HANDLING TECHNOLOGY
We take the weight off your loads.
Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik is a family-run manufacturer based in Holzkirchen near Munich, Germany. Since 1999, we have been developing and building handling systems for industry: manipulators, lifting axes and lifting aids for loads up to 1,200 kg. So that people can move heavy components ergonomically, precisely and without swinging.
2,500+
systems since 1999
~250
systems per year
50+
countries
18
industries
PRODUCTS
One system for your loads.
As a German manipulator manufacturer, we build six base systems – each one specifically adapted to your component, your workstation and your cycle time. Lifting aids for production, assembly, warehousing and logistics, including gripping device and controls.
BASICS
What is handling technology?
LIFTING OR HANDLING?
Handling technology covers technical solutions for lifting, moving, positioning and rotating industrial loads. This includes manipulators, lifting axes and lifting aids as well as matching gripping and turning devices. Depending on the industry, these systems are also called handling systems, handling devices or handling aids.
Standard solutions often cover only part of the requirements. That is why Zeilhofer has been developing complete systems from a single source since 1999: pneumatic, electro-pneumatic or electric, tailored to component, workstation and process. Including gripping device, controls, steel structure and rail system.
Manipulator
Handles: the load is guided rigidly via axes or joints. The operator guides it directly at the part – no swinging, precise joining, rotating and tilting.
Jib crane
Lifts and transports: the load hangs on the rope and swings. Operated via a pendant control – no guiding directly at the part.
Photo jib crane: ABUS Bilddatenbank,
APPLICATIONS
In use in 18 industries.
Zeilhofer systems move body parts, battery modules, glass panes, castings, rolls and control cabinets. For every industry you will find solutions, case studies and guides.
OUR DRIVE
No one should have to lift more than is good for them.
Ergonomics and occupational safety are at the core of our work: our lifting aids relieve backs and joints and help comply with the limits of the German Load Handling Ordinance. At the same time, they make industrial automation possible without buying a robot – faster to implement, more flexible in everyday use and in service for 15 to 20 years.
People guide. Technology carries.
01 · ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics and occupational safety
Heavy components feel weightless. People guide, technology carries – without strain on backs and joints.
02 · PRECISION
Accurate to the millimeter
Swing-free and precisely positioned – even sensitive components.
03 · AUTOMATION
Without robots
Where parts vary and a delicate touch matters, a manipulator is often the more economical choice.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Patented. Developed in Holzkirchen.
Design, controls and manufacturing are all under one roof in Holzkirchen. Every system is designed for a specific component – from the gripping device to the controls. Customers also use our grippers on robots. What we learn from around 250 systems a year flows directly into the next generation.
NEW
ZH90 Configurator
Configure the lifting axis online – payload, stroke and drive in just a few clicks. The patented ZH90 lifting axis lifts up to 1,200 kg without swinging, as a ceiling, floor or rail version, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic or electric. Send us your configuration as an inquiry with one click. A technician reviews it and gets back to you within 24 hours on working days.
Own patents
The ZH90 lifting axis, the pneumatic 8-way joystick and the aluminum profiles of the Hebelift ZH are patented.
48 V battery technology
Developed by Zeilhofer: the Hebelift ZH works at any workstation without a power outlet.
Sensors & controls
Force feedback, auto-positioning, obstacle detection and predictive maintenance. Tolerances below 1 mm.
For harsh conditions
Heat-resistant up to 600 °C, ATEX zones 2 and 22, collaborative versions according to ISO/TS 15066.
IN ACTION
Real systems. Real components.
More than 2,500 systems since 1999 – each designed for a specific component. A selection from four industries.
AUTOMOTIVE
Articulated arm manipulator in final assembly
Swing-free and precise on the assembly line.
FOUNDRY
Handling hot castings safely
Distance from the heat, full control for the operator.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Guiding components ergonomically to assembly
People guide, technology carries.
PROCESS
Everything from a single source. Everything from Holzkirchen.
01
Initial technical consultation
You send us the component, weight and workstation. Reply within 24 hours on working days.
02
Concept and design
Individual concept with gripping device, controls and layout plan. Test units are available in Holzkirchen.
03
Manufacturing
Built in Holzkirchen, certified to ISO 9001 and TISAX Level 2 with prototype protection.
