A suction lifter is a piece of equipment used primarily for handling glass, though it can also be used to transport items such as refrigerators or a large pieces of Plexiglas. Glass is a dangerous material to handle. If a piece is lifted incorrectly, a person can become seriously injured. A suction lifter makes it possible to move a piece of glass from place to place without the risk of injury.

A suction lifter is made up of a suction cup and a hand-operated vacuum pump, which is mounted on a mild steel adjustable frame. The suction cup attaches to the glass in order to safely transport it. Generally, the suction lifter is placed somewhere near the middle of the glass. A small button then releases all of the air within the suction cups, creating a vacuum suction that allows the glass to become firmly attached to the lifter. The glass can then be easily carried using the handle on the suction lifter.

A suction lifter offers a great deal of versatility when moving items. A suction lifter is quick to use, requiring very little work to operate. Within seconds, the vacuum is transmitted to the pad, and the hold it creates is instantaneous. The vacuum in the pad can then be returned to atmospheric pressure in a matter of seconds, and the release is also instantaneous.

A suction lifter is easy to use and requires minimal maintenance. In addition, the vacuum level of the suction lifter is permanently controlled. As long as a vacuum exists in the pad, the suction lifter will not release. Furthermore, the suction lifter leaves no marks on products.

The suction lifter can also save employers money. Using a suction lifter allows one man to complete the same job normally completed by two people. The suction lifter also makes it easier for workers to lift items and reduces the likelihood of items being accidentally dropped and damaged.

A suction lifter can be purchased in many different shapes and sizes. A smaller suction lifter may be used for jobs such as windows and smaller pieces of glass. On the other hand, a larger suction lifter containing three pads may be used for huge jobs, such as moving pane windows and equipment. An industrial sized suction lifter is often used in warehouses and port yards to assist with offloading ships or moving products.