Vacuum lifters for kerbs, special slabs and pipes: 2025 technical guide

Introduction

In modern building and industrial work, the use of professional vacuum lifters for material handling is one of the safest, most ergonomic and most efficient ways of laying and transporting heavy and delicate elements. In particular, kerb lifters, special slab lifters and pipe lifters are indispensable tools for roadworks, the laying of precast elements, pipework and paving installation.

This technical guide helps you choose the right vacuum lifter, setting out the technical characteristics, the standards as updated for 2025 and the best operational applications.

1. Kerb lifters: safety in road laying

Kerb lifters are designed for handling and laying concrete or stone kerbs, commonly used in the construction of pavements, road edges and traffic islands.

Technical characteristics:

• Power supply: manual, battery-powered or compressed-air models.
• Capacity: from 50 kg up to 250 kg and beyond.
• Technical rubber suction pads: wear-resistant, with a strong hold even on slightly porous surfaces.
• Compatibility: can be used on mini excavators and lifting devices, or in manual mode.

Reference standards:

• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
• EN 13155:2020: non-fixed lifting equipment – gripping devices.
• D.Lgs. 81/2008: safety of operators on construction sites.

Benefits:

• Lower risk of musculoskeletal injury.
• Greater laying precision.
• Installation times cut by up to 70%.

2. Special slab lifters: precision and material protection

Special slab lifters are designed for the safe handling of fragile or large-sized materials, such as glass, marble, granite, porcelain stoneware, composite panels and precast concrete slabs.

Technical characteristics:

• Controlled vacuum system with an electric pump or venturi.
• Modular structure with adjustable arms to suit the shape and size of the slab.
• Anti-release systems with safety valves and accumulators to maintain the vacuum even in the event of a power failure.

Standards:

• EN 13155 and ISO 12480-1
• CE certification is mandatory for non-mechanical gripping devices.

Applications:

• Installations on site and in the factory.
• Handling with cranes, overhead travelling cranes and robot-mounted vacuum lifters for construction.
• Installation on ventilated facades, floating floors and architectural cladding.

3. Pipe lifters: efficiency in underground and water networks

Pipe lifters are devices designed to lift and position concrete, PVC and steel pipes, or pipes made of composite materials, safely. They are useful on sites for sewers, water mains, gas networks and drainage.

Characteristics:

• Adjustable arms and concave suction plates, ideal for adapting to the curvature of the pipes.
• Capacity: up to 2 tonnes, depending on the model.
• Can be used on excavators, skid-steer loaders and truck-mounted cranes.
• Radio-controlled models are available, or models with controls integrated into the lifting equipment.

Safety and standards:

• EN 13155, Machinery Directive, CE marking.
• Sensors for monitoring vacuum integrity.
• Fall-prevention devices and controlled-release systems.

Benefits:

• Prevents damage to the pipes.
• Allows precise laying even in deep trenches or confined spaces.
• Significantly reduces the need for manual labour.

4. Certifications and regulatory obligations in 2025

5. How to choose the right vacuum lifter

Here are the technical criteria to consider before buying:

• Type of material to be lifted (kerb, slab, pipe)
• Surface of the material (smooth, porous, curved)
• Working environment (indoor/outdoor, humidity, extreme temperatures)
• Frequency of use (occasional or continuous)
• Compatibility with the machines you already have
• Availability of local service and spare parts in your area

Conclusion

Professional vacuum lifters for handling kerbs, slabs and pipes are indispensable tools for improving productivity, increasing safety on construction sites and ensuring fast, precise laying. Thanks to the new 2025 standards, it is now possible to choose equipment that is even more reliable, certified and suited to every type of site.

👉 Visit our online shop and discover the best certified vacuum lifters for construction and industry!