Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifter FMVLA

Compact Vacuum Lifting Designed for Precision Material Handling

The Aardwolf Fork Mounted Vacuum Lifting Attachment FMVLAC2 is a lightweight, battery-powered vacuum lifting system that converts a standard forklift into a highly efficient material handling solution for flat, non-porous sheet materials. Specifically developed for fabrication workshops, warehouses, glazing companies and construction sites, the FMVLAC2 offers exceptional lifting precision while maintaining the high safety standards expected from Aardwolf lifting equipment.

Unlike larger vacuum lifting systems intended for very heavy slabs, the FMVLAC2 is designed for lighter loads of up to 300 kg (660 lb), making it ideal for handling smaller stone pieces, porcelain panels, glass sheets, metal plates and engineered materials with speed and confidence. Its compact size allows operators to work efficiently in confined workshops and production areas while reducing manual lifting and improving workplace ergonomics.

A Practical Solution for Everyday Material Handling

Many fabrication shops regularly handle materials that are too heavy for safe manual lifting but do not require the capacity of large industrial vacuum lifters. The FMVLAC2 fills this important gap by providing a compact lifting attachment that is:

• Lightweight
• Easy to transport
• Simple to mount on a forklift
• Quick to operate
• Highly manoeuvrable
• Cost-effective

For businesses processing engineered stone, porcelain slabs, granite, marble or architectural glass, the FMVLAC2 significantly reduces operator fatigue while increasing production efficiency

Designed for Workshops and Job Sites

The FMVLAC2 has been developed for businesses requiring frequent handling of smaller panels and finished products. Typical applications include:

• Stone fabrication workshops
• Kitchen benchtop manufacturers
• Glass processors
• Aluminium fabricators
• Metal workshops
• Building contractors
• Joinery manufacturers
• Furniture factories
• Distribution warehouses
• Installation contractors

Its compact footprint makes it particularly valuable where space is limited and larger lifting equipment is impractical.

Three Independent Vacuum Pads

One of the defining features of the FMVLAC2 is its three-pad vacuum lifting system.  Each vacuum pad operates with its own dedicated:

• Vacuum valve
• Vacuum filter
• Sealing system

This independent configuration improves operational reliability while ensuring consistent vacuum performance across the entire lifting surface. Independent filters also reduce maintenance requirements by helping prevent contamination from affecting the complete vacuum circuit.

Excellent Control for Smaller Loads

Handling lighter panels often requires greater precision than lifting heavy slabs. The FMVLAC2 has been engineered to provide:

• Smooth lifting
• Stable transportation
• Accurate positioning
• Gentle placement
• Improved operator visibility

This makes the unit especially suitable for finished products where avoiding scratches, chips or surface damage is essential.

Wireless Remote Control

The FMVLAC2 includes a wireless remote-control system that enables operators to control lifting functions while standing at a safe distance from the load.  Remote operation provides several important advantages:

• Better visibility during lifting
• Reduced exposure beneath suspended loads
• Improved positioning accuracy
• Faster loading and unloading
• Greater workplace safety

The wide operating range allows the operator to maintain full control without standing immediately beside the material being handled.

Intelligent Vacuum Monitoring System

Safe vacuum lifting depends on maintaining adequate vacuum pressure throughout every lifting operation. The FMVLAC2 continuously monitors system pressure using an integrated electronic control box. The control system provides:

• Real-time vacuum pressure display
• Visual warning indicators
• Audible alarms
• Continuous system monitoring

Should vacuum pressure fall below the safe operating level, the operator receives immediate warning, allowing corrective action before lifting continues.

Lightweight Yet Robust Construction

Although designed as a compact vacuum lifter, the FMVLAC2 is built using durable industrial components suitable for daily commercial use.  Its robust construction combines:

• Heavy-duty aluminium structural members
• Industrial vacuum components
• Durable vacuum pads
• Quality electrical systems
• Corrosion-resistant finishes

The result is a machine capable of delivering dependable performance in demanding fabrication environments.

