ROPE-GUIDED LIFTING SYSTEM
CABLE MANIPULATOR FROM ZEILHOFER
The cable manipulator from Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik is a rope-guided lifting aid for the quick and precise handling of loads. It is available in two models: the Acer, which carries loads up to 150 kg, and the compact ZH70, which carries loads up to 70 kg. Both utilize double-rope technology, in which two independent ropes guide the load safely.
A pneumatic counterweight system allows the load to be moved almost weightlessly and placed in any position. The Acer is purely pneumatic, the ZH70 is available as pneumatic or electro-pneumatic. The stroke is project-specific, as the rope length is designed freely. The cable manipulator can be mounted on the floor or ceiling, or moved via a rail system. Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik provides the complete solution from planning to after-sales service.
ASSEMBLY OPTIONS
FOUR VARIANTS. ONE TECHNOLOGY.
The cable manipulator integrates into any hall infrastructure, whether anchored to the floor, attached to the ceiling or movable via a rail system.
01 STATIONARY ON THE HALL FLOOR - ACER - Load capacity up to 150 kg
Permanent anchoring using adhesive anchors directly to the floor: maximum stability for fixed production stations. Optionally movable with pallet trucks or forklifts for maximum flexibility.
YOUR ADVANTAGES
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Quick and easy assembly
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Option: mobile with pallet truck or forklift
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Travel in X and Y directions via all common rail systems
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Optimal space utilization over long distances
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Clear floor space for the flow of people and materials
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Reliable lifting thanks to double rope technology
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Ergonomic, repeatable work
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Flexible fastening options for steel structures
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Large working radius up to 4,000 mm
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Load capacity up to 150 kg
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Smooth-running lifting cylinder made of aluminum
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Rotary bearing with 360° continuous rotary feedthrough
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Rotation stops or limitations of the working area
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Brakes on the individual pivot axes
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Pressure accumulator for power outages (pneumatic control)
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purely pneumatic drive, no electrics required on the unit
02 Stationary ON CEILING / STEEL CONSTRUCTION - ACER - Load capacity up to 150 kg
Bolting directly to the hall ceiling or a load-bearing steel structure. Maximum stability, unobstructed floor for personnel and material flow: ideal for permanent installations in industrial environments.
YOUR ADVANTAGES
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Space-saving design, free floor space
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Robust, low-maintenance design
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Reliable lifting thanks to double rope technology
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Ergonomic, repeatable work
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Flexible fastening options for steel structures
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Large working radius up to 4,000 mm
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Load capacity up to 150 kg
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Smooth-running lifting cylinder made of aluminum
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Rotary bearing with 360° continuous rotary feedthrough
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Rotation stops or limitations of the working area
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Brakes on the individual pivot axes
- Pressure accumulator for power outages (pneumatic control)
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purely pneumatic drive, no electrics required on the unit
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03 MOVABLE ON RAIL SYSTEM - ACER - Load capacity up to 150 kg
Integration into a ceiling-mounted rail system: optionally with a bridge structure for X/Y movement. Precise, smooth movement across the entire width of the hall. Maximum flexibility for variable workstations.
YOUR ADVANTAGES
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Travel in X and Y directions via all common rail systems
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Optimal space utilization over long distances
-
Clear floor space for the flow of people and materials
-
Reliable lifting thanks to double rope technology
-
Ergonomic, repeatable work
-
Flexible fastening options for steel structures
-
Load capacity up to 150 kg
-
Smooth-running lifting cylinder made of aluminum
-
Rotary bearing with 360° continuous rotary feedthrough
-
Rotation stops or limitations of the working area
-
Brakes on the individual pivot axes
-
Pressure accumulator for power outages (pneumatic control)
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purely pneumatic drive, no electrics required on the unit
04 MOVABLE ON RAIL SYSTEM - ZH70 - Load capacity up to 70 kg
The ZH70 aluminum cable manipulator impresses with its compact design, low weight, and precise handling. It is fully compatible with rail systems, offers a wide range of motion in the X and Y directions with controlled brakes, and can be individually equipped.
YOUR ADVANTAGES
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Travel in X and Y directions via all common rail systems
-
Optimal space utilization over long distances
-
Clear floor space for the flow of people and materials
-
Reliable lifting thanks to double rope technology
-
Ergonomic, repeatable work
-
Flexible fastening options for steel structures
- Load capacity up to 70 kg
-
Smooth-running lifting cylinder made of aluminum
-
Rotary bearing with 360° continuous rotary feedthrough
-
Rotation stops or limitations of the working area
-
Brakes on the individual axes of rotation
-
Pressure accumulator for power outages (pneumatic control)
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pneumatic or electro-pneumatic drive
DUAL-ROPE TECHNOLOGY
Double rope technology:
Safety & Precision
The core component: two independent ropes guide the load securely. Even in the event of a power failure, the integrated pressure accumulator holds the load securely in position, ensuring maximum protection for both people and machinery.
Every movement remains effortless and intuitively operable, requiring no force, without fatigue, layer after layer. This isn't a safety feature. This is our standard.
01 Power outage backup
The integrated pressure accumulator securely holds the load, even if the compressed air supply fails, thus ensuring a high level of operational reliability.
02 Double rope system
The double rope system offers redundant safety. If one rope fails, the load remains safely guided. This ensures maximum operational safety.
03 Modular configuration
Latches, locking mechanisms, sensors and custom devices, all from a single source at Zeilhofer. For seamlessly integrated solutions.
04 INDIVIDUAL SOLUTION
The work area is precisely tailored to your station through individually configurable arm lengths. This results in ergonomic and efficient workflows.
IN ACTION
THE CABLE MANIPULATOR IN USE
Experience the cable manipulator live: large radius, feather-light operation.
