Good suction means the lifter can create and maintain the vacuum level required for a safe lift. With vacuum lifters, the best indicators are the vacuum gauge, warning system, condition of the suction pad, and whether the vacuum remains stable before the load leaves the ground.

Check the Vacuum Gauge First

The vacuum gauge is one of the clearest ways to tell whether the equipment has developed enough suction. Rather than judging by feel, check that the reading has entered the safe operating range specified by the manufacturer before starting the lift.

HSE recommends that powered vacuum lifting attachments have a large, easily readable gauge that clearly shows the condition of the vacuum while a load is suspended. Operators should be able to identify whether the system is operating normally or approaching an unsafe level.

The required reading varies between machines. For example, Multiquip UK's VTH-150-BL has a minimum working pressure of -0.2 bar and includes a clearly visible meter designed to indicate when it is safe to lift.

Other models operate at different pressures. The VTH-250-A, for instance, specifies a minimum working pressure of -0.6 bar, so you should always follow the operating range for the exact model rather than applying one figure to every machine.

Watch for a Stable Seal

Reaching the correct vacuum level is important, but the reading should also remain stable.

If the gauge quickly drops after the pump stops or continually struggles to reach its normal working range, air may be entering the system. Possible causes include a poor seal, damaged suction pad, dirty surface, loose connection, or unsuitable material.

Before each lift, inspect the contact area and remove dust, loose particles, or other contamination. HSE notes that loose material can cause leaks between the pad and load and has contributed to loads becoming detached.

Check the pad itself as well. Cuts, cracking, excessive wear, or deformation can prevent an effective seal. HSE recommends inspecting suction pads at the beginning of each shift or working day and checking pipelines, connections, gauges, and filters regularly.

Material type can make a difference too. Porous products allow air to pass through their surface, which means they may require a high-flow system designed specifically for that application. The VTH-150-BL, for example, uses a blower pump intended for lifting porous concrete products.

Pay Attention to Warning Systems

Many powered vacuum lifters include audible or visible warnings that provide another indication of whether suction is adequate.

HSE recommends warning devices that alert the operator when vacuum levels fall below the normal working range or when the vacuum pump fails. These systems are important because a load may initially appear secure even while vacuum pressure is deteriorating.

Multiquip UK's battery-powered VTH-250-A combines a visible vacuum meter with an acoustic safety signal. It also includes a vacuum storage tank designed to help retain suction if the pump stops unexpectedly.

Never treat an alarm as something to ignore simply because the material has not moved. If the machine indicates insufficient vacuum, lower the load to a safe position and investigate the cause before continuing.

Safety systems also need routine testing. Multiquip UK recommends regularly inspecting pads and seals, cleaning filters, and testing alarms and other safety features as part of normal maintenance.

Do Not Test Suction by Taking Unnecessary Risks

A common mistake is assuming that suction is good because the machine can briefly lift the load. That alone does not confirm that the connection is suitable for safe handling.

Before committing to a full lift, confirm the correct gauge reading, check the warning system, and ensure the load falls within the working load limit of both the machine and suction plate.

Avoid shaking, pulling, or deliberately swinging the material to “test” the connection. Sudden movement introduces additional forces and can make an otherwise controlled lifting operation less safe.

You should also keep the load as low as practical during movement and keep people clear of the lifting zone. HSE identifies falling loads as the principal hazard when using vacuum lifting equipment, so operators should never rely on suction alone without following the complete lifting procedure.

If the machine repeatedly struggles to reach the required pressure, do not keep trying to lift. Check the pad, surface, filter, hoses, seals, connections, and suitability of the equipment for the material before putting it back into service.

Conclusion

You can tell whether vacuum lifters have good suction by checking that the gauge reaches and maintains the manufacturer's safe operating range, the suction pad forms a reliable seal, and no warning devices indicate a loss of vacuum. If pressure drops or the system struggles to create a stable seal, stop and investigate before lifting. Explore Multiquip UK's material-handling equipment or contact the team for help selecting and maintaining the right lifting system.