Vacuum Lifters for Kerbs, Setts and Interlocking Pavers

A vacuum lifter creates a vacuum on the surface of the piece and lifts it without having to grip it by hand. The work becomes faster and the operator does not carry the weight of each element. It is especially useful when laying pavements, yards and external paving, where many identical pieces are moved and accurate alignment is needed.

Manual handling of loads is governed by Title VI of D.Lgs. 81/2008 (Italian Legislative Decree on workplace safety). The employer must assess the risk linked to the weight of the pieces and to the repetitiveness of the laying work. When the load is heavy or the work lasts many hours, a vacuum device reduces the strain on the back and arms. The choice should be made together with the crew who will use the tool every day.

Start with the weight and the dimensions: long, heavy kerbs usually require a mechanical or hydraulic clamp, while small paving blocks are handled with a vacuum lifter. Check the maximum capacity stated by the manufacturer and consider the surface of the piece, because a porous or wet surface reduces the vacuum seal. Never exceed the declared load.

A vacuum kerb laying machine, such as the Probst JUMBO-BV-VARIO, is designed to repeat the laying of many pieces with a dedicated vacuum source. The manual laying device, such as the Probst VH-1/25, is for hand use on lighter pieces and precision work. The laying frequency and the weight of the pieces guide the choice.

Before lifting, check that the surface is clean and dry, free of sand and debris, and check the vacuum on the vacuum gauge. Do not lift if the reading is not stable. Keep your hands out of the gripping area and do not stand under the load. Lift with slow movements, guide the piece to the laying point and set it down carefully on the mortar or sand bed.

The adjustable trolley for transporting paving blocks, such as the Probst VTK-V, is used to move several pieces over longer distances, while the vacuum lifter takes one element at a time and lays it. For sorting mixed pieces, a dedicated device such as the Probst VAH-12 is used. Consider the work cycle, that is transport, picking up or laying, because it changes the right tool.

Vacuum lifters hold better on smooth, non-porous surfaces. On rough, wet or very uneven stone the seal drops and the risk of the piece falling rises. For laying concrete kerbs and interlocking paving blocks, cleaning the gripping surface is the most important factor. Before lifting, do a low-load test and check that the piece stays steady.

Along with the main device you need spare rubber pads and carrying handles, such as those in the Probst range, and a tool to check the vacuum. To remove paving blocks already laid, the SZ extractor or the SZH extractor hammer is used. Keep the wear parts indicated by the manufacturer to hand, so that the site does not have to stop.