You may already know Grabo lifters thanks to their ability to lend a very literal helping hand. But what if they didn’t need your hands at all? The Grabo Lifter Remote Control is making that a possibility. I’ll help you understand what it does, how it works, and visualize some of the applications that make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Grabo Remote Control Basics
What is a Grabo Lifter?
If you’re not familiar with Grabo lifters, they are tools that use vacuum pressure and a seal to put a handle on materials that are otherwise difficult to lift and move. Things like sheet goods and large-format tiles become much easier to carry. They can even attach to oddly shaped materials like landscaping rocks.
Check out the Grabo Lifter that uses DeWalt 20V Max batteries!
Why Would You Need a Remote Control?
The remote control is compelling when you need equipment to help you move material. If you have something like the aforementioned landscaping rock that’s too heavy to carry even with a second person, it’s common to use an excavator to do the heavy lifting.
You can try to figure out how to scoop it, get it on a pallet, or otherwise wrap it up so you can lift it with cables, or you can use Grabo lifters. That concept isn’t new. However, having a remote control to activate and release the lifters is. Now, one operator can attach, move, and release without having to leave the cab. It’s a huge time-saver, and it’s much less effort.
One of my first thoughts was… what happens if you accidentally hit the release before you’re ready? The design team already planned for that, though. There are two release buttons (top and bottom), and you’ll need to press and hold both at the same time to signal the release.
How it Works
Grabo lifters don’t have pre-installed electronics to pair with the remote control. Instead, the remote system comes with a mechanical fitting you install on the handle. The remote sends an RF signal to that device to operate the controls.
The biggest consequence is that you’ll have to remove the device from your Grabo when you want to use it by hand. It’s a small inconvenience for the additional versatility you gain. If I were a betting man, I’d put money on there being a Grabo in development that will have the remote control electronics built in.
Grabo Remote Control at a Glance
- Pairs with Grabo Nemo and Pro Lifter 20 models
- Control remotely from up to 30 meters away
- Uses an RF signal
- Capable of operating multiple Grabo units at one time
- Two-button press-and-hold prevents accidental release
Grabo Remote Control Price
When it comes to price, you get everything you need for $99.99. While you’ll need a mechanism for each Grabo, one remote can control multiple lifters at once.
Should You Buy It?
The remote control unit is a brilliant addition for anyone who uses equipment to move heavy materials. The time and effort savings add up quickly, even if you need to buy multiple remotes.
There’s a limit, though. Not every material is Grabo lifter friendly. The surface of some materials may cause an issue getting a good seal. Each unit’s 375-pound weight capacity is another consideration. However, you can share the load among multiple lifters, and the remote’s ability to control multiple lifters certainly helps.
