Lifting Magnets
Permanent lifting magnets supplied by Toco Lifting in a 300kg to 3 tonne range, lifting ferromagnetic steel without slings or power. Not for stainless steel; safe working load depends on material. Supplied by an LME 008 entity across South Africa and SADC.
Description
Lifting Magnets, Quick Facts
| Product | Permanent lifting magnet, a below the hook device |
|---|---|
| Function | Grips ferromagnetic steel by magnetic force, without slings, chains or hoists |
| Capacity | 100 kgF to 3000 kgF holding force (RGL-1 to RGL-30) |
| Power | None required, permanent magnetic circuit |
| Certificate | Advised on enquiry |
| Supplied from | Toco Lifting, Germiston and Cape Town |
Toco Lifting has supplied lifting, lashing and rigging equipment across South Africa and SADC since 2002 and is a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008).
Permanent lifting magnets are below-the-hook devices that grip ferromagnetic steel by magnetic force to lift and move it without slings, chains or hoists. Toco Lifting supplies permanent lifting magnets in a 300 kg to 3 tonne range. They use a permanent magnetic circuit, so no power is required.
Toco Lifting (Pty) Ltd holds LME No. 008 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and supplies lifting, lashing and rigging equipment to mining, construction and industry across South Africa and the SADC region.
What is a permanent lifting magnet?
A permanent lifting magnet is a below-the-hook lifting device that holds a steel load by magnetic force. The operator switches the magnet on to clamp the load, lifts and manoeuvres it, then switches off to release — handling steel plates, pipes and rods without slings, chains or hoists. Because it uses a permanent magnetic circuit, no external power is required, which removes the risk of a load dropping on power failure that applies to electromagnets. A self-locking lever prevents accidental release during the lift.
Why choose a permanent magnet over an electromagnet?
A permanent lifting magnet needs no power supply, so the load stays held even if site power fails — the main safety advantage over an electromagnet, which relies on a continuous current to hold. Permanent magnets are compact, self-contained and easy to move between work points, and suit one-man operation. They are ideal for production, fabrication and steel-handling environments where a simple, reliable, power-free lift is needed.
What can a lifting magnet lift?
Permanent lifting magnets handle flat, round and angled ferromagnetic steel, and can manipulate a load through 90° from horizontal to vertical. They are designed for steel where the surface must be kept unmarked, as the magnet grips without teeth or jaws. Lifting magnets are not suitable for stainless steel, which is largely non-magnetic. The achievable load depends heavily on the material type, thickness, surface condition and air gap — a thin, rough or coated plate holds far less than the rated maximum.
What capacity lifting magnets does Toco supply?
Toco supplies permanent lifting magnets in a range from 300 kg to 3 tonnes. The rated capacity is a maximum under ideal conditions; the safe working load for your lift depends on the steel’s type, thickness, surface finish and any air gap between the magnet and the load. Because of this, our sales team will help determine the suitability and safe working load of a magnet for your specific material before you lift.
Where are lifting magnets used?
Permanent lifting magnets are used in steel production, fabrication and handling, where they speed up moving plates, pipes and rods and reduce product damage during handling. They suit machine feeding, plate yards and workshops, and let one operator do work that previously needed two. They are most effective on clean, flat, thick steel where the magnet can achieve full contact.
Compliance and certification
Toco Lifting operates as an approved Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008) under Driven Machinery Regulation 18(5) of the OHS Act, with inspections carried out by an ECSA-registered Lifting Machinery Inspector (Reg. No. 201112078). Toco is a Standard Member of LEEASA and a member of the Chamber of Engineering Technology (COET).
Frequently asked questions
What is a permanent lifting magnet used for?
A permanent lifting magnet is used to lift and move ferromagnetic steel — plates, pipes and rods — by magnetic force, without slings, chains or hoists. The operator switches it on to grip, lifts and manoeuvres the load, then switches off to release. It suits steel handling in production, fabrication and workshop environments.
Why use a permanent magnet instead of an electromagnet?
A permanent lifting magnet needs no power supply, so the load stays held even if site power fails — the key safety advantage over an electromagnet, which relies on continuous current. Permanent magnets are also compact, self-contained and easy to move, and suit simple one-man operation.
Can a lifting magnet lift stainless steel?
No. Permanent lifting magnets are not suitable for stainless steel, which is largely non-magnetic and does not provide the magnetic grip needed for a safe lift. Lifting magnets are designed for ferromagnetic (mild and structural) steel. Confirm your material type with our team before lifting.
What affects how much a lifting magnet can hold?
The achievable load depends on the steel’s type, thickness, surface condition and any air gap between the magnet and the load. A thin, rough, coated or curved surface holds far less than the rated maximum, which applies to clean, flat, thick steel. Our sales team will help determine the safe working load for your material.
Does Toco supply lifting magnets across South Africa and SADC?
Yes. Toco Lifting supplies permanent lifting magnets and the full lifting, lashing and rigging range from its Germiston head office and Cape Town branch, serving customers across South Africa and the wider SADC region.
How is a lifting magnet operated safely?
A permanent lifting magnet is switched on to grip the load and off to release, with a self-locking lever to prevent accidental release during the lift. Safe use depends on matching the magnet to the material, ensuring full contact, and not exceeding the safe working load determined for that steel. Our team will advise on safe operation for your application.
Need a lifting magnet for your steel handling? Speak to our team to confirm the right magnet and safe working load for your material.