Tool-Free Vacuum Pad Adjustment

Different jobs require different lifting positions.  The FMVLAC2 allows operators to reposition the vacuum pads quickly using a tool-free clamping system, eliminating unnecessary setup time.  Benefits include:

• Faster production changeovers
• Better load balance
• Improved lifting stability
• Reduced downtime
• Greater versatility

Whether lifting narrow strips, square panels or rectangular sheets, the vacuum pad arrangement can be adjusted to suit the application.

Built-In Measuring Scale

To assist with accurate vacuum pad positioning, the aluminium beam incorporates an integrated measuring scale. This enables operators to:

• Centre loads accurately
• Position vacuum pads consistently
• Improve lifting balance
• Reduce setup errors
• Increase productivity

This simple feature helps improve both efficiency and lifting safety.

Self-Locking Support Stand

The FMVLAC2 incorporates a self-locking stand that keeps the unit securely positioned when not attached to a load.  The stand simplifies:

• Storage
• Transport
• Forklift attachment
• Workshop handling

It also helps protect the vacuum pads from unnecessary wear when the unit is parked between jobs.

Efficient Lithium Battery System

The FMVLAC2 is powered by a reliable 24V lithium battery engineered for extended operating periods. Battery performance includes:

• Standby time exceeding 100 hours
• Approximately 1,000 charging cycles
• Typical charging time of around five hours
• Continuous vacuum pump operation for up to three hours under normal conditions

These characteristics allow the unit to support a full working day in many fabrication environments while minimising maintenance compared with conventional lead-acid batteries.

Materials Suitable for the FMVLAC2

The FMVLAC2 is designed for smooth, non-porous materials including:

• Granite
• Marble
• Quartz
• Engineered stone
• Porcelain slabs
• Ceramic panels
• Float glass
• Laminated glass
• Stainless steel
• Aluminium sheets
• Painted metal panels
• Composite panels
• Plastic sheets

For best performance, lifting surfaces should be clean, dry and free from significant texture or contamination.

Improve Workplace Safety

Manual handling remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in fabrication industries. The FMVLAC2 assists businesses in reducing manual lifting risks by allowing forklifts to perform repetitive lifting tasks safely and efficiently. Key safety benefits include:

• Less manual lifting
• Reduced back injuries
• Lower risk of dropped materials
• Improved operator control
• Better visibility during handling
• Integrated audio and visual warning systems

These features support safer work practices while helping protect valuable finished products.

Industries That Benefit

The FMVLAC2 is widely used in:

• Stone fabrication
• Monument manufacturing
• Kitchen benchtop production
• Glass fabrication
• Architectural glazing
• Metal fabrication
• Construction
• Furniture manufacturing
• Building material distribution
• Engineering workshops

Its versatility makes it an excellent investment for businesses handling a wide variety of flat materials every day.

Why Choose Aardwolf?

For decades, Aardwolf has supplied innovative lifting solutions to professional fabricators throughout the world. The FMVLAC2 reflects that experience by combining:

• Practical engineering
• Reliable vacuum technology
• Durable construction
• User-friendly operation
• Comprehensive safety systems
• Worldwide technical support

Whether installed in a busy fabrication workshop or transported to construction sites, the FMVLAC2 delivers dependable performance day after day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum lifting capacity?

The FMVLAC2 has a maximum working load limit of 300 kg (660 lb) when used in accordance with the operating instructions and on suitable materials.

What materials can it lift?

It is designed for smooth, non-porous materials including stone, engineered stone, porcelain, glass, metal and composite panels.

Does it require compressed air?

No. The FMVLAC2 operates using its own integrated battery-powered vacuum system, so no external compressed air supply is required.

Can it be fitted to a standard forklift?

Yes. The attachment is designed to mount directly onto standard forklift tines, allowing existing forklifts to become efficient vacuum lifting systems.

Why Buy the FMVLAC2?

The Aardwolf FMVLAC2 provides fabrication shops, installers and manufacturers with a compact yet highly capable vacuum lifting solution that improves safety, productivity and handling precision. Its three-pad vacuum system, wireless remote control, intelligent monitoring and lithium battery operation make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking professional-grade material handling without the size and complexity of larger lifting systems.