Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifting Attachments FMVLA

Heavy-Duty Vacuum Lifting for Forklifts

The Aardwolf Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifting Attachment (FMVLA) transforms a standard forklift into a highly efficient vacuum lifting system for handling large sheet materials safely and accurately. Designed for demanding industrial environments, the FMVLA combines a powerful battery-powered vacuum system with remote-controlled operation, allowing operators to lift, transport, rotate and position heavy panels while reducing manual handling and improving workplace safety.

Suitable for factories, warehouses, fabrication workshops and construction sites, the FMVLA provides an economical solution for businesses that regularly handle flat, non-porous materials such as granite, marble, engineered stone, porcelain slabs, steel sheets, aluminium panels, and precast concrete elements.

Instead of investing in specialised lifting machinery, companies can utilise their existing forklift fleet while gaining the versatility of a professional vacuum lifting system.

Increase Productivity While Improving Safety

Moving large sheet materials has always presented significant challenges. Traditional lifting methods using chains, slings or manual handling can be slow, labour intensive and increase the risk of product damage or workplace injuries.

The FMVLA eliminates many of these problems by securely gripping the load using vacuum technology. Once attached, the operator can safely transport the material while maintaining excellent control throughout the lifting operation.

The result is:

• Faster material handling
• Reduced labour requirements
• Improved operator safety
• Less risk of product damage
• Increased productivity
• Lower operating costs

For manufacturers processing hundreds of panels each week, these efficiency improvements can quickly translate into significant cost savings.

Designed for Versatile Material Handling

The FMVLA has been engineered to handle a wide variety of flat, smooth materials commonly used throughout manufacturing and construction industries.

Typical materials include:

• Glass sheets
• Float glass
• Laminated glass
• Tempered glass
• Marble slabs
• Granite slabs
• Quartz surfaces
• Engineered stone
• Porcelain slabs
• Ceramic panels
• Aluminium sheets
• Stainless steel
• Mild steel
• Composite panels
• Timber sheets
• Plywood
• Laminates
• Plastic sheets
• Fibre cement boards
• Precast concrete panels

This versatility allows one attachment to perform work that would otherwise require several specialised lifting devices.

Powerful Battery-Powered Vacuum System

At the heart of the FMVLA is an advanced vacuum generation system designed to provide dependable lifting performance throughout the working day.

The vacuum system incorporates a high-efficiency 24-volt brushless vacuum motor delivering an open airflow of approximately 102 litres per minute, while generating a maximum vacuum level of 680 mmHg.

Brushless motor technology offers numerous advantages over conventional motors:

• Longer service life
• Lower maintenance
• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduced operating noise
• Consistent vacuum performance

The vacuum system is continuously monitored during operation, ensuring that sufficient holding force is maintained throughout every lift.

High-Capacity Lithium Battery System

The FMVLA is powered by a 24V 100Ah lithium rechargeable battery, providing reliable operation without requiring external power or compressed air.

Lithium battery technology delivers numerous operational benefits:

• Long operating time
• Rapid recharging
• Stable voltage output
• Minimal maintenance
• Lightweight construction
• Extended battery life

The charging system is compatible with standard 110–220V AC electrical supplies, allowing convenient charging almost anywhere in the world. Each unit is supplied with a dedicated charging connector, while plug configurations can be customised to suit regional electrical standards.

For maximum battery life and performance, Aardwolf recommends using an approved smart charger specifically designed for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries.

Remote-Controlled 90° Tilting

One of the FMVLA's most valuable features is its electrically powered 90-degree tilting capability. Using the wireless remote control, operators can rotate materials from horizontal to vertical positions without manual intervention. This function is particularly valuable when:

• Loading processing machines
• Installing glass panels
• Positioning stone slabs
• Standing panels into storage racks
• Loading transport stillages

Remote operation also enables the operator to remain at a safe distance from suspended loads, improving overall workplace safety.

Adjustable Vacuum Pad Configuration

Different materials require different lifting positions.  The FMVLA features adjustable vacuum pads that can be repositioned quickly to suit varying sheet sizes and load configurations.

Benefits include:

• Better load balance
• Improved lifting stability
• Reduced material stress
• Greater flexibility
• Faster setup between jobs

This adaptability makes the attachment suitable for handling both standard production materials and custom-sized panels.

Intelligent Vacuum Monitoring

Maintaining vacuum pressure is critical to safe lifting. The FMVLA continuously monitors vacuum levels using an automatic pressure control system. Whenever vacuum pressure begins to fall below the preset operating threshold, the control system automatically activates the vacuum pump to restore full holding force.

This automatic operation provides:

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

Integrated Safety Systems

Safety is central to every Aardwolf lifting product. The FMVLA incorporates several layers of protection designed to minimise operational risk. Safety features include:

• Audio Warning Alarm. Alerts the operator if vacuum pressure falls below the safe operating level.
• Visual Warning Indicators. Clearly display system status during lifting operations.
• Automatic Vacuum Recovery. Maintains vacuum pressure without operator intervention.
• Forklift Safety Chain. The attachment connects securely to the forklift using an integrated safety chain system to prevent accidental movement during operation.

Together these systems help operators comply with safe lifting procedures while protecting both personnel and valuable materials.

Applications

The FMVLA is widely used throughout numerous industries, including:

• Stone Fabrication: Safely handling granite, marble, engineered stone and porcelain slabs.
• Glass Processing: Loading cutting tables, edging machines and storage racks.
• Metal Fabrication: Transporting stainless steel, aluminium and sheet metal.
• Construction: Handling façade panels, cladding, glazing and precast concrete components.
• Furniture making: Moving, plywood, laminates and composite boards.
• Warehousing: Loading and unloading large sheet materials safely and efficiently.

Advantages Over Conventional Lifting Methods

Compared with slings, clamps and lifting magnets, the FMVLA offers significant operational advantages.

Why Choose Aardwolf?

For over three decades, Aardwolf has earned an international reputation for designing innovative lifting equipment for the stone, glass and construction industries.

Customers in more than 100 countries rely on Aardwolf products because they deliver:

• Proven engineering
• Reliable performance
• Durable construction
• Comprehensive safety features
• Worldwide dealer support
• Long service life
• Excellent spare parts availability

Every product is designed with productivity, operator safety and long-term value in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can the FMVLA lift?

The FMVLA is designed for flat, non-porous materials including glass, stone, metal, timber panels, laminates, plastics and precast concrete.

Does the forklift require hydraulic modifications?

No. The attachment mounts directly onto standard forklift tines and operates independently using its own battery-powered vacuum system.

Is the battery rechargeable?

Yes. The integrated 24V lithium battery can be recharged using standard 110–220V AC power with the supplied charger.

Can one operator use the system?  

Yes. The remote-control operation enables a single trained operator to perform many lifting tasks safely and efficiently.

Why Buy the FMVLA?

Whether you operate a stone fabrication workshop, glazing business, manufacturing plant or construction company, the Aardwolf FMVLA provides a practical solution for lifting large sheet materials safely, efficiently and economically.

Its combination of battery-powered operation, intelligent vacuum monitoring, adjustable pad configuration and remote-controlled tilting makes it one of the most versatile forklift-mounted vacuum lifting systems available, helping businesses increase productivity while reducing manual handling risks and protecting valuable materials.