Suction lifter
A suction lifter (or suction pad) is a form of suction cup used for commercial and industrial lifting operations. In the construction industry, they are often used to move large, smooth objects such as glass panes, fixtures such as kitchen countertops, floor tiles, and so on. They are commonly hand-operated, although they can also operate on a hoist.
Suction lifters follow the same principle as a suction cup, maintaining a vacuum between the surface to be lifted and a flexible material such as rubber. The vacuum is created by pushing a lever or handle on the suction cup.
Their load carrying capacity is dependent on the type, size and number of suction cups, and the lifting mechanism. Typical safe working loads for hand operated suction lifters range from 10kg to 60kg per lifter, with lifters formed from 1 to 4 suction cups. Hoist operated lifters can have from 1 to 50 or more suction cups and can lift well in excess of 1,000kg.
They work best against very flat, smooth surfaces, but can also be congfigured to lift other shapes, such as curves. Rougher textured surfaces make the maintaining of a vacuum more difficult
Lower atmospheric pressures also make it more difficult to stick to surfaces.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.