04
Installation and service
Commissioning by our own technicians, training, statutory safety inspection (UVV), maintenance and spare parts worldwide.
KNOWLEDGE
Automate without buying a robot.
Not every task needs a robot or cobot. Where parts vary, quantities fluctuate or people bring a delicate touch, a manipulator is often the more economical automation: faster to implement, more flexible and in service for 15 to 20 years.
GUIDE
Automation without robots
Robot, cobot or manipulator: when which type of automation really pays off.
COST GUIDE
How much does a manipulator cost?
Honest price factors from the manufacturer: load, gripping device and controls determine the price.
FINANCING
Leasing and financing lifting aids
Leasing for 24, 36 or 48 months and hire purchase through our partner Würth Leasing.
WHITE PAPER
White Paper Lifting Aids 2027
Load design, legal framework and ROI: the knowledge for your investment decision.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about manipulators and lifting aids
What does Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik do?
Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik is a family-run manufacturer based in Holzkirchen near Munich and a member of the VDMA. Since 1999, the company has been designing and building manipulators, lifting axes, lifting aids and gripping devices for loads up to 1,200 kg – more than 2,500 systems, used in 18 industries and more than 50 countries.
When is a manipulator the better alternative to an industrial robot?
When parts vary, quantities fluctuate or people bring a delicate touch. A manipulator is faster to implement than a robot cell, more flexible in everyday use and economical in service for 15 to 20 years. More in the guide Automation without robots.
What loads can Zeilhofer systems lift?
The ZH90 lifting axis lifts up to 1,200 kg, the articulated arm manipulator up to 800 kg, the ZH90 Flex-Arm up to 200 kg, the Acer cable manipulator up to 150 kg and the Hebelift ZH up to 100 kg. The ZH lift-and-turn device rotates and tilts components up to 4,000 kg.
Can the lifting aids be equipped with screwdriving technology?
Yes. The ZH90 lifting axis, articulated arm manipulator and Hebelift ZH hold nutrunners and screw spindles including the reaction torque, fully automatic or guided by the operator. More in the guide on reaction torque.
Can I lease a lifting aid?
Yes. Through our financing partner Würth Leasing, we offer leasing for 24, 36 or 48 months and hire purchase for 12 to 48 months. Details in the leasing guide.
Does Zeilhofer also offer service abroad?
Yes. We offer statutory safety inspections (UVV), maintenance, repair, spare parts, training and relocation worldwide. We also provide support via remote diagnostics.
How do I recognize a good supplier of handling technology in Germany?
Important criteria are in-house design and manufacturing, experience with comparable components, certifications, the option to test equipment beforehand, and on-site service. Zeilhofer has been designing and manufacturing in Holzkirchen since 1999, is certified to ISO 9001 and TISAX Level 2, has test units on site and offers UVV inspection, maintenance and spare parts worldwide.
What is a manipulator?
A manipulator is a lifting aid that makes heavy components seem weightless. The operator guides the load by hand, the manipulator balances the weight and holds the component in position without swinging. Zeilhofer manipulators work pneumatically, electro-pneumatically or electrically.
What is the difference between a manipulator and a crane?
A manipulator guides the load rigidly via axes or joints, so it does not swing. This allows the component to be precisely positioned, rotated and swiveled. With a crane, the load hangs on a cable and swings. More in the guide Manipulator, crane or chain hoist.
How much does a manipulator cost?
A simple cable manipulator with hook device starts at approx. €10,000 excluding installation and commissioning. Complex lifting axis solutions cost up to approx. €150,000. The price depends on the load, gripping device and controls. More in the cost guide.
Where are the systems manufactured?
Design and manufacturing take place exclusively at our site in Holzkirchen near Munich. Zeilhofer has been ISO 9001 certified since 2008 and works to TISAX Level 2 with prototype protection.
LOCATION & DELIVERY
Made in Holzkirchen.
Delivered worldwide.
Design, manufacturing and final acceptance at one site south of Munich. From here we deliver and install in more than 50 countries.
30 minutes
to Munich Airport
On-site installation
through our own technicians
Worldwide shipping
packed seaworthy
CE compliant
Export documents included
YOUR NEXT STEP
Your component. Our solution.
Send us the weight, dimensions and a photo of your component. You will receive a reply from a technician, not a call center, within 24 hours on working days.
or by email to info@zeilhofer-handhabung.de