VERSION
Drive: Acer pneumatic, ZH70 pneumatic or electro-pneumatic
Pressure accumulator: holds the load if compressed air fails
Gripping device: custom designed
Production: Holzkirchen, Germany
DESIGN
Mounting: floor or ceiling, stationary or traversing on a rail system
Pivot bearing: 360° endless rotary feed-through
Lifting cylinder: smooth-running aluminium
Brakes: on the individual rotary axes
PERFORMANCE
Load capacity: Acer up to 150 kg, ZH70 up to 70 kg
Working radius: up to 4 m
Stroke: per project, rope length freely designed
Safety: dual rope, two redundant wire ropes
TECHNICAL DATA
THE CABLE MANIPULATOR AT A GLANCE
All control options: controls for manipulators. Matching grippers: gripping devices.
DECISION GUIDE
ACER, ZH70 OR ARTICULATED ARM?
CABLE MANIPULATOR ACER
Load capacity: up to 150 kg
Drive: purely pneumatic
Strength: dual rope, working radius up to 4 m
Typical use: medium-weight components, stationary or traversing
CABLE MANIPULATOR ZH70
Load capacity: up to 70 kg
Drive: pneumatic or electro-pneumatic
Strength: compact, light, very fast
Typical use: light components at high cycle rates
ARTICULATED ARM MANIPULATOR
Load capacity: up to 800 kg
Drive: pneumatic or electro-pneumatic
Strength: absorbs torques and off-centre loads
Typical use: heavy, bulky components with a defined position
More systems: ZH90 lifting axis, ZH90 Flex-Arm lifting axis, Hebelift ZH and Multi-Axis Module ZH3. Not sure? Product finder or product comparison. Drive and operation: controls for manipulators.
COMPLETE SOLUTION
MORE THAN A PRODUCT - A COMPLETE SYSTEM
Every Zeilhofer system is part of a complete solution. Discover suitable fixtures, control options, and industry applications.
END-OF-ARM TOOLING
DEVICE
Grippers, suction cups, magnets, hooks, screwdrivers and custom solutions: individually developed for your component. CE-compliant, all from a single source.
DRIVE & CONTROL CONCEPT
CONTROL
Acer pneumatic, ZH70 pneumatic or electro-pneumatic, with balancing, safety, or automatic control. Precisely tailored to your process.
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC
APPLICATIONS
Automotive, foundry, glass & windows, logistics, mechanical engineering and 10+ other industries - see how other companies are benefiting.
FAQ / Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CABLE MANIPULATOR
01 What is the load-bearing capacity of the Seil-Manipulator ZH?
The cable manipulator from Zeilhofer is available in two models. The Acer model is designed for loads up to 150 kg, while the compact ZH70 handles loads up to 70 kg. Thanks to their lightweight aluminum construction, both are particularly suitable for applications requiring the fast, precise, and effortless handling of components.
02 How does the pneumatic weight compensation work?
The cable manipulator from Zeilhofer uses pneumatic counterweights: the load is held almost weightlessly by compressed air. The operator moves the load with minimal effort and can release and leave it in place at any position. This enables sensitive, rapid handling, even over long shifts.
03 How safe is the cable manipulator?
The Zeilhofer Seil-Manipulator ZH features two redundant wire ropes as a key safety feature. Even if one rope fails, the load remains held by the second. This makes the system particularly reliable for continuous industrial use, in accordance with DGUV regulations for ergonomic lifting.
04 Is the cable manipulator compatible with our rail system?
Yes. The Zeilhofer Seil-Manipulator ZH can be integrated into any standard rail system, both existing ceiling and monorail infrastructures. We analyze your system before commissioning and supply adapters or custom solutions tailored to your needs.
05 Where is the cable manipulator typically used?
Typical applications of the Zeilhofer cable manipulator include automotive final assembly, logistics, special-purpose machine construction, and anywhere medium-weight loads need to be handled quickly and precisely. Thanks to its low weight and high movement speed, the cable manipulator is particularly suitable for high cycle rates.
06 What devices are possible?
All common end-of-arm tools are available for the Zeilhofer Seil-Manipulator ZH: grippers, suction cups, magnets, hooks, and custom solutions. Devices are developed specifically for each project and delivered CE-compliant from a single source, including pre-acceptance testing in the Holzkirchen showroom or digitally.
07 What is the difference between the Acer and the ZH70?
Zeilhofer builds the cable manipulator in two models; without fixture it costs €10,000 to €15,000. The Acer handles loads up to 150 kg and is the ideal choice for medium-weight components. The ZH70 is more compact and lighter, handles loads up to 70 kg, and is designed for particularly fast handling at high cycle rates. The Acer is purely pneumatic, the ZH70 is available as pneumatic or electro-pneumatic. Both utilize the same double-rope technology and can be integrated into any rail system.
08 How safe is a cable manipulator if the compressed air supply fails?
The cable manipulator from Zeilhofer is equipped with an integrated pressure accumulator. If the compressed air supply fails, it holds the load securely in position, so the load stays under control in every situation.
09 What drive does the cable manipulator use?
The Zeilhofer Acer for loads up to 150 kg is purely pneumatic. The ZH70 for loads up to 70 kg is available as pneumatic or electro-pneumatic. Electro-pneumatic means the control works electrically, for example with a display or load detection, while the weight compensation remains pneumatic. Zeilhofer does not offer a purely electric version of the cable manipulator.
10 What stroke does the cable manipulator have?
The stroke is designed for each project. As the ropes can be made in almost any length, the stroke depends on hall height, mounting type and working area. Zeilhofer designs stroke and working radius together with you for the specific workstation.