Vacuum and mechanical lifting solutions for wind turbine components
Vacuum and mechanical lifting attachments provide various solutions for handling wind turbine components. Vacuum lifting is used for complete wind turbine blades, blade roots, shells and shear webs, as well as concrete tower segments. For monopile cans and cones or steel tower rings, there are mechanical lifting solutions, such as mechanical grippers and C-hooks. The most suitable solution is determined by the material, dimensions and geometry, weight, available lifting zones, and handling process.
Applications in wind turbine production and installation
Lifting solutions for wind turbine components can be used during production for tasks such as demoulding, lifting, 90° tilting, internal transport, positioning, and loading into transport racks. Applications range from moving steel plates and tower or monopile segments between production stages to handling blade components and complete blades throughout blade production. Solutions can also be engineered for lifting and tilting components during wind turbine installation.
Integration with a host machine
Our vacuum lifters and mechanical lifting attachments for wind turbine components can be integrated with existing lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes. The configuration is matched to the host machine’s available connection or hook, power supply, controls, and lifting capacity. The lifting solution can be operated by one person from a safe distance.
Photos and videos of lifting solutions for wind turbine components
Advantages compared with conventional lifting
By engineering the lifting attachment around the wind turbine component and handling process, both vacuum and mechanical solutions provide greater control, precision, and safety when handling heavy loads. Key benefits and advantages are:
- Reduced risk of product damage due to product-friendly contact points
- Enhanced safety by reducing manual handling close to or underneath the load
- Simplified handling through purpose-built lifting attachments for the specific application
- Streamlined operations through controlled and repeatable lifting and positioning
- Flexible handling as lifting solutions can be engineered for different sizes and geometries
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Various options for your needs
We engineer and manufacture each lifting solution around the specific handling situation. For common applications, a modular solution can often provide the required functionality with a shorter delivery time, while more specific requirements may call for a fully customised solution.
Relevant products
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U-series vacuum lifters
Aerolift U-series are modular vacuum lifters for smaller loads weighing 1-3 tons.Learn more -
S-series vacuum lifters
Aerolift S-series are modular vacuum lifters designed to handle loads weighing 1-30 tons.Learn more -
T-series vacuum tilters
Aerolift T-series vacuum tilters are modular vacuum lifters with a tilting function.Learn more -
Mechanical lifting equipment
Aerolift mechanical solutions are for products that cannot be handled by vacuum technology.Learn more -
Custom solutions
Custom solutions are designed for unique needs that standard lifting attachments cannot meet.Learn more
Why choose Aerolift handling solutions?
For handling wind turbine components, safety and efficiency have to work together in daily operation. We combine application experience with in-house engineering, manufacturing, and service to develop lifting solutions that are practical to operate and maintain over the long term.
Quality solutions that outperform
We have developed key components such as rubber seals, hoses, vacuum gauges, and valves specifically for our vacuum lifting systems. Combined with manufacturing within the Aerolift group, this gives us close control over quality, safety, and reliable operation.
Expertise & experience to think along
With more than 60 years of experience across different industries, we bring a broad perspective to each handling challenge. Combined with strong in-house engineering, this helps us look beyond the initial request and develop solutions that excel in performance and safety.
Easy maintenance and worldwide support
Our lifting devices are designed for straightforward maintenance, with key components positioned for easy access and daily checks in just a few minutes. Clear maintenance documentation, globally available components, and worldwide service support help minimise downtime and keep equipment in operation.
Projects & customer stories
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- Customer stories
- Wind energy
Aerolift develops a unique lifting solution for a unique factory
For the production of monopile foundations for the offshore wind industry, Sif chose a factory with unique processes and machines. For the development and production of special lifting solutions, ...