Ergonomic aids for everyday lifting

The AGR-certified vacuum handling systems from Schmalz are flexible and safe helpers for lifting light and heavy loads. First and foremost, they enable an ergonomic posture, protect the spine and back muscles, and thus minimize absenteeism. But they can do even more: they motivate users and speed up many a work process.

"Manual handling" - this unwieldy pair of terms conceals activities that often lead to physical exhaustion and back pain in logistics, assembly, crafts and industrial manufacturing. This refers to any type of transporting or supporting a load by human power: lifting, setting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving boxes, crates or components.

Manual handling of loads is one of the main causes of accidents reported by companies and poses risks to occupational safety and employee health. On the one hand, for example, falling workpieces can cause cuts or even broken bones; on the other hand, repeated lifting and carrying overstrains the musculoskeletal system. Even with smaller loads, the weights moved quickly add up to several tons per day. In the long run, this results in pain in the spine or back muscles.

A healthy body is not only in the interest of the employees: The increased shortage of skilled workers and the higher average age of the working population increase the pressure on entrepreneurs in many industries to make the working conditions in their companies fundamentally more ergonomic.

This is precisely where J. Schmalz GmbH comes in: The Black Forest vacuum specialist has made it its business to literally take the weight off the shoulders - and backs - of employers and employees alike. To this end, it has several lifting aids and crane systems in its portfolio that enable an ergonomic working posture and generate economic added value at the same time.

Vacuum replaces muscle power

The principle is as logical as it is effective: Any weight that a person does not have to carry under his or her own power is easy on the spine and back muscles, thus preventing both accidents and injuries. Schmalz therefore shifts typical work movements to its crane, chain hoist and vacuum lifter systems. With the tube lifters of the Jumbo series, a single person moves, among other things, cartons, sacks, barrels, buckets and canisters weighing up to 300 kilograms effortlessly, quickly and precisely - and in some cases with just one hand.

Different Jumbo variants cover different areas of application - the principle of lifting with vacuum is common to all. JumboFlex, JumboErgo and JumboSprint as well as JumboFlex High-Stack and Jumbo Low-Stack differ in the form and function of their operating elements and grippers and are each designed for specific applications. This makes the vacuum tube lifter not only an ideal helper for machine loading, shipping and order picking areas and many other lifting tasks, it also reduces handling times and thus increases productivity in numerous industries.

Schmalz also provides suitable systems for applications beyond the 300-kilogram mark. The vacuum lifting device VacuMaster, for example, is a real powerhouse: Whether metal sheets, wooden or plastic panels, windows or glass panes - the VacuMaster variants can handle even large, flat and heavy loads. Where many helping hands are actually required, the VacuMaster enables health-conscious workpiece handling by just one operator. A vacuum generator generates the required suction force and transfers it to the workpiece by means of suction plates.

The maximum load capacity of the series ranges from 100 to 2,000 kg. Loading and unloading CNC machines and transporting goods over long distances are just two of the typical areas of application for the VacuMaster. With the ergonomic operator handle, the user maintains the required safety distance from the picked-up object and transports it to its destination safely, gently and without exertion. Unlike the Jumbo, the VacuMaster merely holds the workpieces. The lifting movement is implemented by a chain hoist.

Schmalz mounts both load carriers on lightweight cranes. Whether as a slewing crane or a crane system - the modular system facilitates individual integration into almost any hall layout. The dimensions of the crane system define the working area. Crane runways up to 50 meters long, for example, span entire production lines or transport routes. The slewing cranes, on the other hand, allow applications in a radius of up to eight meters. Thanks to the aluminum profiles and the excellent smooth-running properties of the load carriers, users work quickly and accurately as well as ergonomically and without fatigue.

The lifter comes to the load

If the lifting challenges are spread over several changing operating locations in the plant, Schmalz brings the tube lifter to the load without further ado. The mobile JumboFlex Picker consists of a basic module, a height-adjustable column and an articulated-arm crane. This means that it always has the control technology, the vacuum generator and the necessary battery with it and achieves a gripping height of up to 1,800 mm and a lateral reach of up to 1,500 mm. A conventional industrial truck is all that is needed to transport it to its destination. The JumboFlex Picker is ideal for mobile order picking or in-house goods distribution.

There are still two promises left over from the preamble: flexibility and safety. Schmalz supplies the Jumbo with a quick-change adapter on request. With this adapter, gripping tools for plastic bags, transport boxes or metal plates can be quickly exchanged and the lifting aid is ready for a new task. The suction plates of the VacuMaster can be moved along the traverse system and are thus quickly adapted to different workpiece formats. Basically, the Schmalz portfolio consistently fulfills relevant safety factors and regulations. Various warning and protection systems as well as a well thought-out operating concept to prevent operating errors safeguard the work - even in the event of a power failure.