Vacuum lifter for concrete tunnel segments 4,500 kg

Vietnam+84 332 839 268 Taiwan+886 3 451 8806 Send requestreply in 24 h

FullSharp · since 1991

Quick answer: Concrete tunnel segments of about 4.2 t can be lifted with a 4,500 kg vacuum lifter: a vacuum power unit hung from the crane hook at one point and a curved R3,700 mm pad that fits the segment. One operator grips and releases with a 6 m pendant; a green light shows vacuum above 80%, a buzzer and red light warn below 80%, and a backup battery keeps alarms working during power loss.

Why lift tunnel segments with vacuum

Concrete tunnel segments weigh several tons, have curved faces and edges that chip easily. Lifting with chains or cast-in bolts takes time to hook and unhook, can damage the surface and puts workers close to the load at risk.

FullSharp offers a vacuum lifting solution for tunnel segments: a vacuum power unit hung from the crane hook, combined with a curved vacuum pad matching the segment radius. The device grips the segment, travels and sets it down at the push of a button, with no chains and no cast-in lifting inserts.

Key features of the 4,500 kg segment vacuum lifter

4,500 kg capacity: handles a typical segment of about 4.2 t (ring outer diameter 7,400 mm, width 1,500 mm, thickness 300 mm, 6 segments per ring).
Curved pad R3,700 mm fits the segment face, spreads suction evenly and does not chip or scratch the concrete.
Single-point suspension by shackle on an existing crane hook (overhead crane, mobile crane), quick to install.
One-operator control: grip and release from a pendant on a 6 m cable, keeping the operator at a safe distance.
Certified safety: designed to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EN 13155, CE certified.

Multiple safety layers

Vacuum reservoir doubles as the main frame and keeps the load stable.
Vacuum gauge with 80–100% safe zone.
Green light on above 80% vacuum, ready to lift.
Buzzer and red light warn immediately when vacuum drops below 80%.
Backup battery keeps the warning light and buzzer working during mains power loss.

Technical specifications

Item	Specification
Configuration	Vacuum power unit + curved pad R3,700 mm
Capacity	4,500 kg (pad 4,560 kg)
Pad size	1,355–860 × 1,380 mm
Power unit size	About 1,380 × 1,355 × 1,400 mm
Power supply	400 V AC, 50 Hz, minimum 16 A fuse
Installed power	About 2.2 kW
Control	Pendant on 6 m cable
Finish	Shot blasted, primed, yellow top coat

Applications

Segment precast plants for metro, road and water tunnels.
Moving segments from molds to the yard, stacking and loading onto trucks.
Feeding segments to the tunnel boring machine (TBM) on site.
Other precast concrete elements with airtight surfaces up to 4.5 t.

Note: the load surface must be airtight (non-porous) and strong enough for vacuum lifting. FullSharp checks a surface sample before confirming the configuration.

Why FullSharp

FullSharp (established in Taiwan in 1991, factory in VSIP Hai Phong, Vietnam) delivers a complete package: configuration from your segment drawing, technical drawing approval, import, installation, safety inspection and on-site operator training. 12-month warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment is used to lift tunnel segments?

A vacuum lifter hung from the crane hook with a pad curved to the segment radius. No chains or cast-in inserts are needed and the concrete is not chipped.

How heavy a tunnel segment can a vacuum lifter handle?

This configuration lifts 4,500 kg, enough for a segment of about 4.2 t (ring OD 7,400 mm, 300 mm thick, 6 segments per ring). Heavier loads get a dedicated configuration.

What happens if power fails while lifting a segment?

The vacuum reservoir holds the load while a backup battery keeps the warning light and buzzer working so the operator can lower the segment safely.

What surface does a segment need for vacuum lifting?

The surface must be airtight, non-porous and strong enough. FullSharp checks a surface sample before confirming the configuration.

Send your segment drawing or dimensions, weight and photos of the handling area, and FullSharp will propose a suitable configuration. Contact [email protected].

Request a site survey View vacuum lifting pads

Vacuum lifter for concrete tunnel segments up to 4,500 kg