In high-cadence glass production and complex site installations, lifting equipment is a critical safety and efficiency variable. Schiavo vacuum lifters are engineered to mitigate operational risk through redundant safety systems—including dual vacuum circuits and integrated safety tanks—while providing the mechanical precision required for modern glass processing.
Whether loading CNC lines in a factory or installing large-format architectural glazing on-site, our systems provide the technical reliability demanded by production managers and safety officers.
Engineered for dedicated vertical transport and storage. These units prioritize structural rigidity and rapid suction cycles, providing a stable 90° interface for glass sheets where rotation is not required.
Designed for versatile application: internal or external usage.
The GMBM series is designed for the manual handling of glass sheets, from small formats up to 3210 × 2600 mm sheets. Purpose-built for in-house production lines and glassworks with limited space, these units offer an optimal balance between maneuverability and safety.
Available in both pneumatic and electric versions, the GMBM series integrates seamlessly into existing overhead-crane or jib-crane systems, providing a versatile solution for secondary glass processing.
The VM Series represents the professional standard for glass installation and curtain wall assembly in demanding construction environments. Built for total operational autonomy, these units eliminate the need for external power tethering, providing glaziers with unrestricted movement across complex jobsites.
Engineered with a heavy-duty modular chassis, the VM Series can be reconfigured in minutes to match the specific dimensions and load distribution of varying glass lites or window frames.
Versatility thanks to the modular structure
Operating autonomy via rechargeable batteries
Total safety with dual vacuum circuits and alarm systems
Optimal grip thanks to high-grade rubber vacuum pads
Elimination of manual strain in high-cadence production.
Fully motorized rotation and tilting, controlled by remote control or cable. Ideal for on-site glazing installation where precise handling is required.
The alternative to mechanical wear.
GEBI series vacuum lifters are the ideal solution for handling and installing glass and window frames directly on site. Fully motorized, they ensure maximum precision, safety and ease of use even during the most complex operations.
With continuous 360° rotation and 90° hydraulic tilting, every stage of the work is carried out with full control. Hydraulic tilting is a safer system than a trapezoidal screw and is recommended above all for heavy loads.
Power is supplied by rechargeable batteries, for versatile use in any operating context.
Reliability, power and safety: the GEBI series is engineered to deliver professional performance on every site.
Component-Sensitive Handling for Sealed Units.
The VC series is a vacuum lifter designed to transport large insulating-glass units immediately after the sealing stage. Lifting this type of insulating glass with a conventional vacuum cup, which acts on only one side, causes the second pane to slip.
VC series vacuum cups instead act on both sides of the glass, like a clamp, preventing the second pane from slipping.
The lifter is equipped with an independent vacuum pump and a dedicated compressor for generating compressed air. This allows the instantaneous generation of “blow-off” air, easing the rapid release of the glass, significantly reducing waiting times between cycles and increasing operator safety.
Geometric Adaptability & High-Tonnage Curvature Handling.
The GEBEVC is designed for handling curved glass. Standard vacuum cups often fail on non-planar surfaces; the GEBEVC solves this with bellows vacuum cups and a configuration adjustable to the radius of curvature of the glass.
Equipped with motorized rotation and motorized tilting, the system provides smooth control throughout all handling stages.
Seamless integration with plant air.
The GPBP series is designed for applications where compressed air is the main available power source. Using high-efficiency vacuum pumps with a Venturi system, these lifters eliminate the need for electrical connections or battery recharging cycles.
Going beyond simple suction, the series offers pneumatic 90° rotation and tilting driven by dedicated pneumatic cylinders. This allows smooth, safe movement of glass sheets, controlled through intuitive pneumatic valves that are simple for the operator to use.
Engineering for special applications
Beyond our standard range, Schiavo acts as a strategic engineering partner for the development of custom lifting systems. When the dimensions and weight of the glass exceed standard parameters, we design custom vacuum cups to the customer’s specific requirements.
From handling architectural “Jumbo” format sheets to handling special glass, every custom solution is the result of rigorous technical analysis. We analyze your request and develop the best possible solution together with the customer
Redundancy is a fundamental principle of our safety engineering. The configuration is determined by the load profile and operational environment:
Single Safety Circuit: Utilized in the V4P and V6P series for standard vertical transport of glass sheets up to 540 kg.
Double Safety Circuit: Integrated into the V8P through V18P series, as well as the VM, GEBE, and GEBI series. This dual-circuit architecture ensures that a failure in one vacuum line does not result in the loss of the load, providing the security required for capacities up to 2,000 kg.
Schiavo provides diverse power configurations to match specific facility infrastructures:
Electric (Mains Power): The V Series and GMBM models utilize independent electric vacuum pumps (220/380V).
Battery-Powered (DC): The VM and GEBI series operate on 24Vdc rechargeable batteries, allowing for untethered movement. The GEBE series also features a 24Vdc system with an optional emergency socket to connect directly to truck batteries in case of low charge.
Pneumatic (Venturi System): The GPBP series utilizes a pneumatic Venturi pump, powered by compressed air (6/7 bar), ideal for facilities where constant air supply is the primary utility.
The precision of movement is tailored to the machine’s intended application:
Manual (GMBM/VM): Features 360° manual rotation and 90° manual tilting for operator-led positioning.
Motorized (GEBE): Offers motorized 360° rotation and motorized 90° tilting for high-efficiency handling.
Hydraulic (GEBI): Engineered for maximum control of heavy loads, featuring motorized 360° rotation and an extended 100° hydraulic tilting capability.
Pneumatic (GPBP): Provides fixed 90° pneumatic rotation and 90° pneumatic tilting.
In the GEBE and GEBI series, glass discharge is managed via a double safety button. This mechanical and electrical interlock requires a deliberate, dual-input action by the operator, making it practically impossible to unhook the glass sheet by mistake during transport.
Yes, through modularity and exclusion valves. In the GEBE and V Series, external suction cups can be excluded via specialized manual valves. This allows the system to adapt to smaller glass dimensions without compromising vacuum integrity. Furthermore, many models, such as the GMBM and GEBE, offer telescopic or extendable arms to distribute gripping points evenly over larger surface areas.
Schiavo offers tiered control solutions to minimize cables and maximize visibility:
Wired Control: A standard 5-meter cable control panel is provided for most motorized units.
Wireless Radio Remote: Available as an option for the GEBI and GEBE series, this allows the operator to control the device from a distance of up to 100 meters, eliminating cable clutter and improving the line of sight.
Emergency Pendant: A backup push-button panel can be connected to battery units in the event of remote control interference or malfunction.
To maintain the structural integrity and certified safety of the equipment:
Daily: Visual inspection of pads and vacuum gauges.
20-40 Hours: Verification of acoustic and luminous alarms.
250-500 Hours: Certified periodic technical inspection.
Biennial: Mandatory replacement of all vacuum pads and a professional safety audit. For equipment older than 10 years, these professional audits must be performed annually.
At Schiavo, we believe that the best industrial solutions aren’t just sold, they are built through partnership. Our family of designers and technicians is ready to work alongside you to find the perfect balance between your operational vision and high-performance reality.
Whether you need to optimize a single process or design a complete custom line, we are here to listen. Share a few details about your project below, and let’s explore how our Italian-made technology can move your business forward
