Choosing the Right Lifting Aid: Manipulator, Lift Axis & Lifting Device Compared
- Zeilhofer HHT
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Choosing the right lifting aid determines whether a workstation becomes ergonomic, safe and economical. Anyone moving loads up to 1,200 kg faces the question: manipulator, lift axis, rope manipulator or lifting device? This guide walks you through the selection step by step and shows what matters in terms of load capacity, installation space and application.
As a manufacturer from Germany, Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik has been developing custom lifting aids for 18 industries since 1999. The following criteria help you narrow down the right solution.
Step 1: Determine load weight and centre of gravity
The most important starting value is the actual weight of the load, including gripper or fixture. The centre of gravity matters too: a load picked up off-centre requires different kinematics than one guided centrally.
Up to 100 kg: the Hebelift ZH for light, fast handling.
Up to 150 kg: the rope manipulator ZH70 / Acer for suspended loads.
Up to 800 kg: the manipulator for sway-free, guided movement.
Up to 1,200 kg: the lift axis ZH90 for heavy, precise lifting movements.
More on the individual systems: Lift axis ZH90, Articulated manipulator and Rope manipulator.
Step 2: Clarify application and type of movement
Does the load only need to be raised and lowered, or also turned, tilted and positioned? For purely vertical lifts, a lift axis is often sufficient. For complex movements in space, an articulated manipulator is the right choice because it guides the load sway-free across several axes.
The environment also matters: cleanroom, food production or heavy-duty manufacturing place different demands on material, drive and hygiene.
Depending on the design, these include parallelogram manipulators, articulated jib manipulators and rope manipulators.
Step 3: Check installation space and connection
Is a ceiling suspension available, or does the lifting aid need to be floor-standing or mobile? The available installation space, hall height and existing crane runways determine whether a column, wall or ceiling solution makes sense.
Step 4: Consider ergonomics and standards
A good lifting aid relieves the back and reduces days lost to illness. From 20 January 2027, the new EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 also applies, setting higher requirements for the safety of machines and handling systems. Anyone investing today should factor these requirements in already.
Select the right lifting aid in just a few steps
Not sure which lifting aid suits your application? Our product finder guides you to the right solution in just a few steps and delivers the relevant information for your use case directly.
Frequently asked questions
Which lifting aid is suitable for heavy loads up to 1,200 kg?
For heavy, precise lifting movements up to 1,200 kg, the lift axis ZH90 is suitable. It guides the load stably and positions it precisely.
What is the difference between a manipulator and a lift axis?
A manipulator moves loads up to 800 kg sway-free across several axes, including turning and tilting. A lift axis is designed for precise vertical lifts up to 1,200 kg.
For detailed comparisons, see Manipulator vs. Overhead Crane and Lift Column, Lift Axis or Manipulator.
Which lifting aid suits light loads?
For loads up to 100 kg the Hebelift ZH is ideal, for suspended loads up to 150 kg the rope manipulator ZH70 / Acer.
What changes with the EU Machinery Regulation 2027?
From 20 January 2027, Regulation 2023/1230 introduces stricter safety requirements. New lifting aids should already meet these to be future-proof.
Find the right lifting aid
Use our product finder to select the right lifting aid, or contact us directly. We are happy to advise you on the right solution for your application.
