Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifter FMVLA04-2T

Heavy-Duty Vacuum Lifting for Large Industrial Panels

The Aardwolf Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifting Attachment FMVLA04-2T has been engineered for businesses that routinely handle exceptionally large and heavy sheet materials. Combining a high-capacity vacuum lifting system with a standard forklift, the FMVLA04-2T enables operators to safely lift, transport, rotate and position loads weighing up to 2,000 kg (4,408 lb) without the need for specialised overhead cranes or complex lifting systems.

Designed for heavy industrial environments, this premium vacuum lifting attachment provides an efficient solution for handling oversized glass panels, natural stone slabs, engineered stone, precast concrete, steel plates, aluminium sheets, composite panels, timber products and other flat, non-porous materials.

By transforming an existing forklift into a sophisticated vacuum lifting machine, the FMVLA04-2T helps businesses maximise the utilisation of existing equipment while dramatically improving productivity and workplace safety.

Built for the Most Demanding Material Handling Applications

Modern manufacturing and construction increasingly involve handling larger and heavier materials than ever before.  Architectural glass continues to increase in size.  Porcelain slabs are now produced in dimensions exceeding three metres.  Natural stone blocks are processed into larger slabs to reduce waste. Precast concrete panels continue to grow in both size and weight.

The FMVLA04-2T has been specifically developed to meet these changing industry requirements.

Its robust construction and high-capacity vacuum system provide confidence when handling valuable materials that may weigh several tonnes while maintaining precise control throughout every lifting operation.

Designed for Large Format Materials

The FMVLA04-2T accommodates sheet materials measuring up to 3000 × 3000 mm, making it suitable for today's increasingly popular large-format products. Typical materials include:

• Granite slabs
• Marble slabs
• Quartz slabs
• Engineered stone
• Porcelain slabs
• Sintered stone
• Float glass
• Laminated safety glass
• Tempered glass
• Curtain wall panels
• Aluminium sheets
• Stainless steel plates
• Mild steel plates
• Composite panels
• Fibre cement boards
• Timber sheets
• Laminated panels
• Plastic sheets
• Precast concrete panels

Its versatility allows manufacturers to handle multiple product types using a single lifting attachment.

2-Tonne Working Load Limit

One of the defining characteristics of the FMVLA04-2T is its impressive 2,000 kg working load limit, making it suitable for applications beyond the capabilities of conventional forklift-mounted vacuum lifters.  The generous lifting capacity allows operators to safely move:

• Jumbo stone slabs
• Architectural glazing panels
• Structural steel plates
• Large precast concrete components
• Heavy composite panels
• Industrial fabrication materials

For companies working with oversized products, the FMVLA04-2T provides a practical alternative to expensive dedicated lifting equipment.

Advanced Vacuum Technology

The lifting performance of the FMVLA04-2T is based on a high-capacity industrial vacuum system designed for continuous commercial operation.

The system incorporates a THOMAS VTE 10 vacuum motor delivering:

• Vacuum flow: 10 m³/hour
• Motor: 24V AC – 30A
• Vacuum level: 150 mbar absolute

This industrial-grade vacuum pump provides consistent suction throughout extended operating periods, ensuring reliable handling of heavy materials.

Powerful Lithium Battery System

The FMVLA04-2T operates independently from the forklift using its own integrated 24V 100Ah lithium battery. This provides several operational advantages:

• No external power cables
• No compressed air supply
• Freedom of movement
• Consistent vacuum performance
• Low maintenance
• Reduced operating costs

Battery performance includes:

• Standby time exceeding 100 hours
• Approximately 1,000 charging cycles
• Typical charging time of five hours
• Up to three hours of continuous vacuum pump operation

This allows the attachment to support demanding production schedules while maintaining dependable vacuum performance.

Remote-Controlled 90° Rotation and Tilting

Large sheet materials require accurate positioning during loading, fabrication and installation.  The FMVLA04-2T features electrically operated 90-degree rotation and tilting, controlled using a wireless remote handset.  Operators can safely rotate materials between horizontal and vertical positions without manual handling.

Typical applications include:

• Loading CNC machines
• Glass processing equipment
• Stone bridge saws
• Polishing lines
• Storage racks
• Installation frames
• Transport stillages

Remote operation allows personnel to remain outside the immediate lifting area while maintaining complete control of the load.

