Lift Smarter with Permanent Magnetic Lifters
The Permanent Magnetic Lifter (PML) from Toco Lifting accelerates handling of steel plates, pipes, and rods, making it faster, safer, and more efficient.
This below-the-hook lifting solution allows operators to easily clamp, lift, manoeuvre, and release ferromagnetic materials without the need for slings, chains, or hoists. In many cases, what used to require two operators can now be done by one, saving time and improving productivity.
Description
Permanent Magnetic Lifters, Quick Facts
| Product | Permanent magnetic lifter (PML), a below the hook device |
|---|---|
| Function | Clamps and lifts flat or round ferromagnetic steel using a permanent magnetic circuit |
| Capacity | 100 kgF to 3000 kgF holding force (RGL-1 to RGL-30) |
| Power | None required |
| 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).
A permanent magnetic lifter (PML) is a below-the-hook lifting device that clamps and lifts flat or round ferromagnetic steel using a permanent magnetic circuit — no power required — supplied by Toco Lifting across South Africa. As a registered Lifting Machinery Entity (LME No. 008), Toco supplies PMLs rated from 100 kgF to 3000 kgF of holding force at a 3.5:1 safety factor.
Toco Lifting holds Lifting Machinery Entity registration LME No. 008 under the Driven Machinery Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with technical oversight by Anton van Staden, an ECSA-registered Lifting Machinery Inspector (Reg. #201112078).
How does a permanent magnetic lifter work?
A permanent magnetic lifter uses a permanent magnetic circuit switched on and off by a lever, so it needs no external power to hold a load. The operator places the lifter on a steel plate, pipe or rod, engages the lever to switch the magnet on, lifts and manoeuvres the load, then switches off to release. Because the magnetic field is permanent rather than powered, there is no risk of the load dropping due to power failure — a key safety advantage over powered electromagnets.
What can a permanent magnetic lifter lift?
A PML handles flat, round or angled ferromagnetic steel — plates, pipes, rods, blocks and castings — without slings, chains or hoists. It lets one operator clamp, lift, manoeuvre and release a load that might otherwise need two, while reducing surface damage during handling. As with all lifting magnets, it is suited to ferromagnetic (mild and carbon) steel and is not suitable for non-magnetic materials such as stainless steel.
What capacity and safety factor do Toco PMLs have?
Toco supplies permanent magnetic lifters across a range from 100 kgF to 3000 kgF of holding force, built with a 3.5:1 safety factor. Actual lifting capacity depends on the steel’s thickness, surface condition and the air gap between magnet and load, so the working capacity for thin, rounded or rough material is lower than the rated maximum. Toco’s team can advise on the correct model for your material and duty.
Why choose a permanent magnetic lifter?
A PML speeds up steel handling and improves safety: a strong permanent magnetic circuit needs no power, a self-locking lever prevents accidental release, and the compact self-contained unit is easy to move between workstations. It removes the need for chains, straps and hoists in many handling tasks, reduces product damage, and turns a two-person job into a one-person operation in production and fabrication environments.
Applications
Permanent magnetic lifters are used across steel fabrication, production, engineering workshops, plate stockyards, mining and general industry for handling steel plate, pipe, bar and castings. Toco supplies PMLs and lifting tackle nationally and across the SADC region.
Compliance
LME No. 008 · LEEASA Standard Member #LEEASA-SUB-00102 · COET Member #8000134 · ECSA-registered LMI Anton van Staden #201112078 · 3.5:1 safety factor · DMR 18(5) of the OHS Act, 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a permanent magnetic lifter need power?
No. A permanent magnetic lifter uses a permanent magnetic circuit switched by a lever, so it needs no external power to hold the load. This eliminates the risk of a load dropping due to power failure, unlike a powered electromagnet. It is a self-contained, mobile lifting solution.
What is the safety factor of Toco permanent magnetic lifters?
Toco permanent magnetic lifters are built with a 3.5:1 safety factor. As actual holding force depends on plate thickness, surface condition and air gap, the safe working capacity for thin, rounded or rough material is lower than the rated maximum. Toco can advise on the right model for your material.
What capacities are available?
Toco supplies permanent magnetic lifters ranging from 100 kgF to 3000 kgF of holding force. The correct capacity depends on the load and the steel’s condition; contact the Toco team with your material type, thickness and weight for the right model and rating.
Can a permanent magnetic lifter lift stainless steel?
No. Permanent magnetic lifters work on ferromagnetic steel such as mild and carbon steel. Stainless steel is generally non-magnetic and is not suitable for magnetic lifting. For non-magnetic loads, a mechanical plate grab or sling is the correct choice; Toco supplies these as well.
Can a PML lift round material as well as flat plate?
Yes. Permanent magnetic lifters handle flat, round and angled steel, including pipes and rods, though the holding force on a curved surface is lower than on a flat plate because of the reduced contact area. Toco can advise on the right model for round or mixed material.
Does Toco certify lifting magnets?
Toco is registered as LME No. 008 and issues certification matched to the equipment class for the lifting equipment it supplies. Speak to our team about the certification and inspection your application requires.
Need a permanent magnetic lifter supplied and certified? Request a quote or speak to the Toco Lifting team.
Related: Lifting Magnets · Horizontal Plate Grabs · Lifting Equipment Testing & Certification · About Toco Lifting
