Aardwolf Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifting Attachment - FMVLA

The vacuum pads are designed for easy adjustments, ensuring a secure grip. A pressure control system is in place to automatically activate the vacuum pump when the pressure drops below the allowed limit. Powered by an Australian Standard AS4991-2004 battery, this system ensures reliable operation. For enhanced safety, an audio/visual safety system is integrated. It is seamlessly connected to a forklift through a safe chain system, allowing for efficient and secure lifting. This versatile lifting solution proves to be cost-effective, surpassing the limitations of magnets and outperforming clamps or slings, ultimately boosting productivity.

What our Experts Think

• Forklift + Vacuum Power Combo: The Aardwolf FMVLA turns any compatible forklift into a high-performance vacuum lifting system, ideal for handling stone, glass, metal, concrete, timber, and large panels with minimal manual effort.
• High Load Handling Capacity: Built for serious industrial use, it supports up to 1,000 kg horizontal lifting and around 760 kg vertical lifting, making it suitable for heavy slab and sheet material handling in fabrication environments.
• Precision 90° Rotation & Tilt: Remote-controlled operation enables smooth 90-degree rotation and tilting, allowing safe positioning of large sheets during loading, unloading, and installation tasks.
• Adjustable Vacuum Pad System: Multiple suction pads can be repositioned easily to match different slab sizes and surface conditions, improving grip stability and flexibility.
• Integrated Safety Systems: Includes audio-visual vacuum monitoring, automatic pump activation, and pressure control systems, helping reduce risk and improve operator confidence.
• Fork-Mounted Flexibility: Installs directly onto standard forklift tines with a secure chain system, eliminating the need for permanent crane infrastructure while maximizing equipment utility.
• Industrial Workflow Booster: Designed for high-volume fabrication and installation work, it significantly reduces manual handling, improving speed, safety, and productivity

Q&A

Q: What is the Aardwolf Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifting Attachment (FMVLA)?
A: A heavy-duty forklift-mounted vacuum lifting system designed to safely lift, rotate, and handle large sheet materials such as stone, glass, metal, concrete, timber, and laminates.

Q: What is its lifting capacity?
A: Up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lb) horizontally and around 760 kg vertically, depending on configuration and load type.

Q: What does it attach to?
A: It mounts directly onto standard forklift tines using a secure chain system, turning a forklift into a vacuum lifting machine.

Q: What materials can it handle?
A: Suitable for non-porous and semi-porous sheet materials including stone slabs, glass panels, steel sheets, concrete slabs, plastics, and timber boards.

Q: Does it rotate or tilt materials?
A: Yes. It features 90° powered rotation/tilting controlled via remote for precise positioning and safe installation.

Q: What safety features are included?
A: Audio/visual warning system, automatic vacuum pressure control, and battery-backed safety monitoring ensure secure operation during lifting.

Q: What makes it useful in production environments?
A: It increases lifting efficiency, reduces manual handling risk, and performs faster and more safely than clamps, slings, or magnets for sheet handling tasks.

Maintenance Tips

• Inspect vacuum pads before each use for wear, cuts, cracks, or surface contamination that may reduce suction performance.
• Clean pads and contact surfaces regularly to remove dust, slurry, oil, and stone residue for optimal grip.
• Check vacuum hoses, fittings, and connections for leaks, damage, or loose fittings.
• Test the vacuum pump, gauges, and alarm system before operation to ensure proper function.
• Inspect forklift fork pockets and locking mechanisms to ensure secure attachment and correct alignment.
• Verify the integrity of the frame, lifting arms, and mounting points for cracks, bending, or corrosion.
• Ensure the forklift used is compatible with the attachment’s load rating and operating requirements.
• Never exceed the rated lifting capacity or use on unsuitable porous or uneven surfaces.
• Monitor the condition of seals, valves, and filters, and replace them when worn or damaged.
• Store the attachment in a dry, protected area to prevent rust and deterioration of components.
• Remove damaged pads or faulty vacuum components from service immediately and replace with approved parts.