Adjustable Vacuum Pad Configuration

Every lifting application presents different challenges. The FMVLA04-2T incorporates adjustable vacuum pads that can be repositioned to accommodate varying sheet sizes and weight distributions. Advantages include:

• Improved load balance
• Greater lifting stability
• Reduced material stress
• Faster setup

·       Better handling of irregular panel sizes

The adjustable configuration ensures optimal vacuum pad placement for maximum lifting efficiency.

Automatic Vacuum Pressure Control

Maintaining vacuum pressure is essential when lifting heavy materials.  The FMVLA04-2T continuously monitors vacuum pressure throughout every lift.  If vacuum pressure begins to decrease, the intelligent control system automatically restarts the vacuum pump to restore the required operating level.

Automatic pressure regulation provides:

• Continuous vacuum protection
• Reduced operator workload
• Improved lifting reliability
• Enhanced workplace safety

Comprehensive Safety Features

Aardwolf places operator safety at the centre of every lifting system. The FMVLA04-2T incorporates multiple independent safety features, including:

• Audio Warning Alarm:  Alerts operators immediately if vacuum pressure changes.
• Visual Warning Indicators:  Provide continuous monitoring of system status.
• Remote-Control Operation:  Keeps operators away from suspended loads.
• Safety Chain Attachment:  Secures the attachment firmly to the forklift during operation.
• Automatic Vacuum Recovery:  Maintains adequate vacuum pressure without operator intervention.

Together these systems help reduce operational risks while improving confidence when handling valuable materials.

Improve Productivity

Compared with conventional lifting methods, the FMVLA04-2T significantly improves operational efficiency.

Benefits include:

• Faster loading
• Reduced labour costs
• Less manual handling
• Improved workflow
• Reduced material damage
• Better utilisation of forklifts
• Lower equipment investment

Rather than purchasing dedicated slab handling machinery, businesses can often use their existing forklift fleet together with the FMVLA04-2T.

Applications

The FMVLA04-2T is widely used in:

• Stone Fabrication: Transporting granite, marble, quartz and porcelain slabs.
• Glass Manufacturing:  Handling oversized glazing panels safely.
• Metal Fabrication: Moving heavy steel and aluminium plates.
• Precast Concrete: Transporting architectural concrete panels.
• Building Construction:  Installing façade systems and curtain wall components.
• Warehousing: Loading and unloading heavy sheet materials.
• Manufacturing: Moving large industrial components efficiently throughout production.

Why Choose the FMVLA04-2T?

Unlike chains, clamps and lifting magnets, the FMVLA04-2T provides:

• Greater versatility
• Safer lifting
• Better load control
• Improved positioning accuracy
• Reduced surface damage
• Faster production
• Lower operating costs

It is particularly valuable where heavy, finished materials require careful handling without scratches, chips or distortion.

Why Choose Aardwolf?

For more than thirty years, Aardwolf has developed innovative lifting equipment trusted by professional fabricators, manufacturers and contractors throughout the world.

Every Aardwolf product is designed around three principles:

• Safety
• Productivity
• Reliability

The FMVLA04-2T continues this tradition by combining proven engineering with advanced vacuum technology to deliver dependable heavy-duty lifting performance in demanding industrial environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum lifting capacity?

The FMVLA04-2T has a working load limit of 2,000 kg (4,408 lb) when used on suitable non-porous materials and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

What materials can it lift?

The system is suitable for glass, stone, porcelain, steel, aluminium, concrete panels, composite materials, timber sheets and other flat, non-porous materials.

Does it require compressed air?

No. The attachment uses its own integrated battery-powered vacuum system, allowing complete independence from external air supplies.

Can it be fitted to existing forklifts?

Yes. The FMVLA04-2T is designed to mount securely onto standard forklift tines using an integrated safety chain system.

Why Buy the FMVLA04-2T?

The Aardwolf FMVLA04-2T is a premium heavy-duty vacuum lifting attachment developed for companies handling large-format sheet materials where safety, precision and productivity are critical. Combining a 2-tonne lifting capacity, intelligent vacuum management, wireless remote control, adjustable vacuum pads and robust industrial construction, it enables businesses to transform a standard forklift into a highly capable vacuum lifting system while reducing manual handling, improving workflow and protecting valuable